News - December 2021

A visit to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, brings grace and hope amid a challenging time for pilgrims and locals.

In Houston and abroad, it was a year of highs and lows and changes. Here's a look at the stories that impacted 2021.

Leaders around the Archdiocese continue work in the local Synod process, hosting several events and facilitator trainings, in response to Pope Francis's call for a Church that listens.

For over four decades, an Archdiocesan program has provided authentic Catholic teachings taught by approved instructors with masters or doctoral degrees in theological disciplines.

The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Office of Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs (OEIA) recently visited Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston to discuss collaborative ideas and how to better represent the Catholic voice in interfaith and ecumenical dialogue efforts.

For the eight campuses that make up what has been historically known as the Inner City Catholic Schools (ICCS) group within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, there is an extra special reason to celebrate this Christmas season—they will be starting the new year off with a brand-new name: The CROSS Academies.

At a festive Christmas gathering, Pope Francis told children that Christmas is a sign of how much God loves them, and they are called to share that love.

Meet the St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart, also called the Josephites, a community of Catholic priests and brothers committed to serving the African American Catholic community for 150 years.

How can people of all ages use social media to evangelize to their friends and communities? It all starts with knowing oneself.

A Christmas special from "The Chosen" continues to wow and inspire.

Effective Jan. 2, 2022, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, this dispensation is removed for all Catholics within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The faithful should fulfill their Sunday and Holy Day obligations joyfully and conscientiously.

A true servant leader, retired Auxiliary Bishop George Arthur Sheltz, a Houston native who served his home diocese for more than 50 years as a priest, died Dec. 21.

Local Filipino Catholics mark 500th anniversary with special Masses

Journeying to the Holy Land as soon as Israel opened its borders Nov. 1 to tourists vaccinated against COVID-19 opened the eyes of the first incoming pilgrims to Christian, Jewish and Muslim residents struggling economically the past 20 months.

Close to 300 altar servers, boys and girls, were recognized for their dedication to God at the second annual Auxiliary Bishop George Sheltz Altar Servers Appreciation Mass on Nov. 13.

For more than four decades, deep in the heart of the piney woods, the young Church has found safe and holy grounds to disconnect from their busy lives and familiar environments to reconnect with God, nature and each other in community.

Christian New Creation, founded as Catholic New Creation by Father Ron Cloutier on April 3, 2002, began its 20th-anniversary celebrations honoring its founder in October at Isaiah House.

The U.S. bishops spotlighted two major initiatives focused on the central role of the Eucharist Nov. 17, the second of two days of public sessions of their fall general assembly held Nov. 15 to 18.