Incarnate Word Academy sixth grader Olivia D'Anna received honorable mention in the on-site drawing category at the Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA) State Meet on April 30.

Valedictorians Theresia Hendricks and Amber Cox are two exemplary students, not only because of their exceptional abilities in academics, sports and music, but also because of their dedication to serving others throughout their entire high school years and their desire to continue to do so throughout their adult lives.

Alumni from St. Pius X Elementary School were honored at the baccalaureate Mass on May 29 at St. Pius X Church. Many graduates came from different parishes all over the diocese, but wanted to celebrate with their friends from grade school. "One student came all the way from San Antonio," Father Paul Hesse said.

As we continue to move more deeply into this election year, it is hard not to notice that there are bitter divides among many. It is precisely in these difficult times in our country’s political and social history that the presence of faithful, informed and discerning Catholic Christians engaged in the political process is most needed.

Bishop Michael Mulvey celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass for St. John Paul II High School on May 26, with 77 graduating seniors and their families and on June 3 he will celebrate the Baccalaureate Mass for 47 graduating seniors from Incarnate Word Academy and their families.

Mountain climbing, deep sea diving, cave exploration—all in a week’s time. With themes ranging from Deep Sea Discovery (“God is With Me Wherever I Go”), Everest (“Conquering Challenges Through God’s Power”), Marvelous Mystery (“The Mass Comes Alive”) and Cool Kingdom Party (“Mary Leads Me Closer to Jesus”), Vacation Bible School programs in the Diocese of Corpus Christi provide action-packed fun. They provide each child with unique and lasting ways to deepen their love for Jesus and apply the lessons to real life.

Incarnate Word Academy seniors Dana Alonso-Bauer and Helena Daubourg recently received the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF) Excellence in French Award.

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System announced that Stephen Kazanjian has assumed the role of Vice President of Mission Integration. His will be responsible for safeguarding the ethics and integrity of CHRISTUS Spohn as a Catholic health care organization, and will be forming relationships with local faith leaders. Kazanjian will also work to improve access to spiritual care to CHRISTUS Spohn Associates, patients and Coastal Bend residents.

Parishioners at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Sinton celebrated Mother’s Day, as well as the feast day of the Ascension of the Lord, with a visit by Bishop Michael Mulvey. After the bishop’s homily, every mother at the Mass received a blessing from their pastor Father Patrick Serna, along with a single red rose.

Católicos han recibido una gran bendición de el Papa Francisco. El 8 de diciembre de 2015, día de la Inmaculada Concepción, abrió la Puerta Santa de la Basílica de San Pedro dando inicio al año de Jubileo Extraordinario de la Misericordia. Con la apertura de la Puerta Santa el papa ofreció la posibilidad de recibir la gracia de indulgencias plenaria para uno mismo o para algún familiar fallecido o alma del purgatorio.

Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi held a meet and greet at their new headquarters at 615 Oliver Court on May 31. Bishop Michael Mulvey unveiled a plaque in front of the entrance of the building, honoring the John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation for their generous financial support.

Bishop Michael Mulvey presented the Evangelii Gaudium (the Joy of the Gospel) recognition to 76 recipients from 47 parishes on Friday, March 27, at the Corpus Christi Cathedral. This is the second year—of what will be an annual event—of the recognitions of those who exemplify the Joy of the Gospel.

Julia Strubhart was presented with a gold crucifix in honor of her 50 years of service teaching catechism after Mass at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Vattmann on May 15.