June brings us to a beautiful place on our faith journey, with three liturgical celebrations that offer rich theological insights into the presence of God in our lives... the Ascension of the Lord, Pentecost and the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.
Tomorrow, we celebrate Mother’s Day; a day to give thanks to God for all mothers, those who continue to care for us and mothers who have passed from this life into God. We also give thanks to God for mothers of adopted children and those who stand-in for mothers when we need to know the kindness and presence of a mother.
by Very Reverend James A. Misko, Diocesan Administrator
Our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. In God’s good providence and with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Cardinals have provided the Church with a new shepherd. We ask God to fill him with grace and wisdom to sanctify the Church in unity, teach with truth and mercy, and lead us to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by our lives.
“As we awoke on Monday morning to the news that Pope Francis had gone from this life into God, we were filled with sadness at his passing, but also deep gratitude for his 12 years as the Successor to St. Peter. He taught us so much by what he said and wrote—but even more, he taught us by what he did.“
by Very Reverend James A. Misko, Diocesan Administrator
I ask the people of the Diocese of Austin to join in prayer with the Universal Church and all people of goodwill to express our gratitude to God for the life of Pope Francis.
The resurrection of Jesus is his merciful example to us that no tomb will hold us either – that we too can emerge from the darkness of sin and leave the things that tie up our thoughts and feelings for a newfound freedom in the Risen Christ.
I am deeply saddened by the news that is emerging concerning Father Anthony Odiong, a priest of the Diocese of Uyo, Nigeria, who previously served in the Diocese of Austin. I remain committed to cooperating with and supporting law enforcement in their efforts. Let us hold in prayer those who have been impacted by this matter. May God bring about His peace and renewal.
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of the Diocese of Austin expresses his heartfelt gratitude to Sara Ramirez for her eleven years of outstanding service as Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Central Texas (CCCTX). Sara has accepted the position of President and CEO of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada in the Archdiocese of Las Vegas. Her tenure in Austin will conclude in early December.
I hereby dispense the faithful of the Diocese of Austin from the obligation of attending Mass on December 9, 2024, the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Today, we are greeted by the news of newly elected leaders. Let us pray that God grants them the wisdom and courage to lead with compassion, justice, and humility. May they serve with respect and generosity toward all people, recognizing the face of God in every individual.
During Respect Life Month, we are reminded of the sacredness of life and the dignity of the human person. I think of my mother and the children she carried and protected in her womb. I will always be grateful to my parents for choosing life and for reminding us that all life is indeed a gift from God.
October is Respect Life and World Missions Month. During these next several weeks, your participation in acts of generosity is not just a blessing but a significant contribution to the Body of Christ. This is a distinctive time of the year when the Church promotes the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death and cultivates awareness and support for the mission territories of the Catholic Church. Your participation makes a difference.
Our theme for this year’s Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) is "Together, we make a difference." These words resonate especially this year as we celebrate the incredible generosity and increased participation of donors to last year’s CSA.