News - March 2020 RSS Feed

The Corpus Christi International Seamen’s Center held their traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebration while celebrating 45 years of service to foreign and domestic merchant seamen. 

In preparation for the Eucharistic Congress, the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis has invited Sherry Weddell, author of  “Forming Intentional Disciples,” to the Diocese of Corpus Christi. The presentations will connect with the first part of Bishop Mulvey’s pastoral letter for the Eucharistic Congress: “ The DNA of Communion – The Four Characteristics of God’s Love.” Sherry will take us through the steps that will help Catholics make the conscious choice to follow Jesus as his disciples, transforming parish life and, ultimately, the life of the whole Church.

One of the most powerful guides of our behavior is fear. It is, in itself, not a bad thing. In fact, our bodily safety is often safeguarded by our natural instinct to fear dangers to our well-being. I can certainly appreciate having such feelings growing up in Detroit, where in the streets there were many eminent and real dangers to safety. However, fear is not always our ally. Sometimes, fear is more our enemy than our friend. In fact, fear can keep us from authentic friendships themselves.

Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter have limited some services and suspended other programs that could endanger the public. These are the latest updates to the services offered by Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion, which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion is an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and lovingly embrace him at a time or in circumstances when one cannot receive Him in sacramental Communion.

Angel Outreach began during the 2018-2019 school year at Incarnate Word Academy’s Middle Level as an entire week dedicated to serving local nonprofits and learning how each of them makes the community better. This year, Angel Outreach took on a new form: every student, from age three to high school seniors, participated in a service-related activity during the day.

Transportar la mente y los pensamientos de la gente a las narraciones evangélicas de las últimas horas de Jesús con sus discípulos en el huerto de Getsemani fue el cometido del Retiro espiritual que organizo el ministerio de evangelización de la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia.

As the continued COVID-19 pandemic forces schools, businesses and churches to close, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) encourages families to fast from the fear by refocusing on the Lenten season through CRS Rice Bowl.

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19):

Pope Francis said he will grant a plenary indulgence to the faithful who watch or listen to his extraordinary blessing "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) at 6 p.m. Rome time March 27.

During these uncertain times, we are praying for our brothers and sisters throughout the world. We want you to know that the Diocese of Corpus Christi will always seek to serve the needs of our community and Church in the best ways possible.

Pope Francis announced that he will give an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing this week with the opportunity for Catholics to receive a plenary indulgence by tuning in to www.vaticannews.va on March 27 at 6 p.m.in Rome (12 p.m. Central Time here in Texas). 

Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins said that the Pro-Life Generation and advocates from across the nation will have an expanded package of online events and trainings as Americans spend more time at home as a result of the Coronavirus. “As campuses across the country shut down or pivot to online education, Students for Life of America’s team is doing the same, expanding our materials so that the Pro-Life Generation can be training for the day after Roe and for when we can return to our communities,” Hawkins said. “We are sticking together! Just virtually…and with hand sanitizer.”

On this Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, the Catholic bishops of Texas offer some words of living faith and hope to our people in this extraordinary time of anxiety and illness. While we are facing so many unknowns, we can be certain of God’s faithfulness. The Annunciation of the Lord is a feast of hope in God's goodness and power to intervene on our behalf. 

In response to the current situation surrounding COVID-19, Incarnate Word Academy has extended its school closure through April 3, and will launch the IWA Distance Learning Plan (DLP) for students at all levels starting on Monday, March 23, at 10 a.m.

The Diocese of Corpus Christi, along with Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi and Mother Teresa Shelter formally introduced Warren E. Phipps, Jr. as new Executive Director of the two organizations at a press conference on March 11.

Sixteen seminarians, including James Craig from the Diocese of Corpus Christi, were installed to the ministry of lector at the installation on Feb. 16. Bishop Mark Seitz from the Diocese of El Paso presided over the ceremony during Mass at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston.

Thirty-eight seminarians, including Raymond Pendleton from the Diocese of Corpus Christi, were installed to the ministry of acolyte in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at Pontifical North American College in Rome in a ceremony on Feb. 23.

The Ministry and Life Enrichment for Persons with Disabilities Program will be preparing for the annual Fr. Walsh’s Summer Camp. The Summer Camp will be held at Catholic Charities located at 615 Oliver Street in Corpus Christi on June 12 and 13.