Over Christmas, two of my family members were talking about a mutual friend who, though chronically ill, routinely does acts of kindness for others. Though they get exasperated with her when she overextends herself, they realize that caring for others is what makes life meaningful. I thanked God that these women are kind enough to support their friend through both good times and bad, helping her to live a full life.

The Pregnancy Center of the Coastal Bend will be announcing “a bold new vision” at their annual banquet, which is available on two dates to accommodate supporters’ schedules. The event, tagged as “Dare to Dream,” will be held at Mansion Royal at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, and Friday, Feb. 24.

Years ago, when I was teaching in our high school, I had a rather interesting encounter during one of my freshman religion classes. Because I wanted my students to have a better understanding of the readings for each upcoming Sunday, I would give them some background concerning each one and then I would continue with questions for a class discussion.

Bishop Robert J. McManus of Worcester, Massachusetts, instituted Ramiro Regalado Jr., a second year theology seminarian for the Diocese of Corpus Christi, as an Acolyte on Jan. 30 at the Theological College, Washington DC. Father Gerald D. McBrearity, P.S.S., Rector of Theological College, concelebrated the Mass.

Demostrando su compromiso de servir a las necesidades de formación de fe de los católicos de habla hispana en todo el hemisferio, RCL Benziger lanzó hoy www.GustenYvean.com - un sitio web diseñado para proporcionar adultos católicos, familias y catequistas con herramientas y recursos que necesitan para fortalecer y compartir su fe todos los días.

Demonstrating its commitment to serving the faith formation needs of Spanish-speaking Catholics throughout the hemisphere, RCL Benziger today launched www.GustenYvean.com ("Taste and See")—a mobile-friendly website designed to provide Catholic adults, families and catechists the tools and resources they need to strengthen and share their faith everyday.

Students and faculty from St. John Paul II participated in the Annual March for Life at the state capital in Austin on Jan. 28.

Many years ago when I was a student in college, I was meeting with my spiritual director, who was a wise and learned Benedictine monk. I expressed to him that I was getting so excited about my faith and because of this I had been getting involved in all kinds of study groups, church groups, charity organizations and community activities. I told him how from the time I got home until late into the night, I could not stop reading Scripture, works of theology, the saints and Church history and that these just filled my heart and soul with love for the faith.

Becoming a mountain-climber is not a one-time event. You do not just “go climb a mountain” without ever having done it before. It takes knowledge, hours of practice, patience and perseverance. It is hard work!

The annual Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe will be held in the Diocese of Corpus Christi and in most parishes across America on Ash Wednesday, March 1, with the theme: “Restore the Church, Build the Future.” The collection supports pastoral, evangelization, and construction projects, as well as scholarships in Central and Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.

Boy Scout Troop 157, chartered to St. Pius X Church, will celebrate 50 years of scouting on Sunday Feb. 5, beginning with Mass at 10 a.m., followed by fellowship and luncheon at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the Parish Hall, ending at about 2 p.m.

Nearly all of the religious men and women who professed perpetual vows in 2016 had a strong prayer life prior to entering their religious institute, according to a survey on men and women religious conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University. The survey results were released Feb. 2, to coincide with the annual celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life.

On Jan. 28, Catholic Extension honored Cecilia Abbott, the First Lady of Texas, with its Spirit of Francis Award at an event in Houston. Catholic Extension, a national Catholic fundraising organization, honored Abbott for her commitment to Catholic education in Texas as well as for her lifelong devotion to service and to philanthropy, in particular to the Catholic Church in Texas.

The Sixth Annual Black and Gold Gala fundraiser for St. John Paul II High School will be held on Feb. 4, at the American Bank Center. The event will include dinner, live and silent auctions and a performance by the 80’s tribute band, “The Spazmatics.” Honorary Chairman is Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody.

Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week has been observed as the annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2017 is Jan. 29 – Feb. 4. The theme for the National Catholic Schools Week 2017 is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.”

The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Texas 4th Degree Assembly #2781 in Portland, recently presented the Portland Pregnancy Center a check for $16,100 for the purchase of a new sonogram machine. The state Knights of Columbus will match the money raised by the Portland fourth degree Knights.

Cada año se celebra el Día Mundial del Matrimonio el segundo domingo de febrero. En la diócesis de Corpus Christi la oficina de Vida Familiar invita a todas las parejas que están celebrando su aniversario de bodas de plata (25 años) o de oro (50 años) a una misa de aniversario con el obispo Michael Mulvey en la Catedral el domingo, 12 de febrero a las 9:30 por la mañana.

The bishop-chairmen of two USCCB committees expressed concern and disappointment with President Donald Trump’s decision to retain President Barack Obama’s Executive Order 13672 of July 21, 2014, which prohibits federal government contractors from undefined “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” discrimination, and forbids “gender identity” discrimination in the employment of federal employees.

Bishop Michael Mulvey celebrated Mass for the 2017 World Day for Consecrated Life on Jan. 29 at Corpus Christi Cathedral. During the Mass those in Consecrate Life renewed their commitment and jubilarians celebrating anniversaries ranging in length from 40-60 years were acknowledged with gratitude.

Robert Marraro, 49, last sang in a schola choir at Corpus Christi Cathedral more than 10 years ago, but thanks to a new Mass being offered every Sunday at St. John the Baptist in Corpus Christi, he once again has the chance to sing ancient hymns of praise that magnify the greatness of God.