News - August 2020 RSS Feed

While many may recall when news of the coronavirus made national headlines, no one predicted the toll it would take on American lives or how society had to adapt to protect their loved ones. For those discerning the priesthood or the newly ordained, it affected them in ways never experienced before. Mass restrictions meant the faithful, who once filled church pews had to watch a televised Mass from their homes. For many priests celebrating Mass without seeing the faces of their parishioners was the most difficult challenge.

Jason and Hester Rodriguez, tell the South Texas Catholic about their marriage journey of faith and how their marriage has grown and matured, especially as they grew to live out their marriage as a witness to others of the love of God.

On Aug 17 Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter began their 2020 Celebration of Charity Virtual Fundraiser. They have had a wonderful response, but they’re not there yet. If you have already donated, Thank You!  

The Franciscan Life Process Center’s (FLPC) sixth annual Franciscan Rhythms 5K Trail Run/Walk is going all virtual this year, allowing supporters anywhere to run, walk or ride, now through October, and support its music therapy program.

The upcoming Discernment Retreat will give single Catholic women between the ages of 18 and 45 an opportunity to meet and talk with Sisters and women in formation, as well as other women who are discerning their own call to religious life.

Catholic Charities agencies distributed nearly $400 million in emergency COVID-19 assistance to people across the United States and the U.S. Territories during the past four months. Emergency help consists primarily of food, rental assistance, personal protective equipment, baby supplies, and emergency quarantine housing. Sister Donna Markham, President & CEO of Catholic Charities USA, said “the generosity of corporate donors, foundations, and individuals has been overwhelming.”

Seminarians Carlos Tomas De La Rosa and Charles Andrew Silvas publicly declared their intentions to pursue Holy Orders and were officially accepted as candidates for ordination during the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders at a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Mulvey on Aug. 8. Bishop Mulvey presided and conferred candidacy to the two young men.

The Texas State Council of the Knights of Columbus recently presented the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), a check for $60,550 to support the AMS Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program (CSP). The gift comprises funds raised over the past two years by the Texas Women’s Project, headed by Mary Evans, outgoing First Lady of the Texas Knights of Columbus and wife of Immediate Past State Deputy T. Mark Evans.

Summer is usually a lot of fun in our homes. The elderly enjoy getting outdoors for picnics, gardening and community outings, especially when they include a stop for ice cream. Not so this year! As summer wears on with no end to the pandemic in sight, the mandated social isolation is beginning to take a serious toll on our elderly Residents.

The Ark Assessment Center and Emergency Shelter for Youth is grateful for the public's support the last five months, but it has been a difficult period for them. "Surviving is still tough," said Delma Trejo, Executive Director and Administrator of The Ark.

Teachers from St. Pius X Catholic School meet parents at a drive-thru stationed on the school’s basketball court Aug. 3. Taking measures to ensure the safety of all students and staff from the spread of COVID-19, teachers handed out text books and supplies for the first three weeks of virtual learning. 

CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is celebrating 115 years of answering the call to care for our community. Through pandemics and disease, CHRISTUS Spohn remains a pillar of strength in the fight to protect and heal the people of South Texas.