New Cathedral plans, new vocation initiative, new hope

The crowds flocking to the Richard Borchard Fairgrounds on Thursday evening faced a choice—go straight ahead for Trick or Treat or turn left into the hall for the State of the Diocese. The 650 attendees didn’t hesitate a minute to enter the hall, connect with ministries, and meet fellow Catholics from across the diocese.
 
At the entrance, the Youth Ministry set up a digital Photo Booth and offered rosary keychains for those praying for the teens. Corpus Christi Cathedral shared new pictures of the renovations, Catholic Schools handed out T-shirts and information about Education Savings Accounts, and many other groups from our diocese shared their mission and services.
 
The program this year began with two of our new priests, Fr. Jim Craig and Fr. Luis Lozano, who welcomed attendees and introduced the Catholic Scouts, who presented the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. They thanked the Presenting Sponsor, CHRISTUS Health, and led the Blessing of the Food. Ethan Edghill from the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center in Kingsville accompanied dinner with some songs.
 
Bishop Michael Mulvey welcomed everyone to the fourth edition of this event. Before his keynote address, three speakers explained new initiatives within the Diocese: Dr. Rebecca Hammel, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, explained the benefits of the Education Savings Account – a form of state funding for private education that will be available starting Summer 2026. Fr. James Vasquez, the new Vocation Director, spoke about discernment and the importance of Vocation Teams in parishes. Marc Cervantes, the diocese's chancellor, outlined the new Cathedral Campus project, which includes a new parking lot and community center to complete and enhance the Mother Church of our Diocese.
 
The bishop, who had just returned from the Jubilee of Synodal Groups in Rome, explained how Synodality is “the heart of the Church.” During their meeting, Pope Leo XIV had expressed that the Church needs to be synodal. “Our world is in turmoil – polarization affects our society and our Church. We cannot talk to each other,” said Bishop Mulvey. 
 
“If we, as Catholics and Christians, were true witnesses, we would not be in this situation,” he continued, emphasizing the need to reflect on the Gospel: “Jesus reached out to the Samaritan woman, he sat with Zacchaeus, the tax collector and sinner – what does that say to us? We need a conversion of heart.” 
 
Jesus’ commandment “to love one another” calls us to a sacrificial love, to give freely to others, and to listen. The vow of obedience that priests and religious take, and the promises spouses make to each other, may seem foolish from a human perspective, but as the bishop says, “if you love, you obey, you listen, you are free.”
 
He continued to explain some features of the Cathedral and their connection to the faith, from the Baptismal Font at the entrance to the Crucifix that will be exclusively made for our Church, depicting Jesus in the moment when He asked God, “Why have you forsaken me?” (see Mt 27:46). The side chapel will be dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and a small alcove will be dedicated to All Saints. Some young people shared how amazed they were when seeing the plans and artwork for the Cathedral.
 
The evening concluded with an homage to Our Lady and an announcement: the Corpus Christi Catholic Network App will be launched on November 4. Every Tuesday, new show episodes will be available, along with livestreams of Sunday Masses and special events. More information about the app and download links can be found at diocesecc.org/cccn.