Lay Organizations

ACTS Retreats

ACTS is an acronym for Adoration, Community, Theology and Service and is inspired by Acts 2:42-47. The retreats are open to men and women of all faiths and encourage participants to become more involved in parish ministries.

 CONTACT:
Vacant, Associate Director of Evangelization, 6225 Hwy. 290 East, Austin 78723, (512) 949-2422
Website: www.actsmissions.org
 

ANNUNCIATION MATERNITY HOME

Annunciation Maternity Home is a licensed, nationally accredited maternity home offering free housing and support services for young women ages 12 and up who are experiencing a crisis pregnancy. Clients may stay during pregnancy and for up to two years after the birth of her baby. Programs offered include long-term housing, transportation and basic needs assistance, access to medical care, on-site accredited high school, access to continuing education programs, licensed Infant Development Center (childcare), pregnancy care and parenting instruction, individual and family counseling, life skills classes, adoption and parenting education, workforce placement support, spiritual development program and non-residential program. The core value of Annunciation Maternity Home is to live and exemplify the charism of the Annunciation of Mary depicted in the Gospel of Luke to our mothers by teaching that they are blessed and loved by God, showing God’s unconditional love for them through our services and teaching faith in God’s will and plan for their lives.
 
CONTACT:
Christie Ann Aaronson, Executive Director/Founder, 3610 Shell Rd., Georgetown 78628; (512) 864-7755; info@thematernityhome.org
Website: www.thematernityhome.org

AUSTIN AND CENTRAL TEXAS DOMINICAN LAITY

Dominican laity are Catholic men and women, single and married, who have received a call to living a deeper spirituality in the service to God. The origins go back to the founding of the Order of Preachers by St. Dominic in 1216. The four essentials of the Dominican family are prayer, study, community and preaching.
The Central Texas Dominican Laity Chapters are made up of three groups that meet at least once a month for prayer and study of the Dominican way of life. All members are involved in a variety of ministries of the Word.
Los laicos dominicos son hombres y mujeres católicos, solteros y casados, que han recibido un llamado a vivir una espiritualidad más profunda al servicio a Dios. Sus orígenes se remontan a la fundación de la Orden de Predicadores de Santo Domingo en 1216. Las cuatro características esenciales de la familia dominicana son la oración, el estudio, la comunidad y la predicación.
La seccional de El Centro de Texas capítulos laicos dominicos está formada por tres grupos que se reúnen por lo menos una vez al mes para rezar y estudiar el estilo de vida dominicana. Todos los miembros participan en una variedad de ministerios de la Palabra.
 
CONTACT:
Dominican Missionary Preaching Team, 6008 Club Terrace, Austin 78741, (512) 385-1719, hraycraft@juno.com
 

AUSTIN DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN

The National Council of Catholic Women acts through its affiliated organizations to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. NCCW programs respond with Gospel values to the needs of the church and society in the modern world.
The objectives of the Austin DCCW are:
1. To unite Catholic women of the Austin Diocese in purpose, direction and action in religious, educational, social and economic fields; to stimulate them to greater efficiency and usefulness in meeting the needs of the times and to render them assistance in these efforts;
2. To serve as a medium through which Catholic women of the Austin Diocese may speak and act as a unit on all matters of public interest;
3. To establish relations with other area, state, national and international groups in an endeavor to create interest in, and to aid in the solution of, present-day moral, educational, social and economic problems.
 
CONTACTS:
Karen Pinard, President, 106 Puna Ln., Bastrop 78602, (512) 321-6939 k_pinard@yahoo.com
Kathy Court, Executive Secretary, 901 Ethel Blvd., Bryan 77802, (979) 822-4804, mkc077@gmail.com
Rev. Don Loftin, Spiritual Adviser, 6100 Lohman Ford Rd., Lago Vista 78645, (512) 267-2644, frdon@austin.rr.com
COUNCIL PRESIDENTS:
Austin North, Central and South Deaneries: Melinda Ferrell, PO Box 5045, Austin, 78763-5045, (512) 461-9573, melindaferrell@hotmail.com
Bryan/College Station Deanery: Kathy Court, 901 Ethel Blvd., Bryan 77802, (979) 822-4804, mkc077@gmail.com
Georgetown/Round Rock Deanery: Mary White, 117 Deer Trail, Liberty Hill, 78642, (512) 914-4069, mcwhite02@yahoo.com
Brenham/LaGrange Deanery: Donna Shula, 709 Bradbury St, Ellinger 78938, (979) 378-2749, lshula340@gmail.com
Waco Deanery: JoAnn Wolf, 504 Meadow Dr., West, 76691, (254) 826-4107, westpallet@yahoo.com
Bastrop/Lockhart & San Marcos Deanery: Virginia Dailey, 612 Leisure Ln., Cedar Creek 78612, (512) 303-4201, virgind@stewards.edu
Killeen/Temple Deanery: Carol Moore, 401 N. Lee, Cameron, 76520, (254) 605-0897, carol4012001@yahoo.com
Lampasas/Marble Falls Deanery: Liz Ellis, 6985 CR 413, Llano 78643-3102, (325) 247-4025, planoellis@aol.com
 
Clerical Endowment Fund
The Clerical Endowment Fund has been in existence since the beginning of the Austin DCCW. The money for this fund comes from enrollments, bequests from estates, special donations and an annual drive in each parish. A burse means that at least $8,000 has been contributed toward the fund. The purpose of the Clerical Endowment Fund is twofold: to aid in the education of seminarians for the Austin Diocese and to provide loans to diocesan parishes for building programs.
 
CONTACTS:
Rev. Edward Karasek, Director, 205 W. Pecan, Lockhart, 78644, (512) 398-4649
Judy Edwards, President, 1315 Barak Ln., Bryan 77802, (979) 846-0617, judith1@suddenlink.net
 

Austin Rosary Crusade

The Austin Rosary Crusade promotes praying the rosary daily for world peace, evangelization and taking the church to families that do not attend Mass. Since 1975, this crusade has sought to renew and strengthen the Catholic faith through small groups that meet regularly for prayer, instruction, song and celebration. Together the groups pray the rosary and grow in their fellowship with one another and in their knowledge of their faith. The crusade has organized 40 rosary groups in the Diocese of Austin since it was founded. The crusade has two major events annually one near the feast of the Annunciation in March and one near the feast of the Assumption in August.
La Cruzada del Rosario de Austin promueve el rezo diario del rosario por la paz mundial, promoviendo la evangelización y llevando la iglesia a familias que no atienden Misa. Desde 1975, ésta cruzada ha buscado renovar y fortalecer la fe Católica a través de grupos pequeños que se reúnen regularmente para orar, recibir instrucción, cantar y celebrar. Juntos, los grupos rezan el rosario y crecen en su compañerismo y en su conocimiento de la fe. Desde que fue fundada, la cruzada ha organizado 40 grupos de oración del rosario en la Diócesis de Austin. La cruzada cuenta con dos eventos especiales al año, uno cercano a la fiesta de la Anunciación en Marzo y otro cercano a la fiesta de la Asunción en Agosto.
 
Contact:
Ignacio Moreno, Coordinator, PO Box 33007, Austin 78764-0007; (512) 443-4111, (512) 940-0698
Rosa Cervantes, Assistant, (512) 619-0724; Mariano Martinez, Treasurer, (512) 247-1295; Delia Humphrey, Secretary, (512) 799-9716
 

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF CENTRAL TEXAS

Catholic Charities of Central Texas serves anyone in need by strengthening families and promoting respect for human dignity and life. Through diverse social services, Catholic Charities seeks to create an environment in Central Texas in which every person thrives in their God-given gifts and dignity. Services include Counseling Services, Disaster Response, Gabriel Project Life Center, Financial Stability, Immigration Legal Services and Veteran Services.
 
CONTACT:
Austin Office: 1625 Rutherford Ln., Austin 78754, (512) 651-6100, Fax (512) 651-6101
Brazos Valley Office: 1410 Cavitt Rd., Bryan 77801, (979) 822-9340, Fax (979) 822-6754
Website: www.ccctx.org
Sara Ramirez, Executive Director, sara-ramirez@ccctx.org, (512) 651-6102
Allison Cavazos, Parish Relations Coordinator, allison-cavazos@ccctx.org, (512) 651-6105
 

CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas was founded by the Knights of Columbus in 1903 for the propagation and preservation of the faith, the intensification of patriotism, the spiritual and intellectual development of Catholic womanhood and the promotion of  charitable projects. State elected officers govern the organization’s involvement in each individual state.  In 1926, Junior Catholic Daughters was formed.
 
CONTACT:
Laura Pena, District Deputy, 2918 RR 620 N #216, Austin  78734, (512) 785-7798, edclp@yahoo.com
 

Catholic Family Fraternal of Texas, KJZT

(Katolicka Jednota Zen Texaskych)

The spirit of Christian love and the desire to help others in a time of need brought a group of Czech women together to establish this mutual aid society in Yoakum in 1894.
A similar group formed in Hallettsville. On Nov. 21, 1897, the two united to become the Union of Czech Catholic Women. Today there are 104 parish-based societies statewide. Its goal is to promote the spiritual and material welfare of its members and their families.
Now known as the Catholic Family Fraternal of Texas, KJZT, the organization offers insurance for the entire family. Annuities and IRAs are also available. 
The organization encourages the preservation and propagation of the Catholic faith by assisting the Texas bishops, priests, sisters and seminarians. The fraternal lends money for the construction of churches, rectories, religious facilities, Catholic schools, farms and homes; and it supports charitable projects. Since 1962, the organization has offered academic scholarships to young members.
 
CONTACT:
Loretta Stahl, President/CEO, 4604 E. Ben White Blvd., PO Box 18896, Austin 78760, (512) 444-9586 or 1-888-253-2338, Fax (512) 444-6887, info@kjzt.org
Website: www.kjzt.org
 

Catholic Foundation – Diocese of Austin

The Catholic Foundation – Diocese of Austin connects faith with charitable giving through long-term support for the future needs of Catholic ministries in the Diocese of Austin. The vision of the Catholic Foundation is to build up the ministry of Christ in Central Texas through long-term, sustainable support to parishes, Catholic schools, diocesan ministries and other Catholic charitable causes serving in the Diocese of Austin; to provide an accessible, sustainable, reliable and socially responsible means for donors to connect with those in need; and to live out our faith in Jesus Christ, our hope for the future and our love of God and neighbor.
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Robert Suffoletta, Dennis Kearns, Tom Blair, Brian Smith, Juan Crexiell, Jay Campion, Vilma Luna, Scott Whitaker
Investment Committee: Robert Suffoletta, Chair, Eric Boyce, Melissa Anderson and Corina Scoggins.
 
CONTACT:
Scott Whitaker, Executive Director, 6225 Hwy 290 E., Austin 78723, (512) 949-2441, scott-whitaker@austindiocese.org
 

CATHOLIC HEALTHCARE GUILD OF CENTRAL TEXAS

The purpose of the Catholic Healthcare Guild of Central Texas is to uphold the magisterial teachings of Catholic faith and morality as related to the science and practice of medicine; to lead the Christian community in the work of communicating Catholic medical ethics to the medical profession and the community at large; to support Catholic hospitals in the application of Catholic moral principles in medical practice; to enable Catholic healthcare professionals to know one another better and to work together with deeper mutual support and understanding; and to encourage Catholic healthcare professionals to grow in holiness in their personal and professional lives.   
 
CONTACT:
Catholic Healthcare Guild of Central Texas, 6225 Hwy 290 E., Austin 78723, CatholicHCGuild@gmail.com,
www.Catholichealthcareguild.org
 

CATHOLIC UNION OF TEXAS, KJT

(Katolicka Jednota Texaska)
The Catholic Union of Texas, the KJT, was founded in 1889 at the dedication of a church in Bluff (now Hostyn), Texas. The founders set up a system of insurance to protect the spouses and children from financial hardship due to the death of a member.  
Today, Catholic Union of Texas offers membership through the purchase of life insurance, IRAs, Roth IRAs, and annuities to all Christians.  Catholic Union of Texas contributes to diocesan programs, provides church loans, offers Matching Grant Funding through local societies, and provides scholarships to men and women pursuing religious vocations.
Catholic Union of Texas stresses family participation in all activities.  Fraternal benefits provided to society members include home, farm, commercial and property loans, college scholarships, Catholic school tuition grants, a Newborn Security Benefit, an annual youth camp, as well as an opportunity to volunteer time and talents for the good of one’s parish and community.
 
Contact:
Christopher L. Urban, President, PO Box 297, LaGrange 78945, (979) 968-5877
Website: www.kjtnet.org
 

CENTRAL TEXAS FELLOWSHIP OFCATHOLIC MEN

The Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men, Inc. (CTFCM) was formed in 2006 with the mission to encourage and embolden Catholic men in the Austin Diocese to live their faith in everyday life. This mission is carried out by assisting men to form and sustain fellowships in their parishes. Support to these parish fellowships is through sourcing of programs, materials and sharing of best practices. The CTFCM also conducts Diocesan wide events designed to lead men along the path of conversion, transformation and mobilization so their faith and life become one in Christ and in so doing, become a light to their families, their faith communities and the world.
 
Contact:
Dennis Daniel, Executive Director, PO Box 1699, Waco, TX 76703 (512) 751-1504, execdir@centexcatholicmen.com
Website: www.centexcatholic.com

CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE WEEKEND

Christian Experience Weekend (CEW) is a retreat experience based on the Cursillo model for adult faith formation in the parish community. The retreats focus on four concepts: self (real and ideal), grace (the tremendous love and life that God gives each person), response to grace and sharing grace. The concept of Christian community is experienced throughout the retreat.
 
CONTACT:
Bill Eckert, 2544 Shell Rd., Suite C, Georgetown 78628, (512) 863-8240, bill@inkimages.com
 

CHRISTIAN FAMILY MOVEMENT

The mission of CFM is to promote Christ-centered marriage and family life; to help individuals and their families to live the faith in daily life; and to improve society through actions of love, service, education and example.
CFM action groups meet monthly to talk about how they can live their Christian life daily.
 
CONTACT:
Deacon George Zacek, Facilitator, St. Theresa Parish, 4311 Small Dr., Austin 78731, (512) 336-3701, gezacek@gmail.com

COURAGE

The Austin Chapter of Courage serves as a spiritual support system to help men and women with same-sex attraction live chaste lives. In helping individuals gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the church’s teachings, especially in the area of chastity, Courage extends the church’s invitation to a life of peace and grace. In chaste living, one finds the peace and grace to grow in Christian maturity.
 
CONTACT:
Rev. Craig DeYoung, Moderator, (512) 666-1043,
austintexascourage@gmail.com
 

CURSILLO

The Cursillo Movement, which originated in Spain, began in the Austin Diocese in 1957. The Cursillo is an intensive three-day course in Christian doctrine. It is a form of renewal designed to stimulate persons to engage in apostolic action in their environments. Cursillo is an excellent resource for developing lay leadership in parishes.
El movimiento Cursillo, que se originó en España, comenzó en la Diócesis de Austin en 1957. El Cursillo es un curso intensivo de tres días sobre la doctrina cristiana. Es una forma de renovación destinada a estimular a las personas para que se dediquen a la acción apostólica y al ministerio laico. El Cursillo es un recurso excelente para desarrollar liderazgo laico en las parroquias.
 
CONTACTS:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Cursillo Center, PO Box 65 Jarrell 76537-0065, (512) 746-2041
Cursillo-Spanish, Adolfo “Doc” Alvarez - Director Laico, (512) 784-7964, wu_doc1@hotmail.com
Cursillo-English, PO Box 612, Jarrell 76537-0065, Oralia Sanchez, Lay Director, (254) 394-0467, grandmaorie@yahoo.com
Website: austinenglishcursillo.webs.com
 

DOMINICAN MISSIONARY PREACHING TEAM

The Dominican Missionary Preaching Team, a community of religious women, has as its primary purpose evangelization and the formation of Basic Ecclesial Communities within parish structures in both Spanish and English. The team responds to invitations from parishes wanting to form a network of small faith communities through an evangelization process.
The team also has additional ministries of evangelization: retreats, parish missions, inner-healing seminars, evangelization training courses and pastoral consultation for parishes and dioceses. The Dominicans are also available for personal prayer and spiritual direction.
El equipo de Predicación Misionera Dominica, una comunidad de mujeres religiosas, tiene como  propósito principal la evangelización y la formación de Comunidades Eclesiales Básicas dentro de la estructura de la parroquia tanto en español como en inglés. El equipo acepta invitaciones de parroquias que quieren formar una red de comunidades de fe por medio de un proceso de evangelización.
El equipo también tiene ministerios adicionales de evangelización: retiros, misiones en las parroquias, seminarios de sanación interior, cursos de entrenamiento sobre la evangelización y consultas pastorales para parroquias y diócesis. Los dominicos también están disponibles para oración personal y orientación espiritual.
 
CONTACT:
Dominican Missionary Preaching Team, 6008 Club Terrace, Austin 78741, (512) 385-1719, hraycraft@juno.com
 

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is a worldwide papal order of Knights and Ladies, established by Pope Paschal II in 1113, making this the oldest papal order in the world. EOHSJ members in the Austin Diocese are part of the Southwest Lieutenancy, which includes dioceses from Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas and Oklahoma.  The fundamental purpose of the order is to support and preserve a Christian presence in the Holy Land. This is accomplished by offering spiritual, moral and material support to the Christians who live there.   
 
CONTACT:
Greg and Stephanie Nelson, (512) 730-3920, gnelson8156@outlook.com
 

Federation of Guadalupana Societies

(Federación de SociedadesGuadalupanas)
The mission of the Guadalupana Societies is to encourage members and parish families to bear witness to the love of God, live the life of Christ and honor Mary under her title of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Major objectives as written in the Guadalupana bylaws are to promote a deeper knowledge of our faith and the Doctrine of the Church, obtain a greater understanding of liturgical life, and develop a fervent devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Each Society at the parish level identifies and promotes activities that address the objectives and that provide support to their church and their faith community.
La misión de las Sociedades Guadalupanas es  promover en sus miembros y en las familias parroquiales el dar testimonio del amor de Dios, de vivir la vida de Cristo y de honrar a Su Madre Santísima bajo el título de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.  Los objetivos principales descritos en los Estatutos Guadalupanos son el promover en sus miembros un conocimiento más profundo de su fe y de la Doctrina de la Iglesia, el obtener una mayor comprensión de la vida litúrgica, y el desarrollar una ferviente devoción hacia nuestra Señora, la Virgen de Guadalupe.  Cada Sociedad a nivel parroquiano identifica y promueve actividades que abordan los objetivos, y aportan apoyo a su iglesia y a su comunidad de fe.
 
Contact:
Rebecca Diaz, Federation President, (512) 925-6443,
diazrebecca78@gmail.com

Focolare Movement (Work of Mary)

Founded in 1943 in Trent, Italy, by Chiara Lubich, Focolare has become a vast ecclesial movement present in more than 180 nations. Its spirituality of communion is based on Jesus’ prayer for unity, “Father, may they all be one” (Jn 17:21).  Focolare fosters universal brotherhood in all areas of ecclesiastical and secular life, including family, youth, politics, economics and more.
 
CONTACTS:
Focolare Movement, Focolare Movement, PO Box 210303, Dallas  75211, (214) 348-7215, (972) 606-0886, www.focolare.org/usa
Judy Henschen, (512) 372-4441, focolareaustin@gmail.com
Tony Sawan, (512) 589-0787
 

Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Renewal

(Renovación Católica Carismática Hispana de Austin)
The Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Renewal seeks to promote a continuous renewal of the mission of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, which calls us to live a new life in the Holy Spirit, who continues to favor the church with the richness of Spirit’s gifts and charisms to collaborate in the church’s mission to evangelize. The Diocesan Committee for the Hispanic Catholic Charismatic Renewal provides spiritual formation, guides and supports the 36 Spanish-speaking prayer groups in the Diocese of Austin.
El Movimiento de la Renovación Carismática Católica Hispana busca promover una continua renovación de la misión de la Renovación Carismática Católica la cual nos llama a vivir una vida nueva en el Espíritu Santo quien continúa favoreciendo a la iglesia con la riqueza de los dones del Espíritu y los carismas para colaborar con la misión de la Iglesia de Evangelizar. El Comité Diocesano de la Renovación Carismática Católica Hispana provee de formación espiritual, guía y apoyo a los 36 grupos de oración de habla hispana de la Diócesis de Austin.
 
Contacts:
MariCarmen Caballero, (512) 557-5512, mccaballero@austin.rr.com
Facebook: RenovacionAustin
 

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

The Knights of Columbus was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney and chartered on March 29, 1882, in the state of Connecticut. The purpose of the organization was to help Catholic men remain steadfast in their faith through mutual encouragement, to promote closer ties of fraternity among them and to set up an elementary system of insurance so that the widows and children of members who die would not find themselves in dire financial straits. The name was chosen because it related to Christopher Columbus, the Catholic discoverer of America, and because it would signify that the membership embodied knightly ideals of spirituality and service to church, country and fellowman.
Today, the Knights of Columbus is an international society with membership in Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland and other nations, numbering more than 1.9 million Catholic men, plus their families. There are about 14,000 councils that have dedicated themselves to the ideals of Columbianism: charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.
CONTACT:
Kevin Brinkman, 1708 Elkins Ln., Cedar Park  78613, (512) 531-9967, (512) 574-7855, kbrinkman@austin.rr.com
Websites: www.kofc.org (national), www.tkofc.org (Texas) and www.kofcaustin.org (Austin area)

KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER AND LADIES’ AUXILIARY

The Knights of Peter Claver were founded Nov. 7, 1909, in Mobile, Alabama, by four priests of the St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart — the Josephite Fathers John Dorsey, Samuel Kelly, Conrad Rebesher and Joseph Van Baast — and three lay men of the Diocese of Mobile-Birmingham, Alabama — Frank Collins, Gilbert Faustina and Frank Trenier. The Meritorious Fourth Degree Knights of Peter Claver was established in 1917 and the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies’ Auxiliary was established in 1922. The Order also has two junior divisions for ages 7 through 18, the Junior Knights and Junior Daughters. The Knights of Peter Claver Ladies of Grace was established in 1979. The Order has councils and courts in 38 states in 45 dioceses and archdioceses.
The Order was named for St. Peter Claver (1580-1654), a Jesuit priest from Spain. Father Claver dedicated his life to ministry among Africans brought to Colombia, South America, to be slaves. He chose the title “Slave of the Negroes Forever.” It is estimated that by the time of his death more than 300,000 African slaves were brought to Christianity.
The Order was chartered in the Austin Diocese in 1986 at Holy Cross Parish in Austin. All six divisions of the Order now exist at the parish. The objectives of the Order are to serve God and his church, church hierarchy and clergy in their apostolic work and to promote Catholic action wherever possible. Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver perform works of mercy and charity and promote, sponsor and plan activities to support scholarships and community uplift.
 
CONTACT:
Leon Roberts, Grand Knight, 7823 Wheel Rim Cir., Austin 78749,  (512) 288-7542, leonrob33@sbcglobal.net
Shaunté Collins, Grand Lady, PO Box 12576, Austin 78711, (512) 964-8160, shaunte.collins@gmail.com

LADIES OF CHARITY

St. Vincent de Paul founded the Ladies of Charity in the 17th century. It is a charitable organization of laywomen intended to provide for the spiritual and corporal welfare of the poor and the needy of the community.
The Ladies of Charity of Austin, founded in 1890, volunteer at the local soup kitchen, visit nursing homes, the state hospital and state school. They operate a thrift store, the profits of which fund charitable ministries and provide emergency assistance to the needy, including clothing and household items.
The Ladies of Charity of Bastrop, organized in 1983, provide emergency assistance to the needy, including clothing and household items. They also provide scholarships and other assistance to students, visit nursing homes and shut-ins, and participate in other assistance programs in the community, including Meals on Wheels. They operate an independent thrift store.
The Ladies of Charity of Harker Heights, organized in 1996, operate an independent thrift store, provide emergency assistance to the needy and help support established charity organizations in the community with their profits. The Ladies of Charity also visit the elderly and sick in local nursing homes.
The Ladies of Charity of Lake Travis, organized in 1991, fund charitable ministries and provide emergency assistance to those in need in their community. They operate the Lake Travis Thrift Shop.
 
CONTACT:
Austin: Anna Lafuente, President, (512) 388-1989 or (512) 507-5091, annamlafuente@gmail.com
Bastrop: President, PO Box 1060, Bastrop 78602, (512) 321-9819, Fax (512) 321-1647, locbastrop@aol.com
Harker Heights: Sylvia Schnapp, President, 714 Bobcat Cr., Harker Heights 76548, (254) 698-2990
Lake Travis: Alicia Gay, President, PO Box 340026, Lakeway 78734, (512) 350-1073, presidentloc.lt@gmail.com
 

MARY HOUSE CATHOLIC WORKER OF AUSTIN, INC.

Mary House Catholic Worker of Austin, Inc. is a community of hospitality in the tradition of Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin, who founded the Catholic Worker movement in 1933. The mission of Mary House Catholic Worker is to serve our poorest and sickest brothers and sisters through the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, and to give people of faith the opportunity to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, comfort the sick and visit the prisoner (Mt 25).
House guests include single adult men and women who are indigent and homeless and who are critically ill or dying. However, Mary House is not a nursing home facility.  Mary House welcomes street people, immigrants and displaced people regardless of their adult age, ethnicity, orientation or citizenship. About one-third of the house guests are formerly middle class people whose serious illnesses lasted longer than their benefits and resources. Homeless hospice guests also are welcome.  Guests are referred by medical doctors, clinics and hospitals.
Mary House offers those who want to offer the Works of Mercy, the opportunity to do so. All volunteers must complete the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry certification process.
 
CONTACT:
Lynn Goodman-Strauss, PO Box 684185, Austin 78768-4185 , (512) 447-0963, theegglady@sbcglobal.net; catholicworkeraustin.org
 

MERCY OF GOD PRAYER CENTER

The Mercy of God Prayer Center is one of 15 centers and four in formation, within the Society of Prayer Centers of Our Lady of Guadalupe, International. Three centers are located in the United States, 10 in Mexico, one in Spain and one in Costa Rica. 
The centers are dedicated to Catholic evangelization through the message of Divine Mercy establishing Divine Mercy Cenacles in parishes. Healing Prayer Ministry (including prayer by appointment) with trained ministers is offered. Spiritual direction with certified directors is also available by appointment. Days of prayer and reflection are offered throughout the year.  
The Next Step Program focuses on the process of inner healing, which parallels the Ignatian Exercises (28 Steps). This is a two-year, four-semester journey of spiritual growth through the inner healing process.
 
CONTACT:
Mercy of God Prayer Center, PO Box 203816, Austin 78720; (512) 834-6401, mogpc81@att.net
Physical address: 12702-A Sherbourne St., Austin 78729
Website: www.mogpc.org
 

Movimiento Familiar Cristiano

Movimiento Familiar Cristiano (MFC) is a Spanish ministry that consists of more than 500 families in the Austin Diocese who promote Christian and family values. Their ministries include personal and spiritual formation, education in the faith, marriage retreats, marriage preparation programs, reconciliation and family building. 
Movimiento Familiar Cristiano (MFC), es un ministerio hispano que está formado por más de 500 familias de la Diócesis de Austin, el cual promueve los valores cristianos y de la familia. Sus ministerios incluyen la formación espiritual y personal, educación en la fe, encuentros conyugales, programas de preparación matrimonial, edificación de la familia y reconciliación.  
CONTACT:
Andrés y Carmen Villalón, Matrimonio Delegados Regional, 2105 Bindon Dr., Cedar Park 78613, (512) 837-5609, andresraymundo@hotmail.com

Our Lady of Guadalupe Divine Mercy Center

Our Lady of Guadalupe Divine Mercy Center is one of 17 prayer centers, with four more in formation within The Society of Prayer Centers of our Lady of Guadalupe, International. The center is dedicated to the Catholic evangelization and prayer ministries, which are bilingual (English and Spanish). Ministries include CESI (Crecimiento Espiritual Sanacion Interior), the Divine Mercy Cenacles, family rosary, community prayer and spiritual direction. Cenacles have populated and many deeds of mercy have occurred.
El Centro de Misericordia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe es uno de 17 centros de oracion, con cuatro mas en formacion dentro del Centro de la Sociedad Internacionales de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.  El Centro se encuentran dedicada a la Evangelizacion Catolica y a los ministerios de oracion, los  cuales son bilingues (ingles y espanol).  El Centro facilita Cenaculos de La Divina Misericordia, CESI (Crecimiento Espiritual Sanacion Interior), Rosario, oracion communidad y direccion espiritual.
 
CONTACTS:
Inez Reyes, Director, 17 Mustang Meadow Run, Dale, 78616, (512) 775-4497
Linda Davis, Assistant Director, 34 Bridle Bit Ln., Dale, 78616, (512) 627-6848
 

OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS MATERNITY SHELTER

Our Lady of the Angels Maternity Shelter provides emergency shelter to women in crisis pregnancies by offering a loving and stable family environment to support the mother and child in their efforts to create a hopeful future for themselves. 
The shelter offers a place where women receive services with dignity and respect, giving them a respite from homelessness and opportunities to become self-sufficient. The residence is staffed with house parents who provide 24/7 coverage and has staff who are trained in case management.
 
CONTACT:
    (254) 742-2340 or 877-542-2340, olams@att.net, www.ladyoftheangels.org
Pax Christi – Austin
Pax Christi-Austin strives to be a prophetic Catholic voice of peacemakers in the Central Texas church. It is dedicated to the following goals: to foster a spirituality of nonviolence and peacemaking; to work for disarmament, demilitarization, reconciliation and justice; to effect economic and interracial justice in the U.S. and to support human rights and global restoration.
 
CONTACT:
Bob Rankin, convener, PO Box 92915, Austin 78709, (512) 413-3440, bob_rankin@att.net
 

Pax Christi – Austin

Pax Christi-Austin strives to be a prophetic Catholic voice of peacemakers in the Central Texas church. It is dedicated to the following goals: to foster a spirituality of nonviolence and peacemaking; to work for disarmament, demilitarization, reconciliation and justice; to effect economic and interracial justice in the U.S. and to support human rights and global restoration.

CONTACT:

Bob Rankin, convener, PO Box 92915, Austin 78709, (512) 413-3440, bob_rankin@att.net

Pax Christi Retreat Center

The Pax Christi Retreat Center is a Roman Catholic facility that welcomes Catholics and all Christian denominations, individuals and groups, for weekend retreats. The center’s mission is to provide a place of welcome, peace and support for people at all stages of their spiritual journey. The facilities are ideal for youth groups and meetings, as well as family reunions. The retreat center is divided into two sections with 57 beds total, showers and restrooms. It is ideal for groups requiring separate accommodations for men and women.
The center can accommodate 90 to 120 people, and includes a commercial kitchen, tables and chairs. The meeting room with glass windows on three sides, offers a beautiful view of 98 acres of nature and time for reflection. A chapel is also available for spending time in prayer.
 
CONTACT:
 PCI Retreat Center, 9300 Hwy 105 Brenham, 77833
 Sister Alicia M Garcia, PCI, Director, (979) 251-7450 or (361) 271-8454, aligarcia_23@yahoo.com   
 

PRAYER AND LIFE WORKSHOPS

(Talleres de Oracion y Vida)
 The Prayer and Life Workshops are a series of sessions that teach the participants to deepen their spiritual lives, strengthen their faith, and experience a new-found peace in their everyday lives. Participants learn a variety of prayer methods and a structure to practice them daily. Most of those who complete the workshops feel their lives have been transformed by knowing Jesus better and being able to follow his example.
Los Talleres de Oración y Vida son una serie de sesiones que enseñan a los participantes a profundizar su vida espiritual, a fortalecer la fe, y a experimentar una paz recién adquirida en su vida diaria. Los participantes aprenden una variedad de métodos de oración y como ponerlos a la práctica diariamente. La mayoría de los participantes llegan a una transformación de vida, siguiendo el modelo de Jesús, donde se logra recuperar la estabilidad emocional y la alegría de vivir.
 
CONTACTS:
Josefina Westwood, (512) 791-3454, pina.westwood@gmail.com (Spanish)
Evan Westwood, (512)-294-3939, evan.westwood@gmail.com (English)
 

RED-C CATHOLIC RADIO

The mission of RED-C Catholic Radio is to communicate Christian truth as expressed in sacred Scripture, sacred tradition, and by the magisterium of the Catholic Church. RED-C is an acronym for Religious Education for the Domestic Church, so its mission is to empower families in the spiritual formation of the family members as they grow in holiness. The focus of the apostolate is to assist families in the integration of the Catholic faith within the context of their daily lives. RED-C utilizes their radio stations, KEDC 88.5 FM in the Bryan/College Station area and KYAR 98.3 FM in the Waco area, to be a supplement to the primary religious education done in the home or in the parish. RED-C Catholic Radio has locally produced radio content that has been distributed both nationally and internationally, and they are actively involved in the expansion effort of Catholic radio not only in the Austin Diocese, but throughout the U.S. The RED-C program schedule and other information can be found at their website, and their shows can be streamed over the Internet and heard on computers, smartphones and other devices worldwide.
 
CONTACT:
Dennis R. Macha Jr., President, 603 Church Ave., College Station  77840, (979) 255-2633, dennis@redcradio.org
Thaddeus Romansky, General Manager and KEDC Station Director, (979) 492-1995, thaddeus@redcradio.org
Stephanie Lee, KYAR Station Director, (254) 313-7282, stephanie@redcradio.org
Website: www.redcradio.org
 

RELEVANT RADIO 970 AM AUSTIN

Relevant Radio is a non-profit radio network and produces 80 hours of original programming each week. Relevant Radio broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year with award-winning hosts. Morning Air and The Drew Mariani Show are the network’s drive-time talk shows that accompany listeners during their daily commutes with inspiring and informative conversation. The Relevant Radio mobile app has been downloaded over 150,000 times in all 50 states and 192 countries around the world. Since December 2000, Relevant Radio has been helping people bridge the gap between faith and everyday life through informative, entertaining, and interactive programming. The Relevant Radio network is currently serving the church with 62 stations including affiliates reaching 18 states, with a potential listening audience of 48.6 million people. Programming can be heard worldwide via streaming audio at www.relevantradio.com and on mobile applications.
 
CONTACTS:
Address: 11615 Angus Rd., Ste 121, Austin 78759, (512) 241-0510
Kathleen McNab, Development Director, kmcnab@relevantradio.com
Joan Leach, Advertising/Sales Associate, jleach@relevantradio.com
 

RETROUVAILLE

The members of Retrouvaille International are united in the belief that the sacrament of marriage deserves an opportunity. Members believe that the presence of God can make a difference in any marriage and that a reconciled marriage is preferable to divorce.
 
CONTACT:
    Sergio and Livia Diaz, Area Coordinators, austinretrouvaille@gmail.com
    Website: www.helpourmarriage.com

St. John Paul II Life Center

St. John Paul II Life Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides OB-GYN care that adheres to Catholic teaching, operates a Crisis Pregnancy Center, and offers education. Since opening in October 2010, the Vitae Clinic has served 4,500 women, helped 100+ infertile couples to conceive without destroying human embryos, and delivered 800+ babies. The Crisis Pregnancy Center has helped 800 mothers embrace life.
 
CONTACT:
Kimberly Guidry Speirs, Executive Director, 1600 W. 38th St., Suite 110, Austin 78731, (512) 407-2900, info@jpiilifecenter.org
 

SCHOENSTATT MOVEMENT OF AUSTIN

The Schoenstatt Movement is an international family founded by Father Joseph Kentenich in Schoenstatt, Germany in 1914. As a connected family of diverse individuals, we seek to grow as free, dedicated, and active witnesses of Christ in modern life by uniting our faith with our everyday lives. We look to Mary to educate us in this task and to guide us in becoming better apostles of Christ. The Schoenstatt Shrine is our spiritual home; it is dedicated to Mary as the Mother Thrice Admirable. The movement in the Diocese of Austin offers the opportunity to get involved through a variety of groups, or “branches.” These include the Family Branch, the Mothers’ Branch, the University Men’s and University Women’s Branch, the Young Professionals’ Branch, the Hispanic Young Adults’ Branch, the Rosary Campaign, the Annunciation Austin Home School Initiative, and the Schoenstatt Fathers. There are also many individuals who participate in movement events and personal spirituality and yet are not involved in a particular group; these individuals belong to the Pilgrims’ movement.
 
CONTACT:
Schoenstatt Center and Shrine in Austin, 225 Addie Roy Rd., Austin 78746-4124, (512) 330-0602
Rev. Patricio Rodriguez, ISP, Movement Director, (512) 301-8762, prodriguez@schoenstatt.us
Website: www.schoenstatt.us
 

SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER

The Secular Franciscan Order (officially, the Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis, or OFS) was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the early 1200s. The OFS, known until the mid-1970s as the Third Order Secular of St. Francis, is comprised of single or married lay people and diocesan clergy who come together in regular meetings as fraternity for apostolic works and to share spiritual journeys, going from Gospel to life and life to Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis. Members profess to live a way of life embodied in a Rule, approved by the Catholic Church. The local fraternities, Sacred Heart of Austin and St. Padre Pio fraternity of Georgetown, invite all who have found themselves drawn by the Gospel living of St. Francis of Assisi to join.
 
CONTACT:
Flavio de Paula, ofs, Sacred Heart Fraternity, PO Box 143092, Austin 78714-3092, (503) 840-9578, SacredHeartSFO@gmail.com
Robert Pine, ofs,  St. Padre Pio Fraternity, 705 Lakeview Cove, Round Rock 78681, (512) 255-9341, stpadrepioofs@gmail.com
Abel Rios, ofs, Bryan Cell Group, (979) 820-1723, metalbender392@msn.com

SECULAR ORDER OF DISCALCED CARMELITES

CONTACT:
Austin Community (meets on the third Saturday of each month at St. Thomas More Parish in Austin):
     Karen Phipps, Formation Director, (512) 497-5052, karenphipps34@gmail.com
     Website: www.austincarmelites.com 

Georgetown Community (meets on the second Saturday of each month at St. Helen Parish in Georgetown):
     Kathy Rasmussen, Formation Director, (254) 780-6047, kathy.ras4519@gmail.com
     Website: www.totcocds.com
 

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic lay organization that leads women and men to grow spiritually. Vincentian spirituality is rooted in the fact that members encounter the face of Christ in every individual they visit, and in turn, they share Christ’s love with everyone they serve. The Society is known for its home visitation model, whereby volunteers in pairs visit the homes of those in need to possibly provide assistance.
The Society in the Diocese of Austin includes more than a thousand members serving 52 parishes. Last year Vincentians served more than 145,000 people in need, providing more than $5.7 million in direct aid to our neighbors, with a total diocesan impact of $10 million. Through the generosity of black bag collections in the parishes, the Society is able to provide financial assistance (rent, utilities, food, etc.) supplemented with in-kind services, referrals, and most importantly, prayer. Other Vincentian ministerial initiatives involve food pantries, and the Society is especially active in disaster relief. In 2016, the Society opened the Vincentian Family Center and Thrift Store. Resources available at the Vincentian Family Center and Thrift Store include intake, thrift retail, food pantry, computer lab and classroom, prayer room and referrals.
CONTACT:
Roz Gutierrez, Director, PO Box 81511, Austin 78708, (512) 251-6995, Fax (512) 919-4715, roz@ssvdp.org
Website: www.ssvdp.org
Vincentian Family Center and Thrift Store, 901 W Braker Ln, Austin, 78758,  (512) 442-5652
St. Vincent de Paul Store, 300 N Main St, Bryan 77803, (979) 775-CARE
St. Vincent de Paul Vehicle Donation Program, (512) 912-7575
 

SOUTHWEST INSTITUTE FOR DIACONAL STUDIES (SWIDS)

Founded in 1991, the Austin-based Institute provides continuing education and support for deacons and their spouses through an annual conference of deacons.
 
CONTACTS:
    Deacon W. J. Ham, (512) 504-3513 or (512) 203-2435; PO Box 952, Kyle 78640, wham1@austin.rr.com
    Deacon Larry Hansen, (512) 345-7007, c.n.hansen@me.com
    Deacon Tim Vande Vorde, (512) 644-0662, PO Box 952, Kyle 78640, tdvtev@austin.rr.com
 

THERESIANS

Theresians provide a prayerful environment where women are nurtured, affirmed and challenged to reach their full potential. Called to Gospel holiness, members grow in their faith vision by living according to five dimensions: spirituality, education, community, vocation and ministry.
 
CONTACT:
Jan Gessler, (512) 904-0190
Website: www.theresians.org
 

Vitae Clinic

The Vitae Clinic, Inc., an outreach of St. John Paul II Life Center, provides Obstetric and Gynecologic care in line with Church teachings. Our physicians provide complete OB care, routine GYN services, and well woman care. We encourage the use of modern Natural Family Planning (NFP) techniques and promote the science of NaPro Technology to treat infertility. At Vitae, women are offered choices that comply with Catholic Ethical and Religious Directives and are approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. 
 
CONTACT:
Jeremy Kalamarides, D.O., Medical Director, 1600 W. 38th St., Suite 115, Austin, TX 78731 (512) 458-6060
Website: www.vitaeaustin.com
 

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is a positive, renewing experience for couples that have a good marriage, but want to make it even better. It is a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Christian marriage, whether couples have been married only a short time or for many years. At these Marriage Encounters, a team of Catholic couples and a Catholic priest give a series of presentations. Couples then have the opportunity to deepen and enrich their relationships with each other, with God, with the church, and with the world through private, personal discussion. Priests and religious are also invited to enrich their relationship with the people of God by attending a weekend.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter regularly presents weekend-long retreats at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton and at local area hotels and parishes by special arrangement. Weekends are also presented in Spanish.
El fin de semana del Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial es una experiencia positiva y renovadora para las parejas que tienen un buen matrimonio pero que desean mejorar su relación. Este encuentro tiene el objetivo fundamental de revitalizar el matrimonio cristiano, ya sea para aquellas parejas que recientemente se casaron, o bien, aquellas que llevan varios años de vida matrimonial. En estos encuentros matrimoniales, el equipo de parejas católicas y el sacerdote católico realizan una serie de presentaciones. Los matrimonios tienen entonces la rara oportunidad de profundizar y enriquecer sus relaciones entre si, con Dios, con la Iglesia y con el mundo a través de pláticas personales y privadas. Los sacerdotes y religiosos están también invitados a enriquecer su relación con el pueblo de Dios acudiendo al fin de semana.
El Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial regularmente presenta retiros a lo largo de todo un fin de semana en el Centro de Retiros Católico de Cedarbrake y en hoteles y parroquias locales a través de un acuerdo especial. Los fines de semana en el área de Austin son también presentados en español.
 
CONTACT:
Mike and Shani Cowart, (512) 677-WWME (9963), wwmeaustin@gmail.com
Websites: www.austinme.org, www.wwme.org