Educators are called to be missionaries of mercy

Over 400 educators from the Diocese of Corpus Christi filled the Solomon Ortiz International Center on Nov. 13 for the Annual Diocesan Catholic Educators Conference. The conference entitled, "Called and Chosen: Being Jesus to Others" began with Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Mulvey.

Keynote speaker Benedict Nguyen, who serves as canonical counsel and theological advisor for Bishop Michael Mulvey and the Diocese of Corpus Christi, engaged listeners with the topic of one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy, "instruct the ignorant and–ignorant in the best sense of the word–those who don't know, those who haven't been introduced to the way, the truth and the light. We participate in that spiritual work of mercy as educators in the Catholic School system. We are the heralds of that truth, that way and that light," he said. We help form them," Nguyen said.

"This year Pope Francis has called for extraordinary jubilee year of mercy, dedicated to a spiritual renewal. We have to see our work as mission. To see our mission as–not just to impart information or form minds, but an opportunity to be a missionary of mercy."

Pre-k 4 teacher Belinda Saenz at Most Precious Blood, said Nguyen's keynote was the most engaging talk in all her time with the diocese. She said it took her to a place where God filled that mercy on her and brought her closer to Him. "Every word just filled my heart. It was a reminder–that's why we're here at the diocese," Saenz said.

In the afternoon, the teachers separated into groups to attend various workshops or seminars according to the grades they taught.

Top honors were presented to Sister Anne Brigid Schlegel at Incarnate Word Academy (IWA) Elementary Level, who received a “Crucifixion Triptych” for serving forty-five years in Catholic schools and administrator, Rene Gonzalez, principal at Bishop Garriga Middle Preparatory School (BGMPS), who received an 8” fine pewter “Knotted Celtic Crucifix” for serving thirty-five years in Catholic schools.

The following educators and auxiliary staff members who received an 18” “San Damiano Cross” for thirty years of service in Catholic schools were: Dorothy Garcia, Secretary at IWA Elementary; Lucille Snapka, Nurse at IWA; Raymond Perrone, teacher at IWA High; Janice Johnson, teacher at IWA Middle Level; and Chris Bryan, teacher at St. Pius X.

The following educators and auxiliary staff members who received a framed picture of “Christ the Teacher” for twenty-five years of service in Catholic schools were: Gloria Barrera, asst. health coordinator at BGMPS; Sister Raquel Newman, teacher at IWA High School; Kathy Taylor, bookkeeper at St. Gertrude; and Sister Amor Vigare, teacher at St. Anthony;

The following educators who received the “Life of Christ” cross for serving twenty years in Catholic schools were: Belinda Garcia, teacher at Sacred Heart; and Gail Ramos, teacher at St. Patrick.

The following principal, educator and auxiliary staff members who received a 5x7 plaque for fifteen years of service in Catholic schools were: Belinda Saldana, instructional aide at Catholic; Adolfo Garza principal at IWA Middle Level; Blanca Ortiz, who serves in the Cafeteria at IWA HS; Marie Y. Munoz, who serves as cafeteria manager at Ss. Cyril and Methodius; and Priscilla Schneider, teacher at St. Elizabeth.

The following Auxiliary Staff members who received the “Helping Hands” pin with blue stone for serving ten years in Catholic schools were: Ada Garcia, custodian at St. John Paul II; Elva Garza, nurse at St. John Paul II; Jane Elia Longoria, secretary at St. John Paul II; Gerrie Brown, instructional aide at Sacred Heart; Lupita Garza; instructional aide at Sacred Heart; Elva Ybarra, library Manager at St. Anthony; and JoAnn Castro, secretary at St. Gertrude.

The following Administrator, Counselor and Educators who received the “Lamp of Knowledge” pin with blue stone for serving ten years in Catholic schools were: Andrea Limke, teacher at IWA Middle; David Screws, teacher at IWA High; Sherri Davis, teacher at St. John Paul II; Teodoro Garcia, counselor at St. John Paul II; Jessica Trujillo, teacher and coach at St. John Paul II; Benny Mota, who works in the information technology department at St. John Paul II; Nancy Rios, teacher at St. John Paul II; Gildardo Guillen, physical education teacher and coach at Most Precious Blood; Mary Sandoval, principal at St. Joseph; and Linda Grubaugh, teacher at St. Patrick.

The following Auxiliary Staff members who received the “Service in Christ” pin for serving five years in Catholic schools: Brunilda Flores, secretary at BGMPS; Jack Tanny, athletic director and coach at BGMPS; Monica Moore, secretary at IWA Elementary; Myra Nelson, coach at IWA Hight; Annette Duvall, coach at St. John Paul II; Diana Hinojosa, registrar and tuition coordinator at St. John Paul II; Lillie Garza, instructional aide at Sacred Heart; Liza Mayes, health coordinator at Sacred Heart; Maria “Bebe” Vaiz, instructional aide at Ss. Cyril and Methodius; Esmeralda Salinas, coach at St. Joseph; Yahira Hernandez, extended care at St. Patrick; and Evelyn Freeman, instructional aide at St. Pius X.

The following Educators and Counselors who received the “Educator in Christ” pin for serving five years in Catholic schools were: Joe Bonilla, counselor at BGMPS; JoAna Valderrama, teacher at Central Catholic; Sonia Davila, teacher at Holy Family; Donna Metz, teacher at Holy Family; Sister Angela Oviedo, teacher at IWA Middle; Leonardo Alvarez, teacher at IWA High; Nicole Quintero, teacher at IWA High; Joseph Vallone, teacher at IWA High; Facundo Vasquez, teacher at IWA High; Jonathan Gain, teacher at St. John Paul II; Matthew Kennel, teacher at St John Paul II; Jesus Lerma, teacher at St. John Paul II; Jeneva Tilley, teacher at St. John Paul II; Laura Longoria, teacher at Most Precious Blood; Belinda Saenz, teacher at Most Precious Blood; Barbara MacDonald, teacher at Ss. Cyril and Methodius; Ana Gonzalez, teacher at Anthony; Graciela Barrett, teacher at St. Joseph; Norberto Ponce, teacher at St. Joseph; Rosalinda Salinas, teacher at St. Joseph; Susan Slavik, teacher at St. Patrick; and Mike Sepulveda, counselor at St. Pius X.