News - December 2023

When was the first time you heard the word vocation? Did you immediately think of priesthood/religious life? Or did the word discernment pop into your head?

Presents have been opened, wrapping papers and bows discarded and decorations stored. While celebrations in the secular world end on Dec. 25, Catholic Christians begin the Christmas season that continues for a couple of weeks through the Baptism of the Lord. Indeed, Jesus’ birth marks this holy season.

Five years after Pope Francis updated the catechism to clarify the Catholic Church’s teaching on the death penalty, there is “renewed momentum” in the U.S. to end the practice, a leading Catholic activist said.

As Daniel Cardinal DiNardo began to bless the downtown Houston site on Dec. 18 with holy water, a white-tailed hawk with brown-tipped wings soared over the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Landing on the very top of the gold cross above the bell tower, the observant bird appeared to watch the crowd below.

As 2023 began, Catholics around the world were mourning the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. As Lent and Easter gave way to spring, the Archdiocese concluded its celebration of its 175th anniversary with a gala and special Mass.

Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, in his homily celebrating the Virgin of Guadalupe feast day at an Archdiocesan-wide Mass on Dec. 9, said Mother Mary will always come looking even if people try to avoid their faith.

In the face of rainy, windy and wintery weather and even traffic, Catholics from four different parishes and a nearby Catholic high school came out in force to worship and adore Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration.

“The reason for our hope is this: God is with us, and God still trusts us! God the Father is generous. He comes to abide with mankind; He chooses earth as His dwelling place to remain with people and to be found where man passes his days in joy or in sorrow.

“Mary is the first disciple to show faith and to bring human beings a living hope so they would not grow weary and seek Jesus.”

As a child and altar server many years ago, the song “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” was and remains one of my favorites to hear during the Season of Advent.

On March 21, the United Nations observed the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The Holy See, which was represented by Archbishop Gabriel Giordano Caccia, reiterated the Holy See’s strong condemnation of racism. The Holy See states: Racism “should be countered by promoting a culture of solidarity and authentic human fraternity.”

Who comes to your mind when you think of a person who embodies the fruits of the Holy Spirit? Perhaps it’s a loved one who loves you unconditionally. Or maybe it’s a priest or nun who, with a sole glance or smile, embodies peace and modesty.

In the Galveston-Houston area, Catholics from diverse Hispanic and Latino backgrounds unite, emphasizing their shared love for Christ and the Church, transcending cultural boundaries.

Race officials are calling for volunteers to help in the 19th annual Steps for Students 5K Run/Walk in downtown Houston on Feb. 10, 2024.

Advent prepares us for Jesus’ coming at Christmas and for His coming into our lives afresh. And no one knows how to get ready to welcome Christ better than the saints.

Preparing a way for the Lord is about opening hearts, most especially our own, to receive Him in everyday experiences where He begins to show Himself.