Bishop's Message: From September to October

As we close the month of September, we reflect on God’s many graces in our lives and in the diocese.

We opened the month announcing a year of celebration for the 75th anniversary of the Diocese of Austin.  It will be a year that looks back with gratitude on the seventy-five years of faithful Catholicism in Central Texas, marks the important place in which we stand today as Catholics across our twenty-five counties, and sets our sights on the work of discipleship and the worthy reception of God’s graces in the sacraments for many years to come. 

This week, our diocese welcomed members of the legal profession at the annual Red Mass where we offered prayers of thanksgiving for the Holy Spirit’s gift of wisdom.  And, at a Blue Mass celebrated on the Feast of the Archangels we honored law enforcement and first responders and invoked the protection of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael on those who dutifully and selflessly serve our communities. I was also pleased to celebrate with the community of Christ the King in Belton as they broke ground on a new Family Life Center.

As we enter the month of October, we focus on the opportunity to unite as the Mystical Body of Christ to protect and respect life and to help our brothers and sisters by participating in World Mission Sunday.  October is a time to recommit ourselves to the protection of life from conception to natural death.  May all people of good will protect the dignity of the human person created in the image and likeness of God.