Messages to the Faithful

Effective May 23, 2021, Pentecost Sunday, the temporary protocols for the celebration of the sacraments initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic will be rescinded and the temporary dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, which I granted because of the pandemic, will be lifted. I joyfully invite all Catholics back to in-person participation in the sacraments and the life of the parish.

As we approach the Sacred Triduum, Bishop Vásquez shares his message to the faithful.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of the Diocese of Austin, issued the following pastoral message to the Catholic faithful on December 4, 2020: I am grateful for the recent news from Governor Abbott that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has earmarked over 1.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the state of Texas to start arriving in mid-December. While this is wonderful news, we know that vaccinating an entire country will take several months and our precautions to stop the spread of the virus remain as important as ever.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: This week Governor Greg Abbott issued a new executive order related to COVID-19, effective March 10, 2021, which rescinds his previous statewide mandate requiring face coverings. This order also allows for 100% capacity in most businesses. While rescinding the statewide mandate for the “wearing of a face covering,” the governor encourages all Texans to continue using face masks “wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing.”

To the Faithful of the Diocese of Austin: I join my brother bishops and the many leaders of other religious faiths in opposing the Equality Act (H. R. 5). This legislation further erodes the freedom and rights of people of good will, as well as the rights of faith-based charities and health-care workers with conscience objections.

With the dangerous weather and driving conditions in Central Texas, some parishes have been forced to cancel Ash Wednesday Masses and Services. The Diocese of Austin has asked the pastors of each of the 127 parishes to make their best prudential judgment for the liturgy schedule in their particular community. The safety of our parishioners and clergy remains the highest priority.

As our nation continues the transition from one president to another, Bishop Joe Vásquez, through his leadership of the Diocese of Austin, takes seriously the role of the Church to inform the culture. We do this through the faithful celebration of the sacraments and apostolic action in the world. Included in that is working with whomever is in office at the local, state, and federal level for God’s good purposes.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of the Diocese of Austin, issued the following pastoral message to the Catholic faithful on December 4, 2020: I am grateful for the recent news from Governor Abbott that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has earmarked over 1.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the state of Texas to start arriving in mid-December. While this is wonderful news, we know that vaccinating an entire country will take several months and our precautions to stop the spread of the virus remain as important as ever.

I express my gratitude to Pope Francis for releasing the report regarding former cardinal Theodore McCarrick.   The report is a meaningful step for the Church in continuing to acknowledge those who were hurt by McCarrick and other ministers in the Church.  It also reflects the Holy Father’s commitment to end abuse in the Church and in our communities.  

the Diocese of Austin released the following statement: “In light of the recent documentary, Francesco, in which Pope Francis reportedly mentions civil unions, the Diocese of Austin affirms the Church’s teaching that marriage is an indissoluble bond between one man and one woman.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of the Diocese of Austin, issued the following pastoral message to the Catholic faithful on September 8, 2020: I wish to inform you of wonderful news in the world of vaccines. Recently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the request of pharmaceutical provider Sanofi Pasteur to stop using the aborted fetal cell line known as MRC-5 and begin using an ethical animal cell line in producing its polio vaccines.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of the Diocese of Austin, issued the following pastoral message to the Catholic faithful on August 18, 2020: I am deeply concerned and disappointed that the Austin City Council allocated $250,000 in its budget to provide logistical support for those seeking abortions. This decision shows a severe disregard and exploitation of the unborn that could have serious consequences throughout our community.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of the Diocese of Austin, issued the following pastoral message to the Catholic faithful on July 21, 2020: Today, the Diocese of Austin learned that a lawsuit was filed against the Schoenstatt Fathers due to alleged misconduct by one of their priests, Fr. Gerold Langsch, ISP.

Over the last few months, our communities have experienced frustration and disappointment attributed not only to the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to the social unrest associated with the recent deaths of Black men and women by law enforcement.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez releases a pastoral message about the death of Mr. Michael Hickson

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin issued the following pastoral message in response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

On May 30, 2020, Bishop Joe Vásquez of the Diocese of Austin issued this pastoral message in regard to the death of George Floyd:

Following Gov. Greg Abbott's recent executive order on the phased reopening of the state of Texas, the Diocese of Austin, under the leadership of Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, notified parishes today they may resume the public celebration of Mass on May 5. As they open, Bishop Vásquez has asked parishes to follow protocols that are consistent with the governor’s and attorney general’s recommendations.

from Bishop Vásquez: "Out of pastoral concern for the people of central Texas, I am suspending all public Masses and liturgies throughout the diocese, effective immediately. While I hoped we would be able to continue to celebrate public Mass, I made this decision after prayerful discernment and in light of recent recommendations from public health officials. "

Following an order by the City of Austin and Travis County, as of 2 a.m. March 15, parish gatherings are restricted to 250 people. The order goes through May 1. The limit applies only to parishes within the City of Austin and Travis County.