JANUARY 13, 2026 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
PILGRIMS OF HOPE
Jubilee Year comes to a close in Archdiocese, across the globe ▪ SEE PAGE 6
JANUARY 13, 2026
SPIRITUALITY
Papal intentions make 12 months of prayer simple
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BELLS RING IN FAITH
As Fulshear parish blesses new bells, learn the role they play in Church ▪ SEE PAGE 18
Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 1964
VOL. 62, NO. 14
CHRIST, THE LIGHT OF THE NATIONS
BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — While sometimes it’s easy to pray for things that we need personally, the popes of the Church have offered international prayer intentions for the faithful to offer in prayer since the mid-1800s. A new Vatican initiative, Pray with the Pope, will help make it even easier to join in these worldwide prayers. A French Jesuit priest, Father François‑Xavier Gautrelet, founded the Apostleship of Prayer in 1844 as a way to spread the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and encourage offering daily prayers for spiritual needs for a group of Jesuit novices in France. “If each one infuses his labors with the spirit of prayer and makes of them an offering; if several jointly direct themselves in the same way, there would See INTENTIONS, page 5
MINISTRIES
Abortions not dropping despite new laws due to out-of-state procedures, pills
OSV NEWS PHOTO/SIMONE RISOLUTI, VATICAN MEDIA
Ahead of the extraordinary consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV, cardinals listen as he celebrates Mass on the feast of the Epiphany in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 6. Daniel Cardinal DiNardo attended the Jan. 7 to 8 extraordinary consistory, joined by other cardinals from around the world.
‘COMMUNION AND FRATERNITY’ Extraordinary consistory is a symbolic transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo XIV
BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Texas Catholic Herald HOUSTON — As Catholics approach the 53rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade this month, it is a good time to evaluate what work remains to be done in the cause of protecting human life. Many Texas Catholics mistakenly believe abortion is no longer an issue since the 2022 Dobbs decision outlawed almost all abortions in the state. Unfortunately, recent numbers suggest that Texas women and their children continue to fall victim to abortion at pre2022 rates due to the presence of clinics in neighboring states and illegal provision of chemical abortion pills across state lines. Julie Dumalet, director of the Office of Pro-Life Activities for the Archdiocese, See PRO-LIFE, page 7
VATICAN CITY (OSV News) — Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston, as joined by 169 other cardinals from around the world in gathering at the Vatican Jan. 7 to 8 for an extraordinary consistory called by Pope Leo XIV, an event seen as the first major step in his governance of the universal Church. Ahead of the consistory, Cardinal DiNardo greeted Pope Leo during the Jan. 7 general audience at the Pope Paul VI Audience Hall, which still featured the nativity scene and lit Christmas trees. The consistory was expected to “be marked by moments of communion and fraternity, as well as times dedicated to reflection, sharing and prayer,” according
A SHEPHERD’S MESSAGE † 2
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to a Dec. 20 statement from the Vatican. It also said that the consistory was “part of the life and mission of the Church [that aimed] to strengthen communion between the Bishop of Rome and the cardinals, who are called to collaborate in a particular way in their concern for the good of the universal Church.” It added that the meeting was aimed
VATICAN NEWS
See CONSISTORY, page 4
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CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA
Ahead of the extraordinary consistory, Cardinal DiNardo greets Pope Leo XIV during the pope’s general audience at the Pope Paul VI Audience Hall on Jan. 7. Cardinal DiNardo attended the January extraordinary consistory convened by Pope Leo at the Vatican.
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2 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
A Shepherd’s Message By Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez
In this message, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez shares the homily he delivered during the Closing Jubilee Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Dec. 28, 2025. In the Gospel for Dec. 28, we hear the angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy Him. Joseph rose and took the child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt.” And after years in Egypt, “When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.’ He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.” Though no recorded words of St. Joseph are found in the Gospels, Joseph responds to God’s will. In today’s Gospel, Joseph does what the angel tells him. Joseph is connected with the expression “the Child and His ARCHBISHOP mother.” Joseph, the child, Jesus, JOE S. VÁSQUEZ and Mary, the mother, are a family. The Son of God chose to be born into a family. This was part of God’s plan to save us. He joined Himself to the human family. God entrusts His Son to Mary and Joseph with the responsibility to raise, protect and care for Jesus. Brothers and sisters, there is only one perfect family — the Holy Family. My family was not perfect, but I believe I have been blessed with a good family. There are many good families, and we need to be thankful for them and pray for more. The Holy Family is perfect, but this does not mean that it was free from difficulties. Life for Jesus, Mary and Joseph was not easy. From the very beginning of Jesus’ life, He is threatened by the powers of this world. The Holy Family is on the run and flees to another country. Like many refugees today, they are forced to escape and seek protection elsewhere. Jesus’ family faces extreme danger! The Holy Family is not immune to problems, challenges or uncertainties of family life. Jesus, Mary and Joseph do not avoid the pain that families suffer. Our families also face many problems: the loss of jobs, disease, complex relationships. Jesus purposely unites Himself with families who struggle and find life burdensome. God enters our lives in these crises and is present in these moments. Joseph is a true example of an excellent parent who cares for Jesus and Mary. He is ready to make decisions that require sacrifice, courage and fidelity. He does what is God’s will to ensure the safety of the family. It is also important to note that Joseph and Mary act together and form a bond in order to protect Jesus. Every family can be a place of holiness. No matter the problems, God can be found in the family. I pray you find holiness in your families. As we conclude the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope, I would like to briefly reflect on what I have witnessed since I came to the Archdiocese, and it gives me hope. These are a few of the tangible ways God continues to fill us with countless graces. The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston continues to welcome new members into the Catholic Church. During the Easter season, we welcomed over 2,000 new Catholics. God is moving in the hearts of the people. In our Church, they find a home and family, but more importantly, they find Christ alive through the Sacraments and God’s holy Word. Another sign that gives me hope was the summer Archdiocesan Youth Conference (AYC). I celebrated Mass with more than 2,300 participants. This shows that our youth are hungering for God. During AYC, I joined
Arzobispo Vásquez comparte su mensaje en línea en español. Visite www.archgh.org para leer su artículo en línea.
“Dear friends, the same Christ who was born, suffered, died and rose from the dead lives forever! From this altar, He now gives Himself to us to go forth as pilgrims filled with hope that does not disappoint.” Cardinal DiNardo and other priests to hear confessions. Our youth come to the Sacrament seeking God’s mercy. They love Christ and want to live their faith well. We also have many young adult groups in the Archdiocese, which continue to grow. We have a diverse young adult group that speaks English, Spanish and Vietnamese. This summer, I met with over 800 young adults and spent time answering questions and having a dialogue with them. They are on fire for their Catholic faith. I am proud of our Catholic Charities, San José Clinic and Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which continue to care for our underserved in our Archdiocese. They provide care for the sick, feed the hungry, and support families and migrants. They do this because they find Christ in the poor. Another sign of hope was the ordination of three new priests for the Archdiocese. The Holy Spirit is moving in the lives of our seminarians. Presently, we are blessed with 60 men who are studying for the priesthood! They desire to give their lives to Christ and serve His Church. We need them to serve us. This fall, I also celebrated Mass with 135 married couples celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, and celebrated Mass with 140 couples celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. These couples have experienced the joys and sorrows of married life, and they continue to witness to the love of God. On April 21, Easter Monday, our beloved Pope Francis died at the age of 88. The day before, on Easter Sunday, he went through the crowds riding in the pope mobile at St. Peter’s Square, blessing people one last time. He inaugurated the Jubilee Year of Hope a year ago on Christmas Eve. The Holy Father wanted us to experience Christ the Risen Lord, who, even in our difficulties, problems and suffering, never abandons us. Jesus Christ never leaves us alone, and He is our hope. On May 8, Robert Cardinal Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV and became the 267th Successor of Peter. He is the first American pope. The Holy Spirit has chosen Pope Leo as our Church’s universal shepherd. He continues to be a sign of hope in our world for our Church. On Jan. 6, our Holy Father concluded the Jubilee Year. We cannot create hope by our own human efforts; we can only receive hope as a gift from God. Keep in mind that hope is a theological virtue infused in us by God. Hope does not deny the problems or pain we experience in life, in our Church or in our world. I would like to conclude by quoting Pope Leo, who recently spoke these words. “The Jubilee is drawing to a close… but the hope that this year has given us does not end: we will remain pilgrims of hope. … Jesus Christ, with His incarnation, passion, death and resurrection, has given us a solid foundation for this hope. The restless heart will not be disappointed if it enters into the dynamism of the love for which it was created. The destination is certain, life has triumphed and in Christ it will continue to triumph in every death of daily life.” Dear friends, the same Christ who was born, suffered, died and rose from the dead lives forever! From this altar, He now gives Himself to us to go forth as pilgrims filled with hope that does not disappoint. †
A SHEPHERD’S MESSAGE
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JANUARY 13, 2026 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
THE FIRST WORD ‘YOUR LIGHTS BECOME A LUMINOUS TRAIL’ CNS PHOTO/LOLA GOMEZ
Consecrated women and other members of the congregation carry candles on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the World Day for Consecrated Life in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in 2024. The Archdiocese will join in celebrating men and women religious for World Day for Consecrated Life with a Mass on Feb. 1 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston.
PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS Effective Jan. 3 Father Clifford Oyati, MSP Administrator - St. Martin de Porres, Barrett Station Effective Jan. 6 Father Antonio Castro Parochial Vicar - Sacred Heart, Conroe Effective Jan. 9 Father Robert Kajoh, MSP Pastor - St. Mary Magdalene, Humble
IN BRIEF Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Mass set for Jan. 18
HOUSTON — The Archdiocese will honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and remember his call to achieve peace through service to one another at the 41st annual Archdiocesan Mass at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., in Houston. The Mass, which honors his birthday and legacy and is open to the public, will be celebrated by Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez, with Father Reginald Samuels, vicar for the Ministry for Catholics of African Descent and pastor of St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, serving as the homilist. †
Café Catholica Lite returns Jan. 29
Archdiocesan Mass to honor Consecrated Life on Feb. 1, joining worldwide celebrations HOUSTON — On Sunday, Feb. 1, women and men in consecrated life will gather in celebration with Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez at an 11 a.m. Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in downtown Houston. The public is invited to attend. Pope Francis challenged consecrated men and women religious on the World Day of Consecrated Life in 2018: “We have to remember that we can never renew our encounter with the Lord without others; we can never leave others behind, never pass over generations, but must accompany one another daily, keeping the Lord always at the center. For if the young POPE LEO XIV are called to open new doors, the elderly hold the keys.” In Galveston-Houston, there are 370 women and at least 200 men in religious life — prophetic signs of God’s closeness, and eager to share their lives, hopes and joys at this time of celebration. Local religious serve in a wide variety of ministries: as priests, educators, ministers in health care, retreat work and spiritual direction, catechetical ministry, pastoral care, and services among the homebound, the poor and marginalized. In 1997, St. John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for
women and men in consecrated life. In October 2025, at the Jubilee for Consecrated Life, Pope Leo XIV praised the centuries of service that consecrated people have offered the Church, and thanked them for their hidden daily gestures to sustain the Church worldwide. “United with Him, and in Him with one another, your small lights become like the path of a luminous trail in the great plan of peace and salvation that God has for humanity,” he said. He also encouraged them to “return to the heart,” as the place where they rediscover the spark that ignited the beginnings of their history, entrusting to those who came before them a specific mission that endures and which is now entrusted to them. Pope Leo echoed Pope Francis, who wrote for the Year of Consecrated Life in 2014: Our hope “is not based on numbers or works, but on the One in whom we have placed our trust and for whom ‘nothing is impossible.’ This is the hope that does not disappoint, and that will allow consecrated life to continue writing a great story in the future, toward which we must keep our gaze, aware that it is toward this future that the Holy Spirit impels us to continue doing great things with us.” †
“United with Him, and in Him with one another, your small lights become like the path of a luminous trail in the great plan of peace and salvation that God has for humanity.”
HOUSTON — The Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministry will host the next Café Catholica Lite at Holy Family’s Parish Life Center in Galveston, located at 1525 25th St. in Galveston, on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Judge Stacy Allen Barrow of Harris County’s 487th Criminal District Court will speak on “Speak Truth, Judge Well, Make Peace: The Call to True Solidarity in Times of Division,” reflecting on unity, solidarity and Catholic social teaching. The evening includes snacks, a presentation, Q&A and prayer. Café Catholica helps young adults ages 18 to 39 encounter Christ and His Church. For more information, call 713-741-8778 or visit www.archgh.org/cafecatholica. †
Registration for Feb. 14 race continues
HOUSTON — Registration is open for the 21st Annual Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk, held Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston. The event raises funds and awareness for the network of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. The event will start with Mass at 7 a.m., followed by the presentation of the David Guite Spirit Award. The timed 5K race will begin at 8:30 a.m., and a post-race party will follow at the Catholic School Village in the Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Plaza. To register, visit www.steps4students.org. †
POPE’S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JANUARY FOR PRAYER WITH THE WORD OF GOD
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“Lord, may your Word never be absent from our lips or from our hearts — the Word that makes us sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, disciples and missionaries of your Kingdom. Make us a Church that prays with the Word, that is built upon it and shares it with joy, so that in every person the hope of a new world may be born again.” – Pope Leo XIV
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A springboard for Scripture-rich lives
Word of God Sunday is celebrated on the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, which falls on Jan. 25. ▪ SEE PAGE 12
Pope Leo to cardinals: ‘I am here to listen’ CONSISTORY, from page 1 “at fostering shared discernment and offering support and counsel to the Holy Father in the exercise of his high and weighty responsibility in governing the universal Church.” British Dominican Timothy Cardinal Radcliffe was expected to lead a meditation for cardinals at the opening of the consistory. The Vatican said Pope Leo would concelebrate a Jan. 8 Mass with the cardinals at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a morning and afternoon session. The cardinals reportedly were to discuss synodality as a means of effective collaboration with the pope, with discussion on the Liturgy as an important part of the meeting. As for the Church governance, “Praedicate Evangelium,” Pope Francis’ apostolic constitution on the Roman Curia and its service to the Church in the world, released in 2022, in discussion. The meetings took place behind closed doors. “The reform of the Roman Curia demands attention to, and appreciation for, yet another aspect of the mystery of the Church,” the constitution said, adding that, “in her, mission and communion” are
CNS PHOTO/POOL, CRISTIAN GENNARI AND VATICAN MEDIA
At left, ahead of the January extraordinary consistory, Pope Leo XIV prays with cardinals and bishops before the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica before solemnly closing it Jan. 6, marking the end of the Jubilee Year at the Vatican. At right, Pope Leo speaks to officials of the Roman Curia and the College of Cardinals during his annual pre-Christmas meeting with them in the Hall of Blessing above the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 22, 2025.
“closely united.” Pope Francis stressed in the constitution that “this life of communion makes the Church synodal; a Church marked by reciprocal listening.” With Pope Leo’s closing of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 6, the Jubilee Year of Hope that had been opened by Pope Francis on Dec. 24, 2024, came to an end, symbolically closing the era of Francis for the universal Church and opening an era of Leo — of which the
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consistory is seen as the beginning. While all cardinals were expected to attend the consistory starting Jan. 7, one notable absence was that of Venezuelan Baltazar Cardinal Porras, Archbishop Emeritus of Caracas, whose passport was confiscated in December and who was barred from traveling abroad. With 170 red hats present inVatican City, the extraordinary consistory of cardinals started with Veni Creator Spiritus sounding in the Synod Hall inside the Vatican City walls. They later moved to round tables in the Paul VI Audience Hall, where the cardinals held group discussions. Pope Leo XIV opened the extraordinary consistory reading the first paragraph of the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium. Reflecting on Vatican II, he said, “While centuries apart, we can say that the Holy Spirit inspired the same vision in the prophet and in the Council Fathers, namely the vision of the light of the Lord illuminating the holy city — first Jerusalem, then the Church. The guidance of this light enables all people to walk in the midst of the darkness of the world. What Isaiah announced figuratively, the Council recognizes in the fully revealed reality of Christ, the light of the nations.” Pope Leo XIV reflected on the evangelizing mission of the Church, noting that St. Paul VI and St. John Paul II
viewed it as rooted in Christ and radiating from salvation’s central event. He said Popes Benedict XVI and Francis summarized this vision as “attraction,” citing Benedict’s 2007 Aparecida homily: “The Church does not engage in proselytism. Instead, she grows by ‘attraction.’” Pope Leo urged attention to the “power” behind this movement, rooted in Christ’s love and sacrifice. “I am here to listen,” he told the cardinals, emphasizing listening as central to synodality, recalling lessons from the 2023 and 2024 Synod assemblies. He urged cardinals to view the day-anda-half meeting as a conversation, not a text, to guide the Church’s mission. “We are a very diverse group, enriched by a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, ecclesial and social traditions, formative and academic paths, pastoral experiences, not to mention personal characteristics and traits. We are called first to get to know one another and to dialogue, so that we may work together in serving the Church,” the pope said. Discussions took place in 20 groups of cardinals, each focused on two themes with priorities for the next one to two years. The pope called for concise interventions, mutual listening and openness to the Holy Spirit, saying collaboration and fraternity can “give rise to something new” for the Church’s future. †
IN BRIEF
What is a consistory?
VATICAN CITY (OSV News) — According to the Code of Canon Law, the College of Cardinals assists the pope “through collegial action in consistories in which they are gathered by order of the Roman Pontiff who presides.” In the Catholic Church, there are two types of consistories: an ordinary consistory and an extraordinary consistory. An ordinary consistory is largely ceremonial and attended by those cardinals residing in Rome. It is most commonly convoked when new cardinals are created or when candidates for sainthood are approved. However, the extraordinary consistory requires the participation of all cardinals from around the world and, according to canon law, “is celebrated when particular needs of the Church or the treatment of more grave affairs suggest it.” For context, St. John Paul II convoked six extraordinary consistories throughout his 26-year pontificate, while Pope Benedict XVI chose to hold consultative, all-day meetings with the cardinals on the eve of an ordinary consistory, holding three such meetings during his pontificate. In his 12-year pontificate, Pope Francis held only one extraordinary consistory on Feb. 20, 2014, that centered largely on family and marriage ahead of the Synod on the Family that same year. Like Benedict, Pope Francis also held a consultative meeting attached to an ordinary consistory in August 2022 to discuss the implementation of his apostolic constitution on the reform of the Roman Curia, “Praedicate Evangelium” (“Preach the Gospel”). †
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Pope Leo XIII introduced the practice in 1879 INTENTIONS, from page 1 be a convergence of power capable of lifting up mountains,” he said to the students.“Be missionaries already through your prayer, by the offering of your daily life. Your mission is here and now, in your studies and the little things of every day. In fulfilling it through being open to the will of God, you are already apostles who are helping the entire Church.” From the students’ own devotions and efforts, the Apostleship of Prayer grew beyond France and by 1849, the Apostleship of Prayer was recognized by Pope Pius IX. In 1879, Pope Leo XIII introduced the practice of a monthly prayer intention. Ever since, through the pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, popes continue to entrust to Catholics around the world their intentions, shared monthly, offering prayers for the needs of the Church and the world. In 2014, Pope Francis approved the Apostleship of Prayer’s new name and organization as the pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, which became an official Pontifical Work in 2018 and a Vatican Foundation in 2020. On Jan. 7, Vatican News said the new Pray with the Pope initiative offers “the intimate and universal prayer of the Pope in a new, sober, and powerful form,” serving as a visible sign of unity and communion. What began at a small French seminary has grown to a global prayer movement of more than 22 million people, sharing the pope’s prayer intentions in more than 90 countries. MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTIONS Each year, the pope asks for prayers for a specific intention each month. Local Catholics in Galveston-Houston are invited to answer the Holy Father’s request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this intention each month. From time to time, the Holy Father may add a second prayer intention related to current events or urgent needs, like disaster relief. The second prayer request will help mobilize prayer and action related to the urgent situation. Praying for the pope’s intentions is also part of the conditions required to receive a plenary indulgence. Here are the 12 papal intentions for 2026: JANUARY ● For prayer with the Word of God Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church. FEBRUARY ● For children with incurable diseases Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope. MARCH ● For disarmament and peace Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence. APRIL ● For priests in crisis Let us pray for priests going through
AT A GLANCE What are the pope’s monthly prayer intentions?
OSV NEWS PHOTO/GUGLIELMO MANGIAPANE, REUTERS
Pope Leo XIV waves to the faithful before leaving the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Dec. 30, 2025, to head back to the Vatican. Through 12 monthly prayer intentions, the pope serves as a compass, guiding a mission of compassion for the world and inviting the faithful to mobilize in prayer and service to address the great challenges facing humanity and the mission of the Church.
moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer. MAY ● That everyone might have food Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoiding wasting food, and to ensuring that everyone has access to quality food. JUNE ● For the values of sports Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity and personal growth.
Let us pray for families experiencing the absence of a mother or father, that they may find support and accompaniment in the Church, and help and strength in the faith during difficult times. These intentions offer Catholics a straightforward way to join the pope as he prays for the Church and the world. †
Pro-Life
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JULY ● For respect for human life Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God. AUGUST ● For evangelization in the city Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness, we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community. SEPTEMBER ● For the care of water Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it. OCTOBER ● For mental health ministry Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses. NOVEMBER ● For the proper use of wealth Let us pray for the proper use of wealth, that, not succumbing to the temptation of selfishness, it may always be put at the service of the common good and solidarity of those who have less. DECEMBER ● For single-parent families
Each year, the pope considers the works, joys and sufferings of the entire world and, through the pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, calls on people of goodwill to join him in prayer for 12 of the issues closest to his heart. Catholics everywhere are asked to unite in prayer for the year’s intentions entrusted to the Church by Pope Leo XIV. Praying with the pope in this way is a concrete act of service, because prayers make a difference in the world. Several resources help Catholics pray for these intentions: ● At popesprayer.va, you can follow prayers with the Pope himself by video and audio. The videos are available in English, Spanish and Italian. The website offers simple and accessible ways to pray anywhere at anytime on any device. ● The website clicktopray.org offers daily meditations and a phone app that features three prayer notifications daily to help bring users into prayer. ● Sign up for monthly email reminders at popesprayerusa.net/ popes-intentions. ● Prayer groups can also find monthly reflection and prayer guides at popesprayerusa.net/resources. Other resources are available at the same website. †
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Christians must resist allure of power, serve humanity, pope says at end of Holy Year U.S. bishops underscore virtue of hope as 2025 Jubilee Year closes in dioceses VATICAN CITY (CNS/OSV News) — The powerful and violent cannot control, suppress or commodify God’s grace, friendship and will to usher in a new dawn, Pope Leo XIV said. “Around us, a distorted economy tries to profit from everything. We see how the marketplace can turn human yearnings of seeking, traveling and beginning again into a mere business,” he said, celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany, and officially closing the celebration of the Holy Year dedicated to hope. “Let us ask ourselves: has the Jubilee taught us to flee from this type of efficiency that reduces everything to a product and human beings to consumers?” he asked. “After this year, will we be better able to recognize a pilgrim in the visitor, a seeker in the stranger, a neighbor in the foreigner and fellow travelers in those who are different?” Before the Mass, the pope, cardinals and bishops present in Rome, gathered in the atrium of the basilica and gave thanks to God for the gifts received during the Holy Year. Dozens of the world’s cardinals were in Rome to attend the pope’s first extraordinary consistory from Jan. 7 to 8, to pray, support and advise the pope on the life and mission of the Church. Pope Leo went to the threshold of the Holy Door and pulled each side shut. The door will be sealed until the next Holy Year, which is likely to be 2033, the 2,000th anniversary of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
CNS PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA
Pope Leo XIV closes the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 6 at the Vatican, marking the official end of the Jubilee Year.
While the last of the Holy Doors in the city was closing, “the gate” of God’s mercy will never be shut, Pope Leo said before shutting the door. God “will always sustain the weary, raise up those who have fallen,” and offer “good things” to those who place their trust in Him. In his homily, Pope Leo compared the millions of men and women who came to Rome on pilgrimage to modern-day Magi, “who left palace and temple behind” in search of a new “king,” which they found in the baby Jesus in a humble grotto in
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Bethlehem. “Yes, the Magi still exist today. They are the people who sense the need to go out and search, accepting the risks associated with their journey, especially in a troubled world like ours that may be unpleasant and dangerous in many ways,” he said. However, Pope Leo cautioned, today’s seekers must encounter in today’s churches and sacred places the same humble source of life, hope and joy that the Magi encountered in Bethlehem. “How important it is that those who pass through the doors of the church perceive therein that the Messiah has just been born, that a community gathers in which hope springs forth, and that a story of life is unfolding!” he said. “Jesus encountered and allowed himself to be approached by all people,” he said, because “the Lord wants his presence to grow among us as God-withus.”
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of the Holy Family Dec. 28 marked the closing of diocesan celebrations of the Jubilee Year of Hope, which began at the Vatican Dec. 24, 2024. Bishops opened the year in their dioceses Dec. 29, 2024. In the U.S., bishops gave thanks for the graces of the Holy Year and reflected on the importance of hope. Pope Francis assigned the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” to the ordinary Jubilee Year in “Spes Non Confundit,” a declaration known as a papal bull, announcing the Holy Year issued May 9, 2024. The Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston marked the end of the Jubilee Year on Dec. 28 with Masses celebrated by Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez and Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston and St. Mary Cathedral Basilica in Galveston. In Houston, the Mass was packed, with more than 1,200 in attendance, many standing along the sides of the co-cathedral. In his homily, Archbishop Vásquez quoted Pope Leo, who Dec. 20 said that “the hope this year has given us does not end.” See JUBILEE, page 9
PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD
Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez delivers the homily as he celebrates the closing Mass of the Jubilee Year on Dec. 28 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston.
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JANUARY 13, 2026 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
texas catholic herald 7
Dumalet: ‘Abortion remains a problem in our communities’ PRO-LIFE, from page 1 said, “Abortion remains a significant problem for Texas families. Although many brick-and-mortar clinics have closed, the abortion industry remains present and has simply gone underground in our state.” “As Catholics, we need to improve our messaging to and support for our young people and families: ensuring them that we will be with them to prevent unplanned pregnancies and walk with them through crisis pregnancies,” Dumalet said. We continue to see young Catholic women in post-abortion healing ministries, even after Dobbs. Many say they didn’t feel they could tell their families about their pregnancy, but afterwards wished they’d turned to them for support before making an abortion decision. How can we encourage these family conversations before a decision is made?” Cynthia Renaudo, MS, LPC, lead facilitator of Project Rachel retreats with the Archdiocese, offers mental and spiritual support for women healing from abortion, with a retreat scheduled for the end of February for those interested in registering. “We are seeing an increase in chemical abortion drugs through mail order, which people may think is easy. But the pain can be excruciating, plus they can be alone at home and passing the baby into the toilet,” Renaudo said. “Even once surviving that ordeal, there is no getting past the trauma. It’s something we bury until we deal with it,” she, a survivor of two abortions when she was younger, added. Also working with Project Rachel is deacon candidate Matt Womack, father of seven children, whose diaconate pastoral assignment is with the Archdiocese’s pro-life office. “It’s really important work. We live in such a throw-away culture, but life is so precious from newborns to the elderly to those without resources,” he said. With his children ranging from 18 years old to three years old, Womack said he saw his responsibility grow to guide his four daughters and three sons after helping with the retreat and witnessing the damage that abortion does to the child, the mother and family. “When I got home from the retreat, and we were together at dinner, I told them all that whatever happens, we are there for them. They are loved and have a home, no matter what, and that God loves them,”Womack said. The children responded, “Aww, Dad, are you ok?” he said. “I couldn’t tell them any specifics of the retreat, bound by confidentiality. But I asked them to be
TAKE ACTION AT THE CAPITOL The annual Texas Rally for Life will take place in Austin on Jan. 24. Thousands of Texans will march to commemorate the reversal of Roe v. Wade and stand for the dignity of every human life. At least eight parishes across the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in different regions are organizing buses for participants. For details or to register, contact your parish and visit www.archgh. org/prolife for a list of parishes participating.
OSV NEWS PHOTO/EVELYN HOCKSTEIN, REUTERS
A doctor carries mifepristone, the first of two drugs used either in a medication-based abortion or in some miscarriage care protocols, to a patient waiting in an exam room at a women’s clinic in Illinois. Despite the abortion ban in Texas, recent numbers suggest that Texas women and their children continue to fall victim to abortion at pre-2022 rates due to the presence of clinics in neighboring states and illegal provision of chemical abortion pills across state lines.
patient, be kind and compassionate in their interactions with others.” Data gathered by Charlotte Lozier Institute shows that 1.1 million abortions were performed in the formal U.S. health care system from July 2023 to June 2024. Research shows thousands upon thousands of “self-managed” druginduced abortions occur outside the formal health care system. Three years after the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling overturned Roe v. Wade, Texans make up a big part of out-of-state abortion travel, primarily to New Mexico, which still allows abortions, research shows. According to the Guttmacher Institute, more than 35,000 Texans went to another state to get an abortion in 2023 compared to 2,400 in 2019. The #WeCount research project with the Society of Family Planning found the number of abortions nationally has stayed fairly consistent from before Dobbs, even as 14 states have banned abortions. But teen pregnancies have shown an uptick for the first time in decades. Dumalet said, “We need to bring awareness that abortion remains a problem in our communities, and we as a Church need to continue and expand our support for expectant mothers and families.” In addition to supporting mothers and families through the Gabriel Project and sponsoring retreats for women and men
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with Project Rachel, the pro-life office is creating a parish workshop to support teens, young adults and families in situations of unplanned pregnancy and encourage good communication, which will be available through Capernaum online early this year. “The workshop is intended for parishes, pastors, youth ministers and
others who can speak to our young people and their parents about the importance of family and the beauty of the call to family,” she said. “We regularly encourage teens to plan for college or a future career. We should encourage similar, frequent discussions about preparing to eventually be a good spouse and a good parent.” The Archdiocese will offer Rachel’s Vineyard retreats in English and in Spanish in February and April, respectively. Individuals interested in learning about upcoming retreats or other pro-life programming should contact the Office of Pro-Life Activities at 713-741-3443 or visit www.archgh.org/ prolife. †
8 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD LOCAL
ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 13, 2026
The River Jordan and the Dead Sea: A lesson in stewardship High in the northern mountains of Israel, the snow rests gently upon the peaks of Mount Hermon. When spring arrives, that snow begins to melt, and the cold, clear water starts its long journey downward through the rocky slopes. It trickles into small rivulets, gathers into streams and finally forms one of the most famous rivers in Scripture — the River Jordan. The Jordan is a river full of life and movement. As it flows southward through the land, it nourishes everything in its path. Along its banks, trees grow tall, crops flourish, animals drink and communities thrive. The water that began high on Mount Hermon has become a source of life and vitality for an entire region. The Jordan River receives water, but it doesn’t keep it for itself. It passes that gift on, sharing what it has received so freely from above. Eventually, the Jordan empties into the Dead Sea. At first glance, the Dead Sea is stunning. Its deep blue surface reflects the sky beautifully, and its
mineral-rich waters shimmer in the sunlight. But underneath that beauty lies a sad reality: nothing lives there. No fish swim in its depths; no plants grow along its shores. It is, quite literally, dead. by And the reason is FATHER TOM simple. The Dead Sea PONZINI receives, but it does not give. It takes in the fresh, living water of the Jordan River, but it has no outlet. There is no stream flowing onward, no way for the water to continue its life-giving journey. So, the water sits. The sun beats down, the heat causes the water to evaporate, and what remains is water heavy with salt and minerals, too harsh to support life. The River Jordan and the Dead Sea are both fed by the same source. They both receive the same water from Mount Hermon. Yet one is life-giving, while the
other is stagnant and lifeless. The difference lies not in what they receive, but in what they give (adapted from a traditional Christian illustration comparing the River Jordan and the Dead Sea. Original author unknown). This simple geographical truth carries a profound spiritual message. It’s a picture of what God intends for each of us. Everything we have — our faith, our talents, our resources, even our breath — is a gift that flows down from the mountain of God’s grace. We are not the source; we are the channels. When we receive God’s blessings and allow them to flow through us to others, our lives become fresh, moving and alive, like the River Jordan. But when we hold on tightly to what we have been given, refusing to share or to serve, we become full, but lifeless, like the Dead Sea. This is the essence of Christian stewardship. Stewardship is not merely about financial giving, though that is one important expression of it. True stewardship is a way of life. It is the recognition that everything belongs to God, and that we are entrusted with His gifts for a purpose. We are called to receive gratefully, manage responsibly and share generously. Think about how Jesus lived. His entire life was one of giving. He received everything from the Father — love, power, mission — and He poured it out for us. On the cross, He gave completely, holding nothing back. That is the heart of stewardship: to live in such a way that
our lives, like His, are poured out for the good of others. When we live with open hands and open hearts, something beautiful happens. Our generosity multiplies life. Our time given in service becomes someone’s encouragement. Our resources given in faith become someone’s hope. Our kindness shared freely becomes a reflection of God’s own love. In giving, we ourselves become more alive, more joyful, more free. But when we clutch tightly and insist on keeping what we have for ourselves, we begin to stagnate. Our spiritual lives can grow dry and heavy, weighed down by self-protection and fear. Just as the Dead Sea grows bitter by holding everything in, our souls grow weary when they stop giving. God’s invitation to us is simple yet life-changing: be a river, not a reservoir. Let the grace you receive flow through you. Let your life bless others. Be generous with your love, your time, your forgiveness and your gifts. The same water that flows from the mountain of God’s mercy into your life is meant to flow outward to your family, your parish, your community and beyond. When we live this way, we become fully alive. We become like the River Jordan, fed by the ultimate Source, our loving God, flowing with life and leaving behind a trail of blessings wherever we go. † Father Thomas V. Ponzini is the pastor at Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
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IN BRIEF Jan. 22 Mass and Holy Hour marks National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn
HOUSTON — The Archdiocese will observe the National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn on Jan. 22 with a Mass and holy hour at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, located at 6800 Buffalo Speedway in Houston. Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez will be the principal celebrant for the 6 p.m. Mass, followed by a holy hour. The event invites Catholics to pray for the cause of life, commemorate lives lost to abortion and give thanks for the Dobbs decision. For details and other information about pro-life activities, call the Office of Pro-Life Activities at 713-440-3443 or visit www.archgh.org/prolife. †
Late January second collection supports Church in Latin America HOUSTON — Since 1965, Catholics in the U.S. have built relationships of unity and love with Catholics in Central and South America and the islands of the Caribbean through their participation in the annual special collection for the Church in Latin America. On the weekend of Jan. 24 to 25, Archdiocesan parishes will take up this collection in order to support ministries that bring Christ’s mercy to prisoners, train catechists in remote rural areas, and build up pastoral programs that address the crucial needs of refugees and victims of natural disasters. In 2024, gifts to the Collection for the Church in Latin America from Catholics in dioceses across the U.S. enabled the U.S. bishops to distribute 344 grants totaling just over $8 million. Those gifts are creating greater opportunities to bring people to Christ and are empowering them to go forth with God’s help to build a better community and world. Nearly 90 grants, totaling more than $1.6 million, supported formation and education programs for priests, permanent deacons, seminarians, and consecrated men and women religious. More than 240 grants, totaling more than $5.4 million, funded evangelization, catechesis, and religious education ministries for prisoners, university students, and people from a range of ethnic
groups as well as pro-life, marriage, family life and youth ministries. Ahead of the recent events in Venezuela, years of economic and political hardship in the country have led working-age adults to emigrate — including parents who have exited the country but left their children with relatives. This poverty also prevents young people from learning their Catholic faith from catechists at the parish level, while the educational system lacks programs that pass along the faith in schools. To counter this phenomenon, the Archdiocese of Caracas, Venezuela, used valuable assistance provided by the Collection for the Church in Latin America to train three priests and 73 catechists in parish ministries that help adolescents between 11 and 17 years of age to encounter Christ in prayer, read Scripture, participate in community prayer and liturgical celebrations, and use digital media as a method of evangelization. Support for the Collection for the Church in Latin America helps Catholics in the U.S. to share their faith with their brothers and sisters in Central and South America and the Caribbean. For more information about the USCCB’s work with the Church in Latin America and around the world, visit usccb.org/LatinAmerica. †
texas catholic herald 9
JUBILEE, from page 6 A jubilee year, also known as a holy year, is ordinarily held every 25 years as a time of repentance and mercy. It includes pilgrimages, especially to Rome. Over the course of the year, millions of pilgrims visited Rome to walk through Holy Doors designated at the city’s four major basilicas: St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome. Some planned their travels to coincide with particular Vatican celebrations, such as of youth, families and athletes, designed to include an audience with the pope. Before his final illness and death in April 2025, Pope Francis greeted communication professionals gathered in January for the Jubilee of the World of Communication. After his election in May 2025, Pope Leo XIV continued to hold audiences with jubilee event attendees. Meanwhile, dioceses worldwide designated holy sites, including their cathedrals, as local pilgrimage designations for the Holy Year. VATICAN SEES RECORD NUMBER OF VISITORS DURING JUBILEE YEAR, OFFICIALS SAY An estimated 33 million visitors and pilgrims came to the Vatican to celebrate the Jubilee Year, exceeding early forecasts, Vatican officials said Jan. 5. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization’s section for new evangelization and chief organizer of the 2025 Holy Year, said the figure is based on estimates from a study by Roma Tre University, online registrations for the Holy Year, and the number of people who passed through the Holy Doors of Rome’s major basilicas and attended
OSV NEWS PHOTO/RICCARDO ANTIMIANI, POOL VIA REUTERS
Baldassare Cardinal Reina, archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran, closes the basilica’s Holy Door, as part of the end of the Jubilee Year, in Rome Dec. 27, 2025.
papal events. By the time the Holy Year ended Jan. 6, he said, at least 33 million people will have taken part, which breaks down to more than 90,000 people a day. The period with the most pilgrims in Rome was during the Jubilee of Young People from July 21 to Aug. 10, which registered more than 13 million people. Early estimates had expected that the Jubilee Year would bring 30 million to 35 million visitors to the Vatican. The city saw about 22 million people come to Rome in 2024, Roberto Gualtieri, mayor of Rome, said during the news conference. Based on data collected solely from registered pilgrims, visitors from the U.S. ranked second only to Italy, accounting for nearly 13% of the total number of registered visitors, Archbishop Fisichella said. Pilgrims from more than 185 countries participated in the Jubilee Year. †
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EDUCATION NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
SIGNING HOPE
Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Government requirements fulfilling Non-Discriminatory Compliance are published annually in January in the Texas Catholic Herald. This notice suffices for schools whose student population is at least 75% Catholic during the preceding three years. Schools that do not meet the three year, 75% test have to advertise in media (print or broadcast) of general circulation. The Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston admits students of any race to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to the student body. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color and national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school administered programs. (POLICY: 652.1)
THIS POLICY APPLIES TO ALL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
— ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS — HARRIS COUNTY – Houston
St. Mary Magdalene School, Humble St. Martha School, Kingwood St. Edward School, Spring St. Anne School, Tomball
Assumption School Christ the Redeemer School Corpus Christi School Duchesne Academy Epiphany of the Lord School Holy Ghost School Our Lady of Guadalupe School The Regis School Resurrection School St. Ambrose School St. Anne School St. Augustine School St. Catherine’s Montessori School St. Cecilia School St. Christopher School St. Clare of Assisi School St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School St. Francis de Sales School St. Jerome School St. John Paul II School St. Mary of the Purification School St. Michael School St. Rose of Lima School St. Theresa School St. Thomas More School St. Vincent de Paul School
BRAZORIA COUNTY
St. Helen School, Pearland Our Lady Queen of Peace School, Richwood
FORT BEND COUNTY
Epiphany of the Lord School, Katy Holy Rosary School, Rosenberg St. Laurence School, Sugar Land St. Theresa School, Sugar Land
GALVESTON COUNTY
True Cross School, Dickinson Holy Family School, Galveston Our Lady of Lourdes School, Hitchcock St. Mary School, League City Our Lady of Fatima School, Texas City
GRIMES COUNTY
School of Environmental Education, Plantersville
HARRIS COUNTY – Outside of Houston St. Joseph School, Baytown Sacred Heart School, Crosby Our Lady of Fatima School, Galena Park
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Sacred Heart School, Conroe St. Anthony of Padua School, The Woodlands
— SECONDARY SCHOOLS — HARRIS COUNTY
Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory of Houston Duchesne Academy Frassati Catholic High School Incarnate Word Academy St. Agnes Academy St. Catherine’s Montessori School St. John XXIII College Preparatory
St. Peter Catholic High School St. Pius X High School St. Thomas High School Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
GALVESTON COUNTY
O’Connell College Preparatory School, Galveston
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ASL club unites bilingual students at Holy Ghost
HOUSTON — Barbara Baltazar, who teaches third and fourth grade at Holy Ghost School, started the American Sign Language (ASL) Club for third and fourth graders. She was inspired to start the organization because her only child, Gracie, was born deaf. Baltazar taught Gracie that being deaf is not a deficit but a gift to behold. Today, Gracie has a master’s degree and teaches at a deaf school. The ASL Club meets after school once a week. The program works with Baltazar and music teacher, Paul Hanak, to sing and sign hymns at school Mass. In November, they participated in the viewing of a long-time parishioner, singing and signing for the family. In December, the ASL Club, the second-grade Nativity, and the elementary choir visited two nursing homes and the local bank to perform. They also performed at the school’s Christmas program. Due to the program, Holy Ghost School is now a trilingual school — English, Spanish and ASL. †
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JANUARY 13, 2026 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
YOUTH Faith Without Fear: The beauty of middle school ministry One of the things I love most about middle schoolers is the natural way their minds pendulum from one topic to the next. No other age group can move so effortlessly from deep, insightful questions to uncontrollable laughter in the span of about three seconds. Middle school youth ministry dwells in that space of change — and that’s exactly where its beauty lies. Middle school students are wonderfully unfinished. They are just beginning to show the first signs of the person God is forming them to be as an adult. They ask big questions, often with shockingly disarming honesty: Why does God let bad things happen? Does God really hear my prayers? Do I have to sing that song again? Did you get that haircut on purpose? These questions aren’t signs of insincerity or rudeness; they’re signs of intrigue and authenticity. They want to know the truth but haven’t yet learned to coat that desire with courtesy. As adults, it can be tempting to gloss over these years because of how awkward they can be. I encourage you, however, not to view middle school as a
waiting room. It is sacred ground. Research has shown that if a young person makes a conscious faith decision during this time, he or she is more likely to stay connected to their faith through by high school, college BRIAN and early adulthood. HENRITZE There is also much that we, as “mature” adults, can learn from middle schoolers. They can help us rediscover how to live with joy and authenticity. They are not afraid to pray out loud, to serve generously or to show enthusiasm for the little things in life. They are quick to forgive, eager to belong, and deeply moved when they realize they are known and loved by God. Their faith is not yet perfect or polished, and for that, it is all the more beautiful. It reminds all of us that God meets us exactly where we are, not where we think we should be. Youth ministry at this age is less about having all the answers and more
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about creating space; space to encounter Christ, space to ask questions, space to laugh and space to grow. It’s about trusted adults who show up consistently, listen attentively and model what it looks like to follow Jesus imperfectly but sincerely. Your encouragement to the middle schooler in your life matters more than you know. When you ask about their faith life, attend Mass together, pray before meals or show interest in the things they’re wrestling with, you reinforce the message that faith is not just something we do on Sundays — it’s who we are. One of the great joys of middle school youth ministry is seeing young people discover that they are not alone. Christianity is not meant to be lived in isolation, and gatherings beyond the parish help them see that the Church is big, diverse, joyful and alive. That’s why we are especially excited to invite our middle school youth to the annual Archdiocesan Junior High Youth Rally on Feb. 28. This year’s theme, “Without Fear,” will invite young people to trust God’s presence in the midst of
both joy and uncertainty. Through prayer, engaging speakers, music and community, the rally will remind our youth that God walks with them, no matter what they’re facing. I encourage you to reach out to your parish youth ministry or faith formation director to inquire about attending with your community. Middle schoolers grow up fast. Between the business of school, sports and other activities, it is important that they have a place where they are welcomed, celebrated and reminded of God’s love. A place where laughter, questions, friendships and community allow them to catch a glimpse of the Church as it truly is. For the Church is now, and always has been, a place of life, a place of joy and a place of peace. We hope you’ll encourage the middle schoolers in your life to actively journey the path of faith without fear. †
Brian Henritze is an associate director with the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization.
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12 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 13, 2026
COLUMNISTS
The courage to speak
Spanish is not my first language (for those who are native Spanish speakers, this will become very evident if you read this article in Spanish on page 17.) I studied for many years in school and college, and I use Spanish a lot in my work in the Archdiocese. But it is very difficult for me. When I give talks, I always start with, “Thank you for your patience with my Spanish.” People are very patient with me. They understand how difficult it is to speak a language you didn’t learn as a child. A big problem for me is the verbs. I cannot conjugate them in the past, nor the future, nor most of the 16 tenses that exist in Spanish grammar. When I speak in Spanish, I only use the present tense. For this reason, my life feels much smaller in Spanish. In English, I say, “I have lived in Houston all of my life.” But
in Spanish, “Soy de Houston” (I am from Houston). In English, “I met my husband when I was nine years old. We have been married 26 years.” In Spanish, “Estoy casada” (I am married). by My grammatical AMY limitations mean that I AUZENNE am much more “present” in Spanish. I have to listen attentively to what is being said and think deeply before I respond. I have to use my words carefully. My thoughts are just as fast, but my words are slower. This experience of feeling my life both smaller and yet more present in Spanish makes me think about the
courage I see in my migrant brothers and sisters during this uncertain time. Elements of our government want to shrink their existence in our communities, even DACA recipients who have known no other home but the U.S. They want to make us believe that these young adults — many of whom work in our parishes and in our chancery offices — have no future in our country. I encourage all Catholics and people of goodwill to learn more about the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in Texas v. United States and the efforts of our state government to revoke the work status of nearly 90,000 DACA recipients in Texas. As our bishops noted in their November 5, 2025, statement, such action would force DACA recipients (including those working in our parishes and ministries) to abandon their homes,
livelihoods and communities where they have lived most of their lives. The bishops conclude their statement with a clear call to accompany those who are impacted by this injustice: “We want to say unequivocally to all our immigrant sisters and brothers, and in a particular way to those who arrived as children: We have heard your cries. We are with you in these difficult days.” May the Lord give us the kind of courage that opens hearts and minds, that stands with our bishops as they speak truth to power, and that builds bridges instead of walls. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. † Amy Auzenne is the director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.
Hope and renewal Clutching my worn rosary beads, weaving between clusters of tourists on Rome’s ancient cobblestones, I’m suddenly snapped back to reality by the wail of police sirens. Sometimes it’s hard to believe I’m here at all. Is this a dream? Am I really in the Eternal City, walking the same streets as countless saints and witnesses of faith? Being in Rome, even for just a day, let alone during a Jubilee Year, once felt as unlikely as stepping onto another planet. Yet here I am. This isn’t luck or coincidence; I know, deep down, God meant for me to be here in this season of my life. It’s a gift, one I hold with a sense of awe and gratitude. Each day I pass through the Imperial Forum on my way to class, brushing by ruins and statues that once seemed worlds away yet now rise up greeting me like dear, old friends. Somehow, I have easy access to St. Peter’s Basilica and all the churches of Rome, places where the saints once walked and prayed under the same vaulted ceilings.
Each church building passes on a legacy of faith that seems to reach across centuries and is now deeply woven through my own life. Last December, someone asked, “Sister, what brings you to Rome this year, of all years?” I still think about that question. Is it my mother’s gentle faith rooted in her conversion? Or the legacy of my ancestor, St. Da Minh Nhi, who was martyred for his faith in 19thcentury Vietnam? Maybe it’s the courage of my parents, who left their home behind in search of freedom. Or perhaps my provincial’s willing response to my request? The truth is, it’s all of these — and something much more. I can only call it grace. After several challenging years in ministry, I arrived in Rome on Oct. 3, 2024, feeling both excited and utterly exhausted. It was my first time living abroad, far from my family and my religious community. Everything was foreign — the language, the rhythm of life, even the city itself, cloaked in
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scaffolding and dust as it prepared for the Jubilee. In a way, that mess reflected what I felt deep down inside. But as the year unfolded, change quietly took root. Rome’s statues and fountains emerged from their scaffolding, restored to their original splendor, just as pilgrims from all over the world began arriving for the Jubilee celebrations, Pope Francis’ funeral, the Conclave and the historic election of the first pontiff from the U.S., Pope Leo XIV. I found myself swept up in history, witnessing moments I never imagined I would see with my own eyes. I never imagined I’d study at the Angelicum, where so many great theologians learned and taught, pray in Gemelli Hospital, or join the nightly candlelit rosaries in St. Peter’s Square as Pope Francis battled his final illness. I never pictured myself in the crowd beneath the Sistine Chapel, waiting and watching for the white smoke. Nor could I ever have imagined feeling my own tears of joy and hope welling up within me and in all the faces around me — a sign that transformation was happening, both in the Church and within my own soul. I certainly am not the same person
who first stepped onto the cobblestones and roads in Rome. I am now able to confidently cross Rome’s busy streets without fear. My spirit is lighter, and my heart feels full again. The classes, the friendships and the living witness of the saints have renewed me. Most of all, I’m grateful for the slow, quiet healing that’s come through prayer, rest and the simple gift of being in the Eternal City. So, what brought me to Rome? It is simply God’s faithful love and grace unbounded. My heart has been renewed and transformed because I am a living witness to God leading me to places I never expected, at precisely the right moment, and the right time. May we all be renewed by this past Jubilee Year of Hope, with the same love I have found deep within the heart of our Catholic Church. Amen. † Sister Bernadette Nguyen, O.P., shared her story as part of the “Flourishing Sisterhood” project, an initiative of the Loyola Institute for Ministry in New Orleans. To learn more about the Institute and this project, visit cnh.loyno. edu/lim.
JANUARY 18 First Reading: Is 49:3, 5-6
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 40:2, 4, 7-10
Second Reading: 1 Cor 1:1-3
Gospel: Jn 1:29-34
JANUARY 25 First Reading: Is 8:23-9:3
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14
Second Reading: 1 Cor 1:10-13, 17
Gospel: Mt 4:12-23
COLUMNISTS
JANUARY 13, 2026 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
texas catholic herald 13
New year, new you? We are already a few weeks into the new year, yet it somehow feels as though it just began. The calendar has turned, the decorations have been put away, and ordinary life has resumed, but I’ll bet many of us are still trying to catch our breath. Like many people, I tend to make New Year’s Resolutions, and like many people, I already feel behind. It’s not that I’ve already given up on my resolutions; rather, I feel like the year started so quickly that I didn’t even get a chance to start. And so now I think about the things that I hoped to do in the new year and feel like I’m already behind. New Year’s resolutions can feel a bit arbitrary, and it is important to acknowledge that. Still, it is a good and healthy thing to set goals and challenges for ourselves. It can be particularly
helpful to attach those goals to a big event, like the start of a new year, to add some motivation and focus. However, there is a danger here as well. The very goals that were meant to inspire us and lead us toward by growth can slowly turn FATHER into burdens. Instead of TUCKER lifting us up, they can REDDING, SJ begin to weigh us down. Our faith also sets great goals and challenges before us. We are called to holiness, to conversion of heart, to love God and neighbor more deeply. This should be a joyful and hopeful reality. It reminds us of the goodness God has placed within us and of our capacity, with His grace, to grow. Yet even in our
spiritual lives, these goals can sometimes feel heavy. What should encourage us can become a source of discouragement when we focus more on our shortcomings than on God’s mercy. Hope can shift to despair. Often, the harshest judge we face is ourselves. Just as with New Year’s resolutions, when it comes to growing in our faith, it is frequently our own expectations that we fail to meet. We imagine what a “better” or “holier” version of ourselves should look like, and when we fall short, we respond with frustration or shame. But growth in any way, especially in our faith, is rarely quick or linear. It is shaped by patience, perseverance and grace. Our journey of faith must always be motivated by love and hope, not by fear and shame. God does not invite us to change to earn His love; rather, He
invites us to grow more fully in His love. Each step forward, no matter how small, matters. Each step brings us closer to the One who loves us dearly. Let us use this time of resolutions to see the ways that we need to grow in our faith and take steps to grow closer to God. Do we need to pray more? Learn more? Serve more? Set realistic goals for yourself, remembering that every step, even a small one, is important. Let it be a positive experience, filled with hope. There is nothing wrong with striving to be a “new you.” But remember this: God loves the old you, too. He walks with you not only at the finish line, but also at the starting point — and every step in between. † Father Tucker Redding, SJ, is the director and chaplain at the Rice Catholic Student Center.
Opening Our Hearts to the Word: Celebrating the Sunday of the Word of God In a few days, the Church will celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God, the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, which this year falls on Jan. 25. Instituted by Pope Francis in his 2019 apostolic letter Aperuit Illis, this day invites us to celebrate, study and share Sacred Scripture, recognizing it as the living voice of the Risen Christ opening our minds (Lk 24:45). Coming soon after the Christmas season and the close of the Jubilee Year, it’s a perfect moment to let “the word of Christ dwell richly among you” (Col 3:16), enriching our liturgical lives. In the Liturgy, Scripture isn’t just read — it’s proclaimed with dignity. We highlight the words of Christ by processing with the Book of the Gospels amid candles and incense, enthroning it
on the altar, and greeting it with sung meaningful. of our parish readers don’t read acclamations. The Responsorial Psalm Try lectio divina. Scripture beyond what they read at becomes a prayerful, melodic response Read slowly (lectio), Mass. Readers could easily get together to God’s love. Through these gestures, reflect on what to have a Bible study, and help them symbols and acclamations, we’re drawn resonates (meditatio), reflect on the words they will be into God’s saving story. This elevates the respond in prayer proclaiming in the Mass. We could Liturgy of the Word, fostering deeper (oratio) and rest in organize Holy Hours with proclaimed participation and spiritual enrichment. God’s presence Scripture. As Pope Francis suggested, we Yet our encounter with Sacred Scripture (contemplatio). If could distribute Bibles at Mass. by shouldn’t end at Mass. Pope Francis families can dedicate 15 This day isn’t a one-off celebration, ADAM wanted the engagement with Sacred to 20 minutes weekly, but an annual invitation to let God’s BRILL Scripture to permeate our lives. this goes a long way. You word transform us. By engaging actively, One practice suggested is to start at can easily open up to we deepen liturgical understanding, home by enthroning the Bible. Place the the Sunday Gospel, read encounter Christ anew, and build Bishop Italo Dell’Oro aloud, invitesshare you“What to a word morning of discovery and pastoral dialogue. Bible prominently on a decorated shelf stands out?” hopeful communities. Let’s make Jan. 25 with flowers and a candle, maybe even and pray together. Even with children, a springboard for Scripture-rich lives in Mental challenges all of us—personally or through the lives more visible than the TV, showing God at theirhealth imaginations sparkaffect beautiful our Archdiocese! † the center of your family. Simple rituals,of our insights. loved ones. Let's join as a community for a vital, compassionate like the one from the USCCB website, Join or start parish Bible studies. It Adam Brill is the director of the Office discussion that equips us to be places of healing and hope. This can be used to help make the ritual would be interesting to know how many of Worship. gathering will deepen our understanding of mental health, while opening a fruitful dialogue for a Catholic pastoral approach to mental health.
Healing and Hope
Mental Health Ministry in our Parishes
Healing and Hope
Mental Health Ministry in our Parishes
Bishop Italo Dell’Oro invites you to a morning of discovery and pastoral dialogue.
Healing and Hope
Mental health challenges affect all of us—personally or through the lives
Featuring DeaconofEd Shoener, Founder of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. our loved ones. Let's join as a community for a vital, compassionate He will enhance our understanding of: us to be places of healing and hope. This discussion that equips
gathering will deepen our understanding of mental health, while opening Mental Health Literacy: Understand the mental continuum recognize a fruitful dialogue for a Catholic pastoralhealth approach to mentaland health. common challenges (like depression and anxiety) in clear, compassionate language.
Mental Health Ministry in our Parishes
Featuring Deacon Ed Shoener, Founder International Association ofpastoral Catholic Mental Health Bishop Italo Dell’Oro invites you toof athe morning of discovery and dialogue. Suicide Awareness and Available Support: Recognize warning signs and be equipped Featuring Deacon Ed Shoener, Founder of Catholic Mental HealthMinisters Ministers. with where to find local and national professional and crisis resources. He will enhance our understanding of:loved ones. Let’s join as a Mental Health challenges affect all of us—personally or through the lives of our Mental healthdiscussion challenges affect allus oftous—personally or through the community for a vital, compassionate that equips be places of accompaniment withlives hope.Embrace This talka Catholic perspective The Health Role of Literacy: Faith andUnderstand Community in mental Mental Health: Mental health continuum and recognize of our loved ones. Let's join as a community for a vital, the compassionate will enhance our understanding of mental health and vital the roledignity of faith and community. Topics mental health language. literacy, suicide thatthe affirms of every person and emphasizes over judgment. common challenges (like depression and anxiety) in include clear, accompaniment compassionate discussion that equips us to be places of healing and hope. This awareness and the role of faith and community in mental health. gathering will deepen our understanding of mental health, while opening Suicide Awareness and Available Support: Recognize warning signs and be equipped a fruitful dialogue forwith a Catholic approach toprofessional mental health. St. Vincent de Church where to pastoral findPaul local Catholic and national and crisis resources.
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ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 13, 2026
WORLD
New year marks time to usher in era of peace, friendship among all people, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The world is not saved by threatening violence or by judging, oppressing or getting rid of others, Pope Leo XIV said. “Rather, it is saved by tirelessly striving to understand, forgive, liberate and welcome everyone, without calculation and without fear,” the pope said during Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica for the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and World Peace Day Jan. 1. Therefore, at the beginning of a new year with “new and unique days that await us, let us ask the Lord to help us experience at every moment, around us and upon us, the warmth of His fatherly embrace and the light of His benevolent gaze,” he said in his homily. The Mass marked the 59th World Day of Peace celebrated by the Church. The pope’s message for the world day, published in December, was dedicated to the humble, “unarmed and disarming” peace of the risen Christ who loves unconditionally. Thousands of people were present in the basilica for the celebration on New Year’s Day, including young people dressed as the three kings who visited Jesus. In his homily, Pope Leo reflected on the mystery of Mary’s divine motherhood,
CNS PHOTO
Pope Leo XIV receives the offertory gifts from children dressed as the Magi during Mass for the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and World Peace Day in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Jan. 1.
which “helped give a human face to the source of all mercy and benevolence: the face of Jesus. Through His eyes — first as a child, then as a young man and as an adult — the Father’s love reaches us and transforms us.” By being born of Mary in a grotto, he said, “God presents Himself to us ‘unarmed and disarming,’ as naked and defenseless as a newborn in a cradle.” “He does this to teach us that the world is not saved by sharpening swords,
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Sisters who run school of kidnapped Nigerian children: ‘Your compassion became a lifeline’
Chancery
PAPIRI, Nigeria (OSV News) — The Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles have expressed deep gratitude following the safe return of all children and staff abducted from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Nigeria. In a statement, congregation leader Sister Mary T. Barron said the sisters welcomed the news with “profound relief and thanksgiving” after weeks marked by fear, uncertainty and prayer. Sister Barron highlighted the global response that followed the abduction, thanking the local Church in the Diocese of Kontagora, families in Papiri, and Catholic communities worldwide for their prayers and advocacy. She noted the support of religious congregations who organized vigils, rosaries, fasting and Advent prayers, as well as interfaith partners — especially Muslim leaders — who joined in calls for peace. The sisters also acknowledged human rights groups, civil society and diplomatic partners who helped keep international attention on the captives’ plight. As the freed children and staff begin the long process of healing from the trauma they endured, the sisters asked for continued prayers and renewed their appeal for stronger protection of schools and vulnerable communities across Nigeria. †
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nor by judging, oppressing or eliminating our brothers and sisters,” he said. Rather, the world is saved by seeking to understand, forgive, free and welcome everyone with love. Mary bearing the Christ child represents “two immense, ‘unarmed’ realities” that come together, he said: “that of God, who renounces every privilege of His divinity to be born in the flesh, and that of a human person who, trustingly and fully, embraces God’s will.” “Thus, at the dawn of the new year, the Liturgy reminds us that for each of us, every day can be the beginning of a new life, thanks to God’s generous love, His mercy and the response of our freedom,” Pope Leo said. “It is beautiful to view the coming year in this way: as an open journey to be discovered.”
“Indeed, through grace, we can venture forth on this journey with confidence — free and bearers of freedom, forgiven and bringers of forgiveness, trusting in the closeness and goodness of the Lord who accompanies us always,” he said. Overlooking St. Peter’s Square after Mass, Pope Leo urged Christians to help usher in “an era of peace and friendship among all peoples. We do this by converting our hearts to God, so as to transform wrongs into forgiveness, pain into consolation and resolutions of virtue into good works.” The Son of God also illuminates “the consciences of people of goodwill, so that we can build the future as a welcoming home for every man and woman who comes into the world,” he said. “The heart of Jesus, therefore, beats for every man and woman; for those who are ready to welcome Him, like the shepherds, and for those who do not want Him, like Herod,” he said. “His heart is not indifferent to those who have no heart for their neighbor: it beats for the righteous, so that they may persevere in their dedication, as well as for the unrighteous, so that they may change their lives and find peace.” Every unborn child reveals “the divine image imprinted in our humanity,” he said, and he called for prayers for peace: “first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering, but also within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain.” †
PASTORAL SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE SCAN FOR INFO
In a continuing effort to provide pastoral care to victims of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel, Archbishop Joe Vásquez would like to remind the faithful of the Archdiocese of the availability of the Victims Assistance Coordinator. Anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel is encouraged to call Diane Vines at 713-654-5799. Please keep in daily prayers the healing of victims of abuse and all who suffer in any way.
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JANUARY 13, 2026 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
NATION
Catholic governor signs historic personhood law for the unborn in Puerto Rico (OSV News) — On Dec. 21, Puerto Rico’s Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón approved Law 1832025, which amends the Civil Code of Puerto Rico and recognizes the unborn child or “nasciturus” — a Latin legal term referring to “conceived but not born” — as a natural person from conception. Father Carlos Pérez Toro, pastor of Santa Rosa de Lima Church in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and civil lawyer graduate of Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law, explained to OSV News the implications of this new law, which marks a milestone in the history of pro-life advocacy in the U.S. territory. Father Pérez Toro participated as a legal advisor in the drafting of the new Civil Code of Puerto Rico, which came into force at the end of 2020, and has served as a legal advisor in the legislative debate on issues such as the dignity of the human being during pregnancy and religious freedom. A renowned pro-life advocate on the island, he has presented bills to the Senate of Puerto Rico and participated in numerous academic conferences. The priest pointed out that thanks to this law, “It is recognized that the human being in gestation is a natural person from the first moment of conception; using a legal term that only applied when a human being was born, it is said that he or she has legal personality and capacity from the first moment of conception.”
“Thank God we have achieved clear recognition in Puerto Rico that the human being in gestation is a natural person with all rights, as if he or she had been born. Imagine what that means for the mother who now has a new instrument to defend her child,” said Father Pérez Toro, who explained that every pregnant woman in Puerto Rico can now designate her unborn child as an heir. “What this law does is equate the child in the womb with a child who has been born. The future prospects that this law will have for a human being in gestation and the mother are unimaginable,” said the priest. He indicated that, for example, in tax matters, a child in the womb can be claimed as a new dependent when it comes to paying taxes in Puerto Rico. Father Pérez Toro explained that the Civil Code “regulates relations between private parties, private citizens, property relations, personal rights relations, etc.” He added that Article 74 of the Civil Code of Puerto Rico, “Enjoyment of Essential Rights,” recognizes “essential rights of personality, dignity and honor, freedom of thought, conscience or religion, freedom of action, privacy, inviolability of his/her home, physical
PRO-LIFE ISSUES
IN BRIEF Indiana University running back carries Catholic faith with him into playoffs BEL AIR, Md. (OSV News) — Well before he was a University of Maryland transfer who used his final year of college football eligibility to become a major success story as a running back at Indiana University, Roman Hemby said he owed much credit to John Carroll School in Bel Air for instilling vital Catholic values that guide him today. Hemby, a Maryland graduate who grew up in Edgewood, is one of numerous transfers who have turned the 2025 Indiana Hoosiers into a No. 1-ranked, unbeaten (13-0) powerhouse. The Hoosiers entered the College Football Playoff as its No. 1 seed this year. “I had the utmost faith that things would work out. The atmosphere at John Carroll let me know that God had a plan for me,” said Hemby, who entered the NCAA’s transfer portal in late December 2024. The portal is a digital database where college athletes declare their intent to transfer, allowing other schools to recruit them. Indiana was the only school Hemby visited. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Maryland before his final college football season at Indiana. †
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and moral integrity, and intellectual creation.” “All of this applies to the human being in gestation,” said the priest and jurist, who also addressed the cultural implications that this law will have among islanders. “That is not a fetus. That is a ‘nene,’ as women in Puerto Rico call the human being in gestation, the child in the womb. They say, ‘That is my ‘nene,’ and they celebrate when they see the first ultrasound of the ‘nene’ in the first weeks when it has a little head, etc. This Civil Code does justice to that Puerto Rican cultural expression that there is not a ‘cell,’ not a ‘zygote,’ but a human being, a ‘nene’ like the ‘nenes’ who walk the streets.” This priest also celebrated and expressed his gratitude that — despite pressure from various sectors, public letters from law and medical schools, and the silence of some institutions — the evangelical churches “fought the good fight, and they fought it with passion.” For her part, Kelsey Pritchard, communications director for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said that this
new law in Puerto Rico “is a historic victory for babies and moms across the island and a powerful example for lawmakers throughout the United States.” “Science is clear that a new, distinct human life begins at conception, and this law reflects that reality. It sends a clear and hopeful message: Every single person has value and deserves a chance at life,” said Pritchard. †
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MUNDO CATÓLICO El Río Jordán y el Mar Muerto: Una lección de administración En lo alto de las montañas del norte de Israel, la nieve se posa suavemente sobre las cimas del monte Hermón. Con la llegada de la primavera, la nieve comienza a derretirse y el agua fría y cristalina emprende su largo descenso por las laderas rocosas. Se desliza en pequeños riachuelos, se acumula en arroyos y finalmente forma uno de los ríos más famosos de las Escrituras: el Río Jordán. El Jordán es un río lleno de vida y movimiento. A medida que fluye hacia el sur a través de la tierra, nutre todo a su paso. En sus orillas, los árboles crecen, los cultivos florecen, los animales beben y las comunidades prosperan. El agua que nació en lo alto del monte Hermón se ha convertido en una fuente de vida y vitalidad para toda una región. El Río Jordán recibe agua, pero no la guarda para sí mismo. Transmite ese don, compartiendo lo que ha recibido tan generosamente de lo alto. Finalmente, el Jordán desemboca en otra masa de agua: el Mar Muerto. A primera vista, el Mar Muerto es impresionante. Su superficie azul profundo refleja el cielo con belleza, y sus aguas ricas en minerales brillan bajo la luz del sol. Pero bajo esa belleza se esconde una triste realidad: allí no hay vida. Ningún pez nada en sus profundidades, ninguna planta crece en sus orillas. Está, literalmente, muerto.
Y la razón es simple. El Mar Muerto recibe, pero no da. Absorbe el agua fresca y viva del Río Jordán, pero no tiene salida. No hay corriente que fluya hacia adelante, no hay forma de que el agua continúe por PADRE TOM su viaje vivificante. Así que el agua se estanca. PONZINI El sol aprieta, el calor hace que el agua se evapore, y lo que queda es agua cargada de sal y minerales, demasiado ácida para albergar vida. El Río Jordán y el Mar Muerto se alimentan de la misma fuente. Ambos reciben la misma agua del monte Hermón. Sin embargo, uno da vida, mientras que el otro está estancado y sin vida. La diferencia no radica en lo que reciben, sino en lo que dan. (Adaptado de una ilustración cristiana tradicional que compara el Río Jordán con el Mar Muerto. Autor original desconocido). Esta sencilla verdad geográfica conlleva un profundo mensaje espiritual. Es una imagen de lo que Dios quiere para cada uno de nosotros. Todo lo que tenemos —nuestra fe, nuestros talentos, nuestros recursos, incluso nuestro aliento— es un don que fluye desde la montaña de la gracia de Dios. No somos la fuente; somos los canales.
Cuando recibimos las bendiciones de Dios y permitimos que fluyan a través de nosotros hacia los demás, nuestras vidas se vuelven como el Río Jordán: fresco, vibrante y lleno de vida. Pero cuando nos aferramos a lo que se nos ha dado, negándonos a compartir o servir, nos volvemos como el Mar Muerto: lleno, pero sin vida. Esta es la esencia de la corresponsabilidad cristiana. La corresponsabilidad no se trata solo de dar dinero, aunque es una expresión importante de ella. La verdadera corresponsabilidad es un estilo de vida. Es reconocer que todo pertenece a Dios y que sus dones nos han sido confiados con un propósito. Estamos llamados a recibir con gratitud, administrar con responsabilidad y compartir con generosidad. Piensa en cómo vivió Jesús. Toda su vida fue una entrega. Lo recibió todo del Padre: amor, poder, misión, y lo entregó por nosotros. En la cruz, lo dio todo, sin reservarse nada. Esa es la esencia de la mayordomía: vivir de tal manera que nuestras vidas, como las suyas, se dediquen al bien de los demás. Cuando vivimos con las manos y el corazón abiertos, algo hermoso sucede. Nuestra generosidad multiplica la vida. Nuestro tiempo dedicado al servicio se convierte en aliento para alguien. Nuestros recursos, dados con fe, se
convierten en esperanza para alguien. Nuestra bondad compartida libremente se convierte en un reflejo del amor de Dios. Al dar, nos volvemos más vivos, más alegres, más libres. Pero cuando nos aferramos con fuerza, cuando insistimos en guardar lo que tenemos para nosotros, empezamos a estancarnos. Nuestra vida espiritual puede volverse seca y pesada, agobiada por la autoprotección y el miedo. Así como el Mar Muerto se amarga al retenerlo todo, nuestras almas se cansan cuando dejan de dar. La invitación de Dios es sencilla, pero transformadora: sé un río, no un reservorio. Deja que la gracia que recibes fluya a través de ti. Deja que tu vida bendiga a los demás. Sé generoso con tu amor, tu tiempo, tu perdón y tus dones. La misma agua que fluye de la montaña de la misericordia de Dios a tu vida debe fluir hacia afuera: a tu familia, tu parroquia, tu comunidad y más allá. Cuando vivimos así, nos sentimos plenamente vivos. Nos convertimos en el Río Jordán, alimentado por la Fuente suprema, nuestro Dios amoroso, que fluye con vida y deja un rastro de bendiciones dondequiera que vayamos. † El padre Thomas V. Ponzini es el párroco de Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
SEEK FORT WORTH FOTO DE OSV
El orador principal, el padre David Michael Moses, pároco de las iglesias Christ Our Light y St. Stanislaus Kostka in Grimes County, canta y da una charla el 1 de enero en la conferencia SEEK26, que se celebra en el Gaylord Texan en Grapevine, Texas. Jóvenes católicos y asistentes de todas las edades fueron invitados a adoptar el tema de la conferencia, inspirado en San Pier Giorgio Frassati: “Hacia las alturas”. Este año, la conferencia SEEK, que se celebró del 1 al 5 de enero, tiene lugar en Denver, Columbus (Ohio), además de Fort Worth.
APOYO PASTORAL A VÍCTIMAS DE ABUSO SEXUAL DEL CLERO En un continuo esfuerzo por facilitar atención pastoral a las victimas de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, el Arzobispo Joe Vásquez gustaría recordar a los fieles de la Arquidiócesis la disponibilidad del Coordinador de Ayuda a Víctimas. Si alguien ha sido victim de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, se les anima llamar a la Diane Vines al 713-654-5799. Por favor rece por la sanación de las víctimas del abuso y por todos los que sufren de alguna manera.
JANUARY 13, 2026 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
MUNDO CATOLICO
texas catholic herald 17
La valentía de hablar Español no es mi primer idioma. Para aquellos que son parlantes nativos de español, esto se hará muy evidente al leer este artículo. Estudié muchos años en escuela y colegio, y uso español mucho en mi trabajo en la Arquidiócesis, pero es muy difícil para mí. Cuando doy charlas, siempre empiezo con “Gracias por su paciencia con mi español”. La gente tiene mucha paciencia conmigo. Entienden lo difícil que es hablar un idioma que no aprendiste de niña. Un gran problema para mí son los verbos. No puedo conjugarlos en el pasado, ni en el futuro, ni nada de los 16 tiempos verbales que existen en el español gramático. Cuando hablo en español, solo puedo usar el tiempo presente. Por esta razón, mi vida se siente mucho más pequeña en español. En inglés, digo “I have lived in Houston all of my life.” Pero en español, “Soy de Houston”. En inglés, “I met my husband
when I was nine years old. We have been married 26 years.” En español, “Estoy casada”. Mis limitaciones gramaticales hacen que esté mucho más “presente” en español. Tengo que escuchar con por atención. Tengo que AMY pensar profundamente AUZENNE antes de responder. Tengo que usar mis palabras con cuidado. Mis pensamientos son igual de rápidos, pero mis palabras son más lentas. Esta experiencia de sentir mi vida a la vez más pequeña y, sin embargo, más presente en español, me hace pensar en el coraje que veo en mis hermanos y hermanas migrantes durante este tiempo de incertidumbre. Ciertos elementos de nuestro gobierno quieren reducir su
existencia en nuestras comunidades, incluso la de los beneficiarios de DACA que no han conocido otro hogar más que los Estados Unidos. Quieren hacernos creer que estos jóvenes adultos — muchos de los cuales trabajan en nuestras parroquias y en nuestras oficinas de la cancillería— no tienen futuro en nuestro país. Animo a todos los católicos y personas de buena voluntad a informarse más sobre el caso de la Corte de Apelaciones del Quinto Circuito de los EE.UU. en Texas v. United States y los esfuerzos de nuestro gobierno estatal para revocar el estatus laboral de casi 90,000 beneficiarios de DACA en Texas. Como señalaron nuestros obispos en su declaración del 5 de noviembre de 2025, tal acción obligaría a los beneficiarios de DACA (incluyendo a aquellos que trabajan en nuestras parroquias y ministerios) a abandonar sus hogares, su sustento y las comunidades donde han
vivido la mayor parte de sus vidas. Los obispos concluyen su declaración con un llamado claro a acompañar a quienes se ven afectados por esta injusticia: “Queremos decir inequívocamente a todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas inmigrantes, y de manera particular a aquellos que llegaron como niños: Hemos escuchado sus gritos. Estamos con ustedes en estos días difíciles”. Que el Señor nos conceda esa clase de valentía que abre corazones y mentes, que se mantiene firme junto a nuestros obispos mientras hablan con la verdad al poder, y que construye puentes en lugar de muros. María de la Inmaculada Concepción, ruega por nosotros. Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros. Gracias a mi colega Adrian Herrera por su ayuda con este artículo. † Amy Auzenne es directora de la Oficina de Evangelización y Catecismo.
Gobernadora católica de Puerto Rico firma ley histórica que otorga personalidad jurídica a los no nacidos (OSV News) — El 21 de diciembre, la pueden designar a su hijo/a no nacido/a gobernadora de Puerto Rico, Jenniffer como heredero/a. González-Colón, aprobó la Ley 183-2025, “Lo que hace esta ley es que al niño que modifica el Código Civil de Puerto en el vientre materno lo equipara a Rico y reconoce al niño no nacido o un niño que nació. Las perspectivas ‘nasciturus’ —término jurídico latino que futuras que esta ley tendrá para un ser se refiere a “concebido pero no nacido”— humano en gestación y la mamá son como persona natural desde el momento perspectivas insospechadas”, dijo el de la concepción. sacerdote. Él indicó que, por ejemplo, El padre Carlos Pérez Toro, párroco en materia fiscal, un niño en el útero de la iglesia Santa Rosa de puede ser declarado como Lima en San Juan, Puerto Rico, nuevo dependiente a la hora y abogado civil de la Escuela de pagar impuestos en Puerto de Derecho de la Universidad Rico. Interamericana en Puerto El padre Pérez Toro explicó Rico, explicó a OSV News las que el Código Civil “regula las implicaciones de esta nueva ley, relaciones entre particulares, que marca un hito en la historia ciudadanos privados, de la defensa de la vida en el relaciones patrimoniales, territorio estadounidense. relaciones de derechos El padre Pérez Toro participó personales, etc.”. JENNIFFER como asesor jurídico en la Citó el Artículo 74 del GONZÁLEZredacción del nuevo Código Código Civil de Puerto COLÓN Civil de Puerto Rico, que entró Rico, ‘Goce de los Derechos en vigor a finales de 2020, y Esenciales’, que reconoce los ha ejercido como asesor jurídico en el “derechos esenciales de la personalidad, debate legislativo sobre cuestiones como la dignidad y el honor, la libertad de la dignidad del ser humano durante pensamiento, conciencia o religión, de el embarazo y la libertad religiosa. acción, la intimidad, la inviolabilidad de Reconocido defensor de la vida en la la morada, la integridad física y moral, isla, ha presentado proyectos de ley al la creación intelectual”. Senado de Puerto Rico y ha participado “Al ser humano en gestación le en numerosas conferencias académicas. aplica todo eso”, afirmó el sacerdote El sacerdote señaló que, gracias a y jurista, que también abordó las esta ley, “se reconoce que el ser humano implicaciones culturales que esta ley en gestación es persona natural desde tendrá entre los isleños. “Eso no es un el primer momento de su concepción, feto. Eso es un ‘nene’, como las mujeres utilizando un término jurídico que en Puerto Rico llaman al ser humano solamente se aplicaba cuando un ser en gestación, al niño/a que está en humano nacía; se dice que tiene la la barriguita; ellas dicen ‘ese es mi personalidad y la capacidad jurídica nene’ y celebran cuando ven el primer desde el primer momento de su ultrasonido del ‘nene’ cuando ya está concepción”. en las primeras semanas que tiene la “Gracias a Dios que logramos que en cabecita, etcétera. Este Código Civil Puerto Rico se reconociera de manera hace justicia a esa expresión cultural clara que el ser humano en gestación es puertorriqueña que allí no hay una persona natural con todos los derechos, célula, ni un cigoto, sino que hay un ser como si hubiera nacido. Imaginen lo humano, un ‘nene’ como los nenes que que eso significa para la mamá que caminan por las calles”. ahora tiene un nuevo instrumento para Este sacerdote también celebró y defender a su hijo/a”, dijo el padre Pérez expresó su gratitud por el hecho de Toro, quien explicó que ahora todas las que, a pesar de la presión de diversos mujeres embarazadas de Puerto Rico sectores, las cartas públicas de las
facultades de derecho y medicina y el silencio de algunas instituciones, las iglesias evangélicas “dieron la buena batalla, la dieron, pero con pasión”. Por su parte, Kelsey Pritchard, directora de comunicaciones de Susan
B. Anthony Pro-Life America, dijo a OSV News que esta nueva ley en Puerto Rico “es una victoria histórica para los bebés y las madres de toda la isla y un poderoso ejemplo para los legisladores en todo Estados Unidos”. †
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18 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 13, 2026
WITHIN THE ARTS
New bells ring in the New Year at St. Faustina FULSHEAR — On Dec. 29, three new bells at St. Faustina Catholic Church were blessed by its pastor, Father Dat Hoang, along with parochial vicar, Father John Clark, Deacon Randy Graham, director of Family Life at St. Faustina, and Acolyte Pitcher Allendorph. Back in February 2025, while working with the well-known bell manufacturer Verdin, the parish was given the opportunity to procure three extraordinary bells, two of which were reclaimed, at a price far lower than originally budgeted. In Church tradition, church bells are treated as if they are people and are given names, blessed with holy water, anointed with sacred oils and welcomed through a special ceremony known as the “Baptism of Bells.” The first bell, named Spes, which is Latin for hope, is three and a half feet tall and weighs 1,700 lbs. Standing at 108 feet in the air, her tone is similar in loudness to a motorcycle engine revving nearby, but with a deep, resonant bronze timbre. The size is comparable to a round dining table at home. The second bell, named Fides, which is Latin for faith, is four and a half feet tall and weighs 3,000 lbs. Her volume is comparable to a live rock concert, but instead of guitars, it’s a single, pure strike that rolls outward in waves. She weighs as much as a full-size SUV. The third bell, named Caritas, which is Latin for charity or love, is five and a quarter feet tall and weighs 5,700 lbs. It is the largest of the bells and will be as commanding as a jet engine heard from a short distance, yet its sound is not harsh but soothing and majestic, designed to carry across miles. It is wider than a king-size mattress and heavier than a loaded pick-up truck. In the immediate vicinity of the bell tower, the sound of the three bells can reach between 110 to 125 decibels. † A HISTORY OF BELLS Catholic churches ring bells to signal worship times, mark Sacraments and unite communities, a tradition dating to the fifth century. St. Paulinus of Nola introduced bells circa 400 AD, and Pope Sabinian formally
PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. FAUSTINA CATHOLIC CHURCH
On Dec. 29, three new bells at St. Faustina Catholic Church were blessed by its pastor, Father Dat Hoang (second from left). Assisting him were (left to right) Acolyte Pitcher Allendorph, Father John Clark, parochial vicar at St. Faustina Catholic Church, and Deacon Randy Graham, director of Family Life at St. Faustina Catholic Church. Throughout history, bells have played an important role in the life of the Church.
endorsed their use in 604 AD. Originally used in monasteries to regulate prayer hours, bells later became central to parish life by the Middle Ages. Bells symbolize the voice of God calling the faithful, sanctify the passing day through the Angelus, and were believed to ward off evil. Today, many churches often ring their external bells three times a day, at 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m., summoning the faithful to pray the Angelus. Bells are also rung at Mass times as a call to worship. In the Roman Rite, bells are blessed using the Ritual of the Baptism of Bells. In this ritual, the bells are washed inside
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and outside with Holy Water by the presiding clergy. They are then anointed on the outside with the Oil of the Infirm (Oil of the Sick) and on the inside with the Sacred Chrism (Chrism Oil). A fuming thurible is then placed inside the bells as the presider prays over them. Within Mass, smaller sacristy or sanctuary bells are routinely used during daily Masses, such as when the priest enters at the beginning of Mass. The bells indicate that the Liturgy is about to begin. A second type of Mass-related bells is the altar bells (also known as the Sanctus bells). Sanctus bells are small, handheld bells placed at a convenient place near the altar for use by the altar servers, typically rung during part of the Eucharistic Prayer known as the Epiclesis, which is Greek for invocation. The bells may also be rung during the elevations of the Sacred Body and the Precious Blood. Church bells are also rung for funerals. The bell at St. Peter’s Basilica rang on April 21 when Pope Francis died. That same bell would ring on May 8 when Pope Leo XIV was elected as the new pope following the two-day conclave. BELLS IN GALVESTON-HOUSTON In downtown Houston, the CoCathedral of the Sacred Heart has a 140foot bell tower that houses a carillon of 23 bells, cast in the Netherlands from a bronze alloy of mostly copper and tin. They can be played manually, or most often, by a computerized system. The four largest bells, which weigh 4,800 lbs, 3,400 lbs, 2,000 lbs and 1,400 lbs,
respectively, are named after important women who led four congregations of religious women that played prominent roles in serving the people in the Diocese of Galveston at its founding: Venerable Jeanne Chezard de Matel, who inspired the founding of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, and the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament; St. Angela Merici, who founded the Ursuline Sisters; Sister Pauline Gannon, one of the early leaders of the Dominican Sisters in Texas, and Venerable Henriette Delille, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Family. On Galveston Island, St. Mary Cathedral Basilica, the mother church of Texas, features two spires and a singular bell tower, which was added in 1876. The Great Storm of 1900 blew the 4,000-pound bronze bell out of the cathedral’s bell tower, but somehow the 2,500-pound statue of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, also added in 1876, remained steadfast in the Galveston sky. Repaired in 2020, the bell now swings below the restored 11-foot cast-iron Marian statue. These bells toll for special days of prayer and global events. In 2024, the cocathedral and the cathedral basilica both rang their bells in celebration of Notre Dame’s reopening after its devastating fire in 2019. Other significant local occasions, such as ordinations or funerals, prompt the bells’ ringing, symbolic of the living link between Catholic heritage and daily devotion. † – James Ramos contributed to this report.
texas catholic herald 19
JANUARY 13, 2026 • ARCHGH.ORG/TCH
AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE For the latest updates about listings in the Around the Archdiocese, contact event organizers and visit www.archgh.org/ata.
(5102 Dabney St., Houston). Features 10 Bingo games. Cost: $20/presale; $25/door. ewagnerw@ gmail.com; stfrancisofhouston.org.
JAN. 13
JAN. 28
HUMAN TRAFFICKING NIGHT OF AWARENESS, 6:30 p.m., Christ the Redeemer (11507 Huffmeister Rd., Houston). Faith-based national non-profit, Street Grace, presents how to recognize warning signs of child sexual abuse and exploitation, report suspicious activity and how to raise awareness. Free entry. 281-469-5533; kerry.chu@ctrcc.com.
JAN. 17-18
RETREAT, Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 8:15 to 11 a.m., St. Helen (2209 Old Alvin Rd., Pearland). Catholic Charismatic Center New Evangelization Ministry Team and St. Helen’s English Charismatic Prayer Group host two‑day retreat for adults 18 and older with prayer, reflection, worship and testimonies. Cost: $45/ person or $65/married couple. 832‑940‑8140; sthelencharismaticministry@gmail.com.
JAN. 18
MLK MASS, 11 a.m., Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston). Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez presides over the 41st annual “Mass of Remembrance” honoring the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr with Father Reginald Samuels as homilist. Open to the public.
JAN. 21
PRESENTATION AND BABY SUPPLY DRIVE, 9:30 to noon, Mary Queen (606 Cedarwood Dr., Friendswood). Bay Area Deanery Council of Catholic Women hosts a baby supply drive (diapers, wipes, toiletries, gift cards) and a presentation by Deacon Scott and Terri Ryan on “The Dignity of Procreation,” which discusses infertility and the Church’s teaching on in vitro fertilization. Event includes refreshments and a raffle. 713-412-8559.
JAN. 22
MASS AND HOLY HOUR, 6 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul (6800 Buffalo Spwy., Houston). Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez celebrates a Mass for the National Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn followed by a Eucharistic Holy Hour. archgh.org/prolife; 713-440-3443.
JAN. 23
GAME NIGHT, 7 to 10 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi
MEMORIAL MASS FOR MISCARRIAGE AND INFANT LOSS, 7 p.m., Prince of Peace (19222 Tomball Pkwy., Houston). Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court of the Holy Family #2597 host a Memorial Mass for Miscarriage and Infant Loss and a reception with cookies and hot chocolate. A baby supply drive will collect diapers, pullups, wipes and formula, benefiting the Mercy Ministry. 281-381-0309; maryjalbert@sbcglobal. net.
JAN. 28-31
GARAGE SALE, St. Ignatius of Loyola (7810 Cypresswood Dr., Spring). Jan. 28: presale 1 to 7 p.m. ($25 admission); Jan. 29 to 30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (free entry); and Jan 31: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (free entry). Sales of household items and décor, clothing, jewelry, baby items, toys, books, tools and more benefit the St. Ignatius Outreach Ministry. Rain or shine. garagesale@silcc.org.
JAN. 31
MARDI GRAS DANCE, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi (5102 Dabney St., Houston). Houston Inter-City Council & Courts hosts annual dance with live music by Next Level Brothers. Cost: $35/person. phledet64@aol.com.
FEB. 1
CONSECRATED LIFE MASS, 11 a.m., Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., Houston). Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez presides over a Mass honoring men and women religious in the consecrated life living and serving in the Archdiocese. All are welcome. SPAGHETTI DINNER, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Guardian Angel (5610 Demel St., Wallis). Dinner, featuring spaghetti with homemade meat sauce, salad, green beans and garlic bread, includes homemade desserts for donation, raffle, cake live auction and silent auction. Cost: $12/dinner. 281-224-0477.
Sick available. sacredhrt.com/adoration.
FEB. 6-7
PRESENTATIONS, Friday, 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, St. Cecilia (11720 Joan of Arc Dr., Houston). On Friday, Bobby and Jackie Francois Angel will present “Catholic Dating 101” to young and single adults. Cost: $45/person. On Saturday, they will present “Forgiveness: The Heart of the Sacrament of Matrimony,” a seminar for married couples. Cost: $75/couple. 713-465-3414; saintcecilia.org/nationalmarriage-week-events.
Having an Event? Share it with thousands of print and digital readers. Scan the QR code to fill out the form and send your event to Around the Archdiocese. Learn more at ARCHGH.ORG/ATA.
FEB. 7
MARDI GRAS DINNER & DANCE, 7 to 11 p.m., Prince of Peace (19222 Tomball Pkwy., Houston). The Knights of Columbus host a Mardi Gras Party with gumbo, music and dancing ahead of the Lenten season. Open to all adults in the parish and community over age 18. Cost: $25/person. knights@pophouston.org; givebutter.com/ kofcmardigras. RETREAT, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Jerome Parish Activity Center Room D (2749 Hollister Rd., Houston). Retreat, through talks, prayer, renewal of marriage vows, discussion and reflections, draws from Scripture and Ignatian spirituality to help couples deepen unity, strengthen communication and rediscover the sacred gift of their covenant. Cost: $40/ couple (includes materials and lunch). info@ emmausspiritualitycenter.com; 281-241-9678; emmausspiritualitycenter.com.
FEB. 14
STEPS FOR STUDENTS 5K RUN AND WALK, 7 a.m., Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (1111 St Joseph Pkwy., Houston). Annual charity 5K run/ walk supporting 55 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston‑Houston, begins with a 7 a.m. sunrise Mass followed by 8:30 a.m. race start. Registration options ($17 - $20, includes shirts, race medal and post-race party) for timed, untimed, Family 1K and “Hit the Snooze.” steps4students.org.
VOCATION DINNER AND DANCE, 6 to 9:30 p.m., St. Anne Catholic School Gymnasium (1111 S Cherry St., Tomball). Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus-Council 11472, the event features dinner, dancing, and both live and silent auctions. Proceeds will be used in support of vocations to the religious life. Cost: $50/person. Tickets to be purchased in advance. kc11472. org; cbear88@live.com; 832-948-0907. MARRIAGE RENEWAL RETREAT, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Prince of Peace (19222 Tomball Pkwy., Houston). A one-day marriage renewal retreat, “Love as He Loves,” includes Mass, talks, guided couple time, group discussion and opportunities for Confession. Presentations in both English and Spanish. Cost: $150/couple (includes light breakfast and lunch). briones1@ yahoo.com; 832-398-6004; tinyurl.com/rcmrr.
••• For additional listings, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA
FEB. 4
ADORATION HOUR, 7 to 8 p.m., Sacred Heart (507 S Fourth St., Richmond). Adoration Hour on the first Wednesday of the month to pray for vocations, with Confession and Anointing of the
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20 TEXAS CATHOLIC HERALD
ARCHGH.ORG/TCH • JANUARY 13, 2026
MILESTONES
Historic Houston parish marks groundbreaking of new activity hall, improved plaza HOUSTON — A historic Houston parish celebrated a new milestone reflecting its growth near downtown Houston. On Nov. 30, a groundbreaking ceremony presided by Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, celebrated the start of a three-year “Building with Joseph, Building for Jesus” capital campaign at St. Joseph Parish, located off Kane Street. The campaign is an effort to raise $2 million of a $5.5 million fund to build a large parish hall, a new plaza area and a new parking lot. The parish hall will feature seating for 200 people and a kitchen, restrooms and outdoor seating. A new 40-space parking lot, located on the west side of the church campus, will replace an aging lot, while a partial plaza reworking will improve parish gatherings. Other planned projects include converting the existing auditorium into new classrooms for faith formation and parish activities, new electric and HVAC systems, and other renovations and improvements. Parish officials said the improvements will not affect its social service outreach ministries. St. Joseph Parish, near downtown Houston in the Old Sixth Ward, was
PHOTO BY JAMES RAMOS/HERALD
At right, Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, (at far right) turns over dirt during a ceremonial groundbreaking at St. Joseph Parish in Houston with Father Victor Perez, (fourth from left) pastor of St. Joseph and St. Stephen parishes on Nov. 30 in Houston. Construction began in January 2026 and will include the parish hall and a parking lot. Others pictured include donors, building and capital campaign committees, and the church choir members.
officially established in 1880, with its first pastor, Father James Grabinger, guiding its early growth. After the original church was destroyed by the 1900 hurricane, the current Romanesque brick church, designed by Patrick S. Rabbit, opened in 1901. On Feb. 23, 1902, St. Joseph’s was officially dedicated by Bishop Nicholas Gallagher of Galveston. The parish ministered to German‑immigrant families and a diverse, multi‑ethnic community, which continues to this day, with the parish home to more than 1,254 families. The parish is popular for its Mariachi Mass, which has been held since 1968. To learn more about the parish and find Mass times, visit www.saintjoseph.org. †
80 YEARS OF ENCOURAGING VOCATIONS
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SERRA CLUB OF GALVESTON
Pictured front row, left to right, are Ed and Candice Tyrrell, Father Michael Earthman, Father Joseph White, Father Leon Strieder, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez, Father Ekenedilichkwu “Jude” Ezuma, Father Richard McNeillie, Father Jim Courville and Serran of the Year Award recipient Mark Gegich. Pictured back row, left to right, President of the Serra Club Ben Mazzara, Sister Juliana Asuzo, Kurt Metyko, Father Eurel Manzano, Kim Brown, Father Clint Ressler, Monsignor Jim Anderson, Father Tom Rafferty, along with Serrans Deacons Jeff Willard, Pete Velasquez, Tim North, Buzz Standridge, Neil Lewis and Vice Chancellor Christina Deajon.
Serra Club of Galveston celebrates 80th anniversary
MASSOF OF REMEMBRANCE REMEMBRANCE AA MASS THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON
THE ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON 41st Observance of the annual celebration 41st Observance the annualofcelebration honoringofthe birthday honoring theLuther birthday Rev. Dr. Martin King,of Jr.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart 1111 St. Joseph Co-Cathedral of the Parkway Sacred Heart Houston, Texas 77002 1111 St. Joseph Parkway
Houston, Texas 77002 January 18, 2026 3 p.m. | Sunday
January 18, 2026 Afternoon 3 p.m. | Sunday Reginald Samuels Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez Afternoon VicarFather for Catholics of African Descent Metropolitan Archbishop Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Principal Celebrant
Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez Metropolitan Archbishop Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Pastor, St. Laurence Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Homilist Father Reginald Samuels
Vicar for Catholics of African Descent Pastor, St. Laurence Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
Reception to follow at the Cathedral Centre.
Principal Celebrant
Homilist
Reception to follow at the Cathedral Centre.
GALVESTON — Over 70 Serrans, 10 priests, one sister and five deacons gathered with Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez to celebrate the 80th year of the Serra Club of Galveston on Dec. 7, 2025. Chartered in 1945, the Serra Club of Galveston seeks to help the Church by increasing vocations to the priesthood, religious life and permanent diaconate. Ben Mazzara, president of the Serra Club, was the emcee, and guest speaker, Father Ekenedilichkwu “Jude” Ezuma, pastor of Holy Family Parish, spoke about his journey to becoming a priest. The Serran of theYear award was given to Mark Gegich, vice president of programs for the organization. Archbishop Vásquez closed the evening with a blessing. †
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