In observance of Christmas, all diocesan offices will be closed Dec. 23 through Dec. 26. Diocesan offices will reopen on Dec. 27. Diocesan offices will also be closed on Jan. 2.
Consider using the following meditation for the feast of Mary, the Mother of God (Jan. 1):
The Diocese of Austin is accepting applications for the Ascend class of 2017. Approximately 30 young adults will be selected to participate in a series of retreats and evening courses between February and April. The Ascend class of 2017 will be empowered to make a lasting contribution by practicing applied leadership skills to exercise their faith in positions of leadership in the church as well as in their homes, communities and careers. Applications are due Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. For complete information about Ascend, including the program calendar, application and FAQs, visit www.austindiocese.org/ascend.
The Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) will take place at the Waco Convention Center Jan. 27-29. At DCYC, participants will experience keynote speakers Father Leo Patalinghug, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Manny Barraza and Jason Deuterman. They will also participate in sacraments, music, prayer, workshops, entertainment and more, all woven together under this year's theme of "Sanctus." Registration is open and participants may register or find out more information through their parish youth minister. Don't miss out on this annual opportunity for teens to encounter Christ in a fun, unique way.
The diocesan Office of Canonical and Tribunal Services will host an Advocacy Training workshop Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Austin. This workshop will include a review of the process of petitioning for an annulment, applicable Canon Law, processes and procedures, petitions and grounds, resources, questions and answers. Advocates who have not attended a training in the last few years are encouraged to attend this workshop to learn about the changes brought about by the Motu Proprio Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus. Lay persons who wish to become an advocate must be delegated by their pastor. To register and for more information, visit www.austindiocese.org/tribunal2017.
The diocesan Office of Canonical and Tribunal Services will host a Marriage Packet workshop Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Austin. This workshop will include the required documentation, Canon Law requirements and diocesan policies affecting the marriage preparation process. This workshop is intended for priests, deacons and parish staff that assist couples with their marriage preparation documents. To register and for more information, visit www.austindiocese.org/tribunal2017.
The diocesan Office of Canonical and Tribunal Services will host "Annulment: Pathway to Healing" April 28-29 at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Austin. The purpose of this seminar is to help participants begin a journey in awareness of the healing process of nullity (annulment) through a straight-to-the-heart response to persons considering or already seeking a declaration of nullity. The seminar is a time for reflecting on the demise of one's marriage by taking a journey from pain and loneliness to acceptance and healing. The seminar begins on April 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. and continues on April 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Pat Thompson at (512) 949-2478. To register, visit www.austindiocese.org/tribunal2017.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity to the Catholic Services Appeal. To date, we have received pledges from more than 13,900 families totaling more than $3.6 million. Parishioners are encouraged to generously support the CSA.
An updated parish goal report is now available.
Please consider Bishop Vásquez’ prayer request for the feast of Mary, the Mother of God (Jan. 1):
The following priests on the anniversary of their ordination during the month of January:
Click here to login to your EIM account in order to find the workshop schedule and Sign Up for a Workshop (bottom right of your account page). Instructions are provided in case you do not recall how to login to your EIM account. Please contact your parish or Catholic school EIM site administrator if you need assistance or if you do not have Internet access. For general information about EIM workshops, please click here.
EIM Workshops are scheduled by the EIM Office, coordinating with the EIM site administrator at parishes, schools and other diocesan agencies. Staff of any site wishing to host a workshop should coordinate with their EIM site administrator. If the site administrator has arranged workshop details with a facilitator, then an email to the EIM office with those details is sufficient to request a workshop; otherwise workshop requests should be made by the site administrator using the Workshop Request Table. EIM site administrators may direct inquiries about EIM workshop scheduling to Emily Hurlimann in the EIM Office at (512) 949-2447.