News - August 2023

The National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC) convenes a national congress every five years. Held July 20 to 23 this year at the Gaylord National in National Harbor, Maryland, the event joins Black Catholics and those who minister to Black Catholics in the United States together for a celebration of faith and culture. Each congress renews and develops its mission with a pastoral plan.

The very first teacher hired for the new St. Peter Catholic Career and Technical High School is excited to be part of this innovative academic project combining college preparation and workforce career-ready skills. “My official title is ‘Inaugural Teacher,’ and I am so anticipating being part of this start-up. I believe in this mission to provide both character formation and an excellent academic education,” said Steve Liparulo, Ph.D. in English literature and creative writing.

School is back in session for the 12 Catholic high schools and 45 Catholic primary schools in the Archdiocese. As the start of the school year brings new beginnings, this school year is the twilight year for Superintendent of Catholic Schools Dr. Debra Haney.

The Archdiocese has several religious orders that serve throughout the Archdiocese. To name just a few, The Basilian Fathers, Companions of the Cross, Dominican Friars, Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Jesuit Fathers, Somascan Fathers, Missionaries of La Salette and the Redemptorist Fathers are all religious orders that serve our Archdiocese. There is one religious order, The Missionary Society of St. Paul of Nigeria (M.S.P.), that has a unique charism for America from the heart of Africa.

Working as a campus minister at Rice University, the start of a new school year is exciting as the older students return and the freshmen arrive to start orientation week. Although for many students the start of a new semester can be very exciting, for others, this transition can be difficult. Going to college means accepting changes in a challenging environment, and that can sometimes be stressful.

This summer, a homily struck me, “Do I really know what it means to rest?” The priest reflected on our “talent” of making our lives busy. There is pressure to move on to the next task, to constantly be “doing” something, and the need to occupy our time. Occasionally the way we utilize our time is productive: mowing the lawn, washing dishes or tending a garden.

Every day, in Harris County alone, several hundred youths ages 10 to 17 reside in juvenile detention centers. Lost in despair and hopelessness, these youth turn to volunteers of Special Youth Services (SYS) who offer an encouraging word, inspiring Scripture and comforting prayer to see them through their difficulties. Coming from all walks of life, laypersons, religious, and clergy, all work in the vineyard together, serving some of the most vulnerable youth.

The recent release of “The Miracle Club” movie brings a trifecta of award-winning actresses, which even has one of its stars fangirling over working with Grande Dame Maggie Smith and industry legend Kathy Bates.

Aggie Catholics have a new church to call their spiritual home. Located in the area known as Northgate across from Texas A&M University in College Station, St. Mary Catholic Church was crowded in recent years, having “standing room only” during their nine weekend Masses.

Led by the commanding yet humble and endearing voice of Father Houston Okonma, more than 1,000 teens joined their chaperones in a solemn Eucharistic Procession around the Hilton-Americas Houston hotel in downtown Houston during the 2023 Archdiocesan Youth Conference on July 29.

The Catholic Church places great importance on sacred Liturgy as the central act of worship, where the faithful have a personal encounter with God and participate in the mysteries of their faith.

Margo Melchor-Hernandez, RDH, MEd, EdD, is the new president and CEO of San José Clinic. Melchor-Hernandez brings over 25 years of experience in healthcare services and administration, emphasizing community outreach, particularly to underserved communities.

Carrying bright red flags with a flower, young adult pilgrims from Hong Kong hurried into St. John of God Parish in Lisbon, Portugal, for their final "Rise Up" catechesis session of World Youth Day on Aug. 4. Parishes, parks and civic centers have played host to these events in 30 languages all around Lisbon and in neighboring communities.

After spending the evening with Pope Francis in a solemn time of Eucharistic adoration and listening to his message during the outdoor vigil, the energy continued to vibrate long into the nighttime at Tejo Park in the Portuguese capital.