Sede Vacante

• On Holy Thursday when celebrating the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, if Eucharistic Prayer I (Roman Canon) is chosen, a special formula (RM, pg 161)is to be used. The following adjustment to that formula should be observed: “…together with your servant Francis our Pope and all those who, holding to the truth…”
  
  
• On Good Friday, during the Celebration of the Passion of Our Lord, a series of Solemn Intercessions are prayed. Intercession III (RM, pg 174) should be changed to say: “Let us pray also for all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons of the Church and for the whole faithful people.”

Beginning at 2 p.m. on March 25 the following changes must be observed in the Eucharistic Prayers (I-IV). Generally speaking, removing "N. our Bishop" will suffice. Below are specific examples:

• Eucharistic Prayer I (Roman Canon): …together with your servant Francis our Pope and all those who, holding….

• Eucharistic Prayer II: …together with Francis our Pope and all the clergy…

• Eucharistic Prayer III: ...your servant Francis our Pope, the Order of Bishops....

• Eucharistic Prayer IV: ...your servant Francis our Pope and the whole Order of Bishops...

For the Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation I/II the following is said:

• Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation I: ...with Francis our Pope.

• Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation II: ...in communion with Francis our Pope and all the Bishops and your entire people.

Here are three options to be used in various liturgies during this period:

1. For the Church in the Diocese of Austin, that the Holy Spirit may guide Pope Francis in choosing a new bishop who will shepherd God’s people with wisdom and faithfulness, let us pray to the Lord.

2. That, through the intercession of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, our diocese may be blessed with a shepherd after the heart of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who will lead us in faith and strengthen us by the power of the sacraments, let us pray to the Lord.

3. For the Church in the Diocese of Austin, that God in His providence, may bless us with a faithful shepherd who will lead us with holiness and compassion, guiding us ever closer to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray to the Lord.
   

Download the document here: English and Spanish

It is a tradition for every parish to have portraits of the Holy Father and the Diocesan Bishop in prominent places, such as the narthex or parish offices.  

• The Diocese will mail all parishes and schools an 8.5 x 11 print of the "Prayer for a New Bishop".  Please replace the Bishop's portrait in the frame with the prayer, highlighting this time of waiting and prayer. We recommend keeping the frame in place next to Pope Francis', suggesting to parishioners to offer a prayer for a new bishop as they pass by the Holy Father’s portrait.  

• If you do not have a framed portrait of the Bishop, we recommend purchasing a frame and placing the prayer in it. When a new Bishop is installed or ordained, and his picture shared, your parish will be prepared.

• If a parish does not have a portrait of the Holy Father, we recommend purchasing a frame and securing his official portrait from church supply companies like the one included here.

• Parishes will receive (2) prints in English and (1) in Spanish. Prints will be placed in the mail on March 19, 2025. If you have any questions, contact Camille Garcia at [email protected].

On March 25, 2025, the College of Consultors appointed Father James Misko as Diocesan Administrator, who will oversee the daily operations of the diocese until a new Bishop is installed or ordained.

• If your parish has a previously scheduled liturgy with the bishop, you will be contacted soon as to whether the celebrant will be the Diocesan Administrator or the Pastor;

• Adults who are seeking confirmation are instructed to join their parish celebrations of the sacrament; and

• Baptized Catholics are not confirmed at the Easter Vigil, except for a grave reason and after having received written delegation from the Bishop or Diocesan Administrator.