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Editor: The diocese is preparing for several big events over the next several weeks. The first of which is the Texas Catholic Pro-Life day on Jan. 27. What is the day about?
Bishop Vásquez: On Jan. 27, Catholics from across the state of Texas are invited to gather here in our State Capitol to celebrate life from conception to natural death. The day begins as we come together to pray the most powerful prayer of all and that is the prayer of the Mass. The Eucharist is what sustains us as Catholics; it gives us life and helps us to do the work that Christ has entrusted to us. Then there is a time for fellowship before we gather in downtown Austin to march to the Capitol. Not only are there Catholics from across the state, but we also gather with other organizations and group to support the dignity, holiness and sacredness of every human life.
I am very privileged to lead the march and to represent all of our Texas bishops at the rally, which is held on the south steps of the State Capitol. During the rally, we gather with many of our state legislators and we want to let them know we are there in defense particularly of the voiceless –– the unborn. We are privileged and blessed to speak on their behalf. We raise our united voices to stand against abortion, abuse and neglect of the vulnerable or the weak. We also stand together against the death penalty. We believe only God who has given life has the right to take life.
This is a great day for us to express our solidarity not only as Catholics but also with all brothers and sisters who have that same good will of defending, loving and cherishing the great gift of life from God. For more information about the Texas Catholic Pro-Life Day, visit www.austindiocese.org/texas-catholic-pro-life-day.
Editor: On that same day, Jan. 27, we will also have the Celebrating Catholics Schools Event. Tell us more about that.
Bishop Vásquez: This is another great opportunity to raise awareness of the blessings of Catholic education. For 10 years now, the diocese has held this event to kick off National Catholic Schools Week and celebrate the unsung heroes at each of our 22 Catholic schools. This year’s semi-formal dinner will feature Leah Darrow. Many of the faculty and staff from our Catholic schools as well as parents from throughout the diocese gather at this event to celebrate Catholic education.
Part of our church’s mission which Christ entrusted to us is to pass on our faith to future generations. This evening is a wonderful to socialize, reconnect and encourage one another as we celebrate our schools, which help shape and mold the hearts, spirits and minds of our children. To date, through this annual event more than $900,000 has been returned to Catholic schools to increase accessibility to Catholic education for so many families. For ticket information, visit www.csdatx.org/celebrating-catholic-schools.
Editor: Then the next weekend, Feb. 2-4, is the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference.
Bishop Vásquez: Yes, this year the Diocese Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) celebrates 60 years of bringing together Catholic youth from all over the diocese. Nearly 3,000 young people will gather in Waco to celebrate the love of Christ in their lives. Every year during DCYC I am amazed at the wonderful demonstration of the power of God in the lives of our young people. There will be music, prayer, powerful keynote speakers, the sacrament of reconciliation and much more. This weekend is about helping our young people be disciples of Jesus Christ in the world and sending them forth to be witnesses to Christ’s love in the world. One of the most inspirational parts of DCYC is the opportunity for young people to have an encounter with Jesus Christ through the sacrament of reconciliation. I look forward to hearing confessions again this year, along with so many of my brother priests. It is a gift to extend the mercy of Christ to our youth through this sacrament.
DCYC is a great opportunity to gather together and to hold up the great gift of young people –– they are a treasure to the church. May we as adults cherish, protect, encourage, support and love them as they seek to live their Catholic faith. For more information on DCYC, visit www.austindiocese.org/dcyc.
Editor: Obviously, we can’t all be at these events in person. How can we support these events in other ways?
Bishop Vásquez: The most important thing we can do to support the dignity of life, Catholic education and our young people is to pray. On the days of these activities we can offer up our prayers and possibly make small sacrifices. A small bit of fasting or a sacrifice may be offered to support these worthy causes. We could also offer a financial contribution to support these activities and make them stronger and better. However, the most important thing is prayer. May we unite as one to support these wonderful events –– as we stand up for the dignity of life, celebrate our Catholic schools and help our youth to continue to live out their Catholic faith. May hearts and lives be changed during each of these events.