More than 600 parishioners from the 12 counties that make up the Diocese of Corpus Christi came together as one Catholic community to celebrate, listen, and share their faith at the first State of the Diocese on Oct. 26. This singular event, held at the Richard Borchard Fairgrounds, was a night to remember. Bishop Michael Mulvey spoke of rebuilding and restoring structures as well as faith.
There was never a dull moment. Director of Communications and Public Relations Katia Uriarte Philipello and Assistant Director of Communications and Public Relations Jesse De Leon, III, welcomed attendees, announced the speakers and kept the momentum going. Every single speaker shared valuable insights about their ministry.
Presentations included talks by the Director of Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and the Mother Teresa Shelter, Dr. Michele Johnston; Campus Minister of Newman Center at TAMUCC and Del Mar College, Amy Barragree; Director of Young Adults, Siobhan O’Connor; and Holy Family Connect Youth Minister, Bea Romo.
The parochial Vicar at St. Pius X Parish, Father Carlos De La Rosa, gave the invocation and dinner was served by the fairgrounds staff.
Under the direction of the Director of Music at Corpus Christi Cathedral, Alex Oldroyd, youth from the choir at St. John Paul II High School and the Cathedral Youth Chorale lifted their voices in praise.
Bishop Mulvey spoke of evangelization, synodal listening, change, communion and unity. He gave direction and hope. He listed some changes that would occur, announcing that FEMA had approved all damages incurred from Hurricane Harvey and that rebuilding would proceed very soon.
Ladies from Our Lady of Victory in Beeville volunteered as greeters, and attendees perused tables manned by diocesan staff and learned about diocesan resources and ministries available to them.
General Priest Servant from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, Father Peter Marsalek, directed a short synodal session, which included listening to the Holy Spirit in silent prayer. Youth and adults shared valuable insights — insights they would take with them as they go forth, to evangelize with love.
See more of this story in the next issue of the South Texas Catholic.