Dear Archbishop Vásquez: Letters from Catholic School students

School students from Catholic schools around the Archdiocese took some class time to greet Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez by writing and drawing letters of welcome to the new archbishop of Galveston-Houston.

The cards and notes came in all different sizes and content. Many included religious imagery of doves, symbols and depictions of the Eucharist, Rosaries and crosses, while some drew pictures of what they thought Archbishop Vásquez would look like in his episcopal vestments.

ART GALLERY: Catholic students welcome Archbishop Vásquez

Others gave recommendations of places to eat around town (“I want to recommend going to Chick-Fil-A. The chicken nuggets and waffle fries are super good! I would also get the ice cream with the cone!”) and suggested he check out the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to ride some of the carnival attractions, play midway games and “eat all the funnel cake that mom and dad let me!”

Students also shared with the new archbishop what they liked about being Catholic: “We love singing in Church and listening to the daily Gospels in our classes!” ... “We love Mass and the Rosary!”

One group shared their honest excitement about meeting Archbishop Vásquez in the future and said, I am glad you are our archbishop because: “I hope you are able to do what you did in Austin.”... “You have been in Houston before.” ... “We know you will do your best.” ... “You will lead our community towards unity.”

Read on for more heartfelt wishes from young students to their new archbishop, or visit our photo gallery at www.archgh.org/tch to see more. As one class wrote: “We are praying and welcome you back! We can’t wait to meet you!”