November 2020 Catholic Spirit

Before we come to Mass, each individual must assess their health. Am I feeling ill? Do I have a fever and a headache? And then when we are at Mass, we must maintain our distance and wear face masks, so that just in case we are sick, we don’t pass the illness to someone else. I also ask that parishioners receive the Eucharist in the hand instead of on the tongue. I have asked parishes to offer hand sanitizer for those entering the church and to disinfect the church after each Mass. These safety protocols have been established for the health and safety of all who attend.

This year’s Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) faces an unprecedented challenge due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Students (in person and online) at Sacred Heart Catholic School in La Grange prayed a rosary for healing and peace on Oct. 19. The school celebrated its 90th anniversary on Sept. 8, and several activities are planned to celebrate the milestone. (Photo by LaDonna Voelkel)

Father Greg Gerhart is the Vocation director for the Diocese of Austin. His role is to help young men and women hear and respond to God’s call and to help everyone recognize and fulfill their role in promoting a culture of vocations.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has found innovative ways to meet the needs of those seeking help. Requests for assistance have increased over the last six months. The need for assistance to pay doctor and prescription bills has increased. As many people have lost jobs, they have asked for help with mortgage and rent expenses, car payments, clothing, food and other household bills.

Over the last three years, the ministry has reached nearly 200 seniors through a mixture of events, ranging from religious education and spirituality to practical information such as the role of grandparents in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren.

Pope Francis signs his encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship” after celebrating Mass at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, Oct. 3. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

The words priests and deacons use when celebrating the sacraments are important. The correct formula in the Rite of the Sacrament of Baptism spoken by the bishop, priest or deacon is: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (CNS photo from Vatican Media)

Allison Streett sculpted “Job:Questioning” as she contemplated the freedom of the faithful to question God in our suffering. Streett’s art is often influenced by her faith, and much of her work is drawn directly from biblical narratives. Streett and her husband have six children; they live in the Fort Worth area. More information on her work can be found online at allisonstreettstudios.com. (Photo courtesy Allison Sreett)