Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued the statement to highlight the needs of the nation’s workers, economic inequalities and the responsibilities of all citizens to help improve working conditions. “Above all, Monsignor Higgins would be concerned about the worker, the person, and the family whose lives are affected by a host of factors,” Bishop Murphy said. “He would weigh up and measure all those factors by their overall impact on human beings. Monsignor would have pointed out the lack of union representation in so many of the emerging industries and workplaces where exploitation has been most evident.” The Church, Bishop Murphy said, continues to focus on the dignity of the worker as “the cornerstone of Catholic teaching on economic life.” The “challenge of overcoming poverty brings the Catholic community together,” he said. Given the coming national elections, the Labor Day statement reminds Catholics to use Catholic social and moral teaching to assess issues of economic justice, human life and dignity. Bishop Murphy cited the bishops’ Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, a document updated every four years, in stressing the need to form a correct conscience in decision-making, based not on personal feelings or individual popularity, but on the truth of the human person and human society. Bishop Murphy said this is determined by examining “candidates and issues from the perspective of human life and dignity, the true good of society, the common good of us all in our nation and in this world.” The Labor Day statement highlights Faithful Citizenship’s words on economic justice, work and workers’ rights. It outlines what comprises a just economy and “makes both links and distinctions between the fundamental duty to oppose what is intrinsically evil (i.e., the destruction of unborn life) and the obligation to pursue the common good (i.e., defending rights of workers and pursuing greater economic justice),” Bishop Murphy said.
AUGUST 22, 2008
Bishops Welcome HHS Regulations Protecting Conscience Rights in Health Care
Federal regulations protecting health care providers’ conscience rights were released for public comment August 21, by Secretary Michael Leavitt of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The U.S. Catholic bishops’ spokesperson on abortion, Deirdre A. McQuade, welcomed the proposed regulations as a way to protect medical personnel from being coerced to violate their consciences in federally funded programs.
“Doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel face pressure to participate in abortion – a practice that many find abhorrent in good conscience,” McQuade said. “The enforcement of federal laws designed to protect their freedom of conscience is long overdue.”
“This is not just about Catholic health care. Catholics do not stand alone in opposition to the deliberate destruction of nascent human life. All health care providers should be free to serve their patients without violating their most deeply held moral and religious convictions on the value of life,” McQuade said.
“Organizations calling themselves ‘pro-choice’ are actually pro-coercion in seeking to deny the freedom of doctors and nurses,” McQuade said. “Don’t doctors have the right to choose not to participate?”
“Over the coming thirty days of public comment, the bishops urge the pro-life American public to thank Secretary Leavitt and encourage HHS to implement the strongest possible regulations,” McQuade said.
On July 18, Cardinal Rigali, chair of the bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, wrote to Congress urging all Senators and Representatives to support conscience protection measures. The full text of his letter may be found at: www.usccb.org/prolife/rigali-conscience071808.pdf
AUGUST 20, 2008
Clemency for Jeff Wood
Cardinal DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and Archbishop Gomez of the Archdiocese of San Antonio have issued a joint clemency letter for Jeff Wood, who is scheduled to be executed on August 21, 2008.
Although Mr. Wood did not commit murder, he was sentenced to death under the “law of parties” for the murder of Kris Keeran. We have tremendous sympathy for the family of Mr. Keeran and in no way wish to diminish the suffering they have endured as a result of his death. But our faith tradition and the precedent set forth by the Kenneth Foster case last year compel us to ask for mercy for Jeff Wood...click here to read the entire letter.
This case is similar to last year's case regarding Kenneth Foster, who was also convicted under the law of parties. Cardinal DiNardo also sent a clemency letter for Foster, whose execution was commuted to a life sentence. Click here to read last year's clemency letter for Kenneth Foster.
AUGUST 18, 2008
Labor Day Message Calls For Action On Just Economy, Dignity, Workers’ Rights
An American Catholic Tradition, the U.S. bishops’ 2008 Labor Day statement (en español) calls for “renewed vigor as we seek to build together a society that cares for its own, reaches out to the poor and vulnerable, and offers true hope to all.”
He drew inspiration from the late Monsignor George Higgins, the “labor priest” who worked for fifty-plus years for workers’ rights and was an outspoken bridge between the Catholic Church in the United States and the labor movement. He described how Monsignor Higgins might address current economic stresses.
AUGUST 11, 2008
New Advocacy Tool: TCC Policy Papers Now Available
The TCC has recently completed a project to create policy papers for every one of our legislative agenda issues. The policy papers are two pages and include church teaching, facts, and additional links for more information. You can see these Policy Pages by visiting our legislative agenda page here. You can also view the Policy Papers, as well as other resources, on our Resources page here.
Archbishop Gomez appointed to Vatican Commission working with Latin America
Archbishop José H. Gomez of the Archdiocese of San Antonio has been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as a consultant to the Pontifical Commission for
“I am indeed humbled and truly grateful for the confidence the Holy Father has shown in me through this nomination,” said Archbishop Gomez. “I look forward to working with my brother bishops in Latin America so that together, we can forge a bond that will be a sign of unity as we carry out the mission of the church throughout the American continent.”
The commission has as consultants bishops from selected churches associated with Latin America or from the
According to information from the Holy See’s Web site, the function of the commission is to be available to the church in
Archbishop Gomez stated, “I accept this honor to serve the Holy See, to work with the bishops of the
The commission was created by Pope Pius XII on April 21, 1958, and is commemorating its 50th anniversary this year. It is currently presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation of Bishops, the entity by which the group is overseen, and the commission’s vice president is Archbishop José Octavio Ruíz Arenas, who formerly served as prelate of the Archdiocese of Villavicencio, Colombia.
“I look forward to working with my brother bishops at this critical time in history for all of our people. The church of the American continent faces many challenges today and even greater challenges in the future,” Archbishop Gomez said. “As we proclaim the Gospel of Christ, in a spirit of faith and love, I am hopeful that our cultures will come together to reflect respect for life and the dignity of every human person, especially the most in need.”
In an address to an assembly of the commission held in
(Story provided by Today's Catholic)
JULY 17, 2008
Bishops of Texas Respond Locally to Catholic Hospital Allegations
The Bishops of Texas are working locally with Catholic Hospitals in their (arch)dioceses to investigate allegations of noncompliance with Church teaching. These allegations arise from anonymous sources which have yet to be independently verified.
In addition to state and federal laws, Catholic health care institutions are required to comply with the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERD)—directives created by the Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and approved by the entire body of US Bishops in June 2001. The ERD explicitly prohibits abortion and direct sterilization, two areas of noncompliance listed in the allegations. Church teaching is clear on the immorality of both of these practices.
See below for statements from individual Bishops:
Statement from Bishop Corrada, SJ., Diocese of Tyler
Although the Diocese of Tyler is blessed to have two faithful Catholic Hospitals serving our communities, Trinity Mother Frances in Tyler and Christus St. Michael in Texarkana, I was greatly saddened to hear of a report that alleges Catholic Hospitals have engaged in sterilizations procedures that are immoral. Both hospitals have been in contact with the Diocese of Tyler and are cooperating in assessing the matter.
The hospitals believe that their policies and procedures are in accords with the Ethical and Religious Directives which govern Catholic health care institutions in the United States. The sponsoring religious communities of Consecrated Life are committed to the teachings of the Catholic Church and have a deep respect for the sacred dignity of the human person. I am working through the Texas Catholic Conference in formulating an appropriate response, which will include an independent audit.
I remain supportive of our Catholic Hospitals and the Communities of Consecrated Life that support them. I encourage Catholics to allow some time for any issues to be identified and addressed. Persons with concerns can direct them to Rev. Gavin N. Vaverek, JCL, Promoter of Justice for our diocese.
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The bishops stated their support for "ethically responsible advances in the medical use of adult stem cells" such as research on umbilical cord blood at the Texas Cord Blood Bank. |
Embryonic stem-cell research immoral, unnecessary, bishops say
By Nancy Frazier O'Brien
Catholic News Service
ORLANDO, Fla. (CNS) -- Declaring that stem-cell research does not present a conflict between science and religion, the U.S. bishops overwhelmingly approved a statement June 13 calling the use of human embryos in such research "gravely immoral" and unnecessary.
In the last vote of the public session of their Jan. 12-14 spring general assembly in Orlando, the bishops voted 191-1 in favor of the document titled "On Embryonic Stem-Cell Research: A Statement of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops."
"It now seems undeniable that once we cross the fundamental moral line that prevents us from treating any fellow human being as a mere object of research, there is no stopping point," the document said. "The only moral stance that affirms the human dignity of all of us is to reject the first step down this path."
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Click here to download the statement On Embryonic Stem-Cell Research: A Statement of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Click here to read Rev. John Leies' testimony, on behalf of TCC, before the House Committee on Appropriations hearing on adult stem cell research in May, 2008. |
Consideration of the stem-cell document came after an intense and complicated debate at the meeting over a 700-page liturgical translation. Archbishop Naumann thanked those involved in the liturgical debate for "making stem-cell research seem simple," which drew laughs from the other bishops.
The seven-page policy statement was approved with little debate and few amendments.
Archbishop Naumann said it would be issued in an "attractive educational brochure" intended for the "broadest possible distribution."
Also coming out this summer, he said, are three educational resources on the medical advances being made with adult stem cells: a 16-minute DVD called "Stem-Cell Research: Finding Cures We Can All Live With"; an updated parish bulletin insert on the topic; and a brochure on "Stem Cells and Hope for Patients," which will be part of the bishops' annual Respect Life observance.
Although the U.S. bishops have been active in the national debate on stem cells, individually and collectively, this marks the first time they have addressed the issue in a document "devoted exclusively" to that topic, Archbishop Naumann said.
"Even our opponents admit that ours is one of the most effective voices against destroying human embryos for stem-cell research," he added.
The document is designed to set the stage for a later, more pastoral document explaining why the Catholic Church opposes some reproductive technologies.
"While human life is threatened in many ways in our society, the destruction of human embryos for stem-cell research confronts us with an issue of respect for life in a stark new way," it says.
"The issue of stem-cell research does not force us to choose between science and ethics, much less between science and religion," the document says. "It presents a choice as to how our society will pursue scientific and medical progress."
The policy statement seeks to refute three arguments made in favor of permitting stem-cell research that involves the destruction of human embryos. It says proponents of embryonic stem-cell research argue:
-- "Any harm done in this case is outweighed by potential benefits.
-- "What is destroyed is not a human life, or at least not a human being with fundamental human rights.
-- "Dissecting human embryos for their cells should not be seen as involving a loss of embryonic life."
Responding to the first argument, the document says that "the false assumption that a good end can justify direct killing has been the source of much evil in our world."
"No commitment to a hoped-for 'greater good' can erase or diminish the wrong of directly taking innocent human lives here and now," the statement adds. "In fact, policies undermining our respect for human life can only endanger the vulnerable patients that stem-cell research offers to help. The same ethic that justifies taking some lives to help the patient with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease today can be used to sacrifice that very patient tomorrow."
On the claims that a week-old embryo is "too small, immature or undeveloped to be considered a 'human life'" or "too lacking in mental or physical abilities to have full human worth or human rights," the document notes that the embryo "has the full complement of human genes" and is worthy of the same dignity given to all members of the human family.
"If fundamental rights such as the right to life are based on abilities or qualities that can appear or disappear, grow or diminish, and be greater or lesser in different human beings, then there are no inherent human rights, no true human equality, only privileges for the strong," the statement says.
The document also dismisses the argument that there is no harm in killing so-called "spare" embryos created for in vitro fertilization attempts because they would die anyway.
"Ultimately each of us will die, but that gives no one a right to kill us," the statement says. "Our society does not permit lethal experiments on terminally ill patients or condemned prisoners on the pretext that they will soon die anyway. Likewise, the fact that an embryonic human being is at risk of being abandoned by his or her parents gives no individual or government a right to directly kill that human being first."
The document also addresses moves to permit human cloning and the "grotesque practice" -- banned by the Fetus Farming Prohibition Act of 2006 -- to develop cloned embryos in a woman's womb in order to harvest tissues and organs from them.
It closes with a reminder that the use of adult stem cells and umbilical-cord blood have been shown to offer "a better way" to produce cells that can benefit patients suffering from heart disease, corneal damage, sickle cell anemia, multiple sclerosis and many other diseases.
"There is no moral objection to research and therapy of this kind, when it involves no harm to human beings at any stage of development and is conducted with appropriate informed consent," it says. "Catholic foundations and medical centers have been, and will continue to be, among the leading supporters of ethically responsible advances in the medical use of adult stem cells."
Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
JUNE 3, 2008
Archdiocese of San Antonio ordains a new Auxiliary Bishop
San Antonio Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantú is congratulated by the congregation during his episcopal ordination June 2 at St. Mark the Evangelist Church in San Antonio. Applauding in the background are, left, San Antonio Archbishop José H. Gomez, and right, Auxiliary Bishop Joe Vasquez of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. (Photo from Ruben Alfaro of Today's Catholic)
(Article provided by Today's Catholic)
On June 2, 2008, Bishop Cantú was ordained auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of San Antonio at St. Mark the
Archbishop Gomez was the principal consecrator, joined by co-consecrating bishops, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza and Auxiliary Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of the archdiocese was also present at the liturgy.
More than 1,100 people attended the ordination. Bishop Cantú’s mother, Maria de Jesus Cantú, his seven brothers and sisters, and much of the bishop’s extended family and friends made the trip from Houston and other places around the country to share in the special day.
The celebration began with a solemn procession that included more than two dozen archbishops and bishops from
San Antonio Archbishop José H. Gomez anoints the head of Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantú with sacred chrism at his episcopal ordination June 2 at St. Mark the “But it is also something deeply person,” the archbishop explained. “I’m sure my brother bishops here tonight share my experience – that our ordination to the episcopacy was a definitive moment in our lives. I am touched by moving memories of my ordination.”
“Take courage, my brother!” proclaimed Archbishop Gomez. “You must answer our Lord’s call with Christian valor. You are not being given a spirit of fear or timidity. You will receive a spirit of power and love. The power and strength of God. This is the flame, the gift of God, you must keep. And what is this power, my brother? It is the power of the cross.”
Msgr. Terence Nolan
In his homily, Archbishop Gomez called the episcopal ordination a moment of great significance in the life and history of the Lord’s church.
Archbishop Gomez said that Pope Benedict reminded the bishops during his
In closing, the archbishop welcomed Bishop Cantú by saying he walked in the footsteps of some very holy bishops – men like St. Rafael Guizar y Valencia and Archbishop Emeritus Patrick F. Flores, the first Mexican-American archbishop in the United States. “May we be worthy of such holy predecessors!” he concluded.
Following his homily, Archbishop Gomez proclaimed the prayer of consecration. Then the archbishop and the two co-consecrating bishops placed their hands on Bishop Cantú, followed by Cardinal DiNardo and all of the attending bishops and archbishops. Next the new bishop’s head was anointed with holy chrism.
Archbishop José G. Gomez of
Archbishop Gomez then presented Bishop Cantú with the Book of the Gospels and other symbols of his office. With the words, “Receive this ring, the seal of fidelity: adorned with undefiled faith, preserve umblemished the bride of God, the holy church.” Bishop Cantú then received his episcopal ring, followed by his miter, and the crosier.
Near the conclusion of the celebration, Bishop Cantú addressed the congregation.
“The history of the Archdiocese of San Antonio is one that involves a strong Catholic presence in this geographical region, and the fruits of the church’s missions are still evident today,” said the auxiliary bishop.
In 1836, he explained, most Texas Catholics were Hispanic, while a smaller but significant number were Irish. “These demographics seem not to have changed much in
Bishop Cantú then thanked his family for teaching him the value of love, truth, sacrifice and forgiveness, lessons and habits he said have served him well in the priesthood.
“I ask for you prayers,” he told the congregation, “That I may carry out my ministry in truth and compassions, and that I might continue to model my life on the example of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.”
Bishop Cantú, who is 41 years old, is the youngest bishop in the United States and the ninth youngest bishop in the world. He was born and raised in Houston, TX, attended Catholic school in Houston and was ordained a priest for the then Diocese of Galveston‐Houston in May of 1994. Since his ordination, he served in a number of parishes in the Houston metropolitan area. Prior to his ordination to Bishop, he was the pastor of Holy Name Parish in Houston, which was his childhood parish. He has also taught at the University of St. Thomas School of Theology and the University of St. Thomas at St. Mary’s Seminary (Catholic News Agency). During his testimony Rev. Leies also advocated for public cord blood banks. “There are over 70 diseases that have been treated with cord blood stem cells. At the present time the United States has some 17,000 units of cord blood in 20 public banks. And more is needed evidently.” These new rules are part of “Twogether in Texas-Healthy Marriage Initiative,” a program based on a law passed during by the Texas Legislature during the 2007 legislative session. The Healthy Marriage initiative in Texas promotes free, skills-based marriage education and provides couples with the tools they need to manage the challenges inherent in relationships. Research has shown that couples who receive premarital and marriage education improve their communication skills and increase their marital satisfaction which benefits child well-being. The constitution was revised and the Conference was reorganized in 1970, 1989, and most recently in 1996. In 2007 the Bishops created a committee to reorganize the Conference departments and revise the Constitution and By-laws. These revisions will be presented to the General Assembly in September 2008 for review and may be adopted by the Bishops of Texas in the fall of 2008. The Restructure Committee (Bishop Armando Ochoa, Bishop Raymundo Peña, Bishop James Tamayo, and Bishop Patrick Zurek) adopted the following goal for the restructure: To streamline the Conference to focus on departments which assist the Bishops in carrying out their pastoral mission. 1. Many of the 20 departments of the Conference were inactive for two years or more. 2. The ministries of the church in Texas have changed over the last 11 years. 3. The Bishops’ desire to focus the work of the conference on their pastoral mission. 4. A decrease in Conference department meetings, and their associated costs for dioceses, will allow for greater participation of dioceses, which should lead to more equitable representation. Act Now! Sample Message: "Hello. I am calling to ask you to please include the Kerry-Snowe National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act (S. 2523) in the major housing bill that the Senate Banking Committee takes up this week or next week. The bill is expected to include the creation of an Affordable Housing Fund which will be the first source of dedicated funding for the National Housing Trust Fund. However as of yet, there is no commitment to take up the Kerry-Snowe National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 as part of this major housing bill. Unless the Kerry-Snowe bill is included, there is no assurance that 100% of the funds will go to housing, and no assurance that any of the funds will be targeted to extremely low income people. Below is a reflection from TCC Director of Education, Margaret McGettrick, who was present at Pope Benedict XVI's Meeting with Educators during his 2008 Papal Visit. When he entered the room to a roaring applause the short figure of Benedict XVI exuded the energy of a man much younger than his eighty one years. His healthy bronze coloring and friendly eyes against the backdrop of his white robes enhanced his unique presence in the room. The content and tone of his message was delivered in a manner befitting the intellectual and caring person he is. It was well received by the audience. His Holiness spoke of the sacrifice of many saying that:”The Catholic Community here has in fact made education one of its highest priorities…..Countless dedicated Religious Sisters, Brothers, and Priests together with selfless parents have, through Catholic schools, helped generations of immigrants to rise from poverty and take their place in mainstream society”. Unlike many other highly industrialized countries in the world where parents are free to choose a school of their choice regardless of income, parents in the United States are compelled to pay for this right. Likewise, many educators in Catholic schools sacrifice millions of dollars annually to work in our schools for a fraction of what they would earn in public schools. Benedict XVI went on to speak about the ethos in our Catholic institutions: “A university or school’s Catholic identity is not simply a question of the number of Catholic students. It is a question of conviction – do we really believe that only in the mystery of the Word made flesh does the mystery of man truly become clear (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 22)? Are we ready to commit our entire self – intellect and will, mind and heart – to God? Do we accept the truth Christ reveals? Is the faith tangible in our universities and schools? Is it given fervent expression liturgically, sacramentally, through prayer, acts of charity, a concern for justice, and respect for God’s creation? Only in this way do we really bear witness to the meaning of who we are and what we uphold.
The Church’s primary mission of evangelization, in which educational institutions play a crucial role, is consonant with a nation’s fundamental aspiration to develop a society truly worthy of the human person’s dignity.” When I heard these words it reminded me of the formative education received by Melinda French, now Melinda Gates, when she attended Catholic schools in Dallas. It is obvious that she and her husband, Bill Gates, through their efforts to eradicate disease in third world countries as well as promoting educational opportunities for the disadvantaged in this country, have as their goal to make society truly worthy of a human person’s dignity. Pope Benedict then went on to speak about “intellectual charity”. “This aspect of charity calls the educator to recognize that the profound responsibility to lead the young to truth is nothing less than an act of love. Indeed, the dignity of education lies in fostering the true perfection and happiness of those to be educated. In practice “intellectual charity” upholds the essential unity of knowledge against the fragmentation which ensues when reason is detached from the pursuit of truth. It guides the young towards the deep satisfaction of exercising freedom in relation to truth, and it strives to articulate the relationship between faith and all aspects of family and civic life. Once their passion for the fullness and unity of truth has been awakened, young people will surely relish the discovery that the question of what they can know opens up the vast adventure of what they ought to do. Here they will experience “in what” and “in whom” it is possible to hope, and be inspired to contribute to society in a way that engenders hope in others." In regard to faculty members at Catholic colleges and universities, he reaffirmed the great value of academic freedom and the insistence of faithfulness to the Church. He encouraged teachers in schools to acquire a clear and precise understanding of the specific nature and role of Catholic education and he appealed to the religious to renew their commitment to schools especially in poorer areas. As he left the room to another wave of applause I felt that I had been in the presence of not only one of the great intellectuals in our Church but of someone who a teacher of humility and holiness. I know that we students had truly been touched by him. How lucky we are to have such a shepherd! “It is a great honor and responsibility for Bishop-elect Cantú,” Daniel Cardinal DiNardo expressed, “and it is a great joy for this local Church that one of our own priests has been elevated to the Office of Bishop. Fr. Cantú’s gifts, his loyalty and service to the Church, and his wise and compassionate pastoral care have shown him to be a priest of great maturity.” While appointing Bishop Cantú San Antonio’s auxiliary bishop, Pope Benedict also named him Titular Bishop of Dardano. A titular bishop is a title given to a bishop who is not in charge of a diocese or archdiocese. These dioceses no longer exist, but centuries ago might have fallen into the hands of conquerors or were absorbed into larger dioceses. These appointments serve to memorialize these dioceses.
........................................ APRIL 4, 2008 Photography © Aker/Zvonkovic Photography A cathedral is a special church—the mother church of a diocese and the spiritual center of the prayer life of the local Catholic community. It is also the Bishop’s church, taking the name cathedral from the Bishop’s chair, the cathedra. From the cathedra, the Bishop teaches and presides over the flock of Christ entrusted to his care. A cathedral is the spiritual home for all the faithful of the diocese. -Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston The Rite of Dedication of a church is divided into four parts: Introductory rites, Liturgy of the Word, Prayer of Dedication, and Liturgy of the Eucharist. During the introductory rites, those in charge of the construction of the church presented the new building to Cardinal DiNardo. Next, the Cardinal blessed water and used it to sprinkle the people and the walls of the church. The sprinkling with water is a reminder of our baptism, the time when we became one in Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Cardinal began the Liturgy of the Word by elevating the Lectionary and presenting it to the faithful, proclaiming, “May the word of God always be heard in this place, as it unfolds the mystery of Christ before you and achieves your salvation within the church.”
After the profession of faith, the faithful sang the Litany of the Saints. Next, Cardinal DiNardo deposed the relics of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St Thérèse of Lisieux, St Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Maria Goretti, and Pope St. Leo the Great. The depositing of relics is an ancient tradition in the Church. The rite of dedication of a church directs that the relics must be authentic and of sufficient size to be recognizable. Relics are deposited to remind the faithful that the sacrifice of the martyrs and saints finds its source in the sacrifice of Christ. Photography © Aker/Zvonkovic Photography Following the deposition, the prayer of dedication was said. During this time, the faithful fervently implore Mary and all the saints to join their prayers with ours to make our prayer of dedication acceptable to God and invoke the Holy Spirit to make the church “an ever holy place” where “the waters of baptism overwhelm the shame of sin,” where God’s children may “be fed at the table of Christ’s word and Christ’s body”; where “the poor find justice” and “victims of oppression [may find] true freedom (Rite of Dedication of a Church, 62).”
Next, the altar and walls of the Cathedral were anointed. The altar, a symbol of Christ, was anointed with sacred Chrism. The walls of the church were then anointed at twelve places in keeping with ancient liturgical tradition. The anointing of the walls sets the building aside as a place of Christian worship. The altar was covered with a new cloth and prepared. The altar candles were lit, followed by the lighting of the church, which reminds us that Christ is “a light to enlighten the nations (Rite of Dedication of a Church, 16c).” The Liturgy of the Eucharist, the most ancient element of the Rite of Dedication of a Church, followed.
© Archdiocese Galveston-Houston To the everlasting Father, and the Son who reigns on high with the Holy Spirit proceeding fort from each eternally, be salvation, honor, blessing, might and endless majesty. Amen. Seating up to 2,000 faithful, the new Co-Cathedral will serve as the home for diocesan-wide events such as priestly ordinations. The faithful of the archdiocese will be able to visit the new co-cathedral beginning on Saturday, April 5, as the Church will host guided tours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza will be the main celebrant at the Solemn Vigil Mass that evening at 5:30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated in the new Co-Cathedral Sunday, April 6, at 9 and 11 a.m., 1 p.m. in Vietnamese and at 5 p.m. with Auxiliary Bishop Vincent M. Rizzotto as the main celebrant of the evening Mass. ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ MARCH 14, 2008 ........................................ Cord blood, which is donated following the birth of a healthy baby, is rich in blood-making cells which can be used, like bone marrow transplants, to treat children and adults with certain cancers and other fatal blood disorders. Diseases currently treated with cord blood include aplastic anemia, lymphoma, genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, and other blood cancers. Sometimes it is wrongly said that the Catholic Church opposes stem cell research. In fact, the Church supports ethically responsible stem cell research, while opposing any research that exploits or destroys human embryos. Because the Church opposes deliberately destroying innocent human life at any stage, for research or any other purpose, it opposes embryonic stem cell research as currently conducted. However, when scientists proposed avenues for possibly obtaining embryonic stem cells or their pluripotent equivalent without creating or harming embryos, Catholic leaders were among the first to welcome this idea. The Catholic Church has long supported research using stem cells from adult tissue and umbilical cord blood, which poses no moral problem. Catholic institutions at times have taken the lead in promoting such constructive research, which is already providing cures and treatments for suffering patients. For more information on Stem cells, click here. ........................................
WASHINGTON— The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) welcomes the House Committee on Foreign Affairs’ February 27 approval of a new, bipartisan bill to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. House debate is expected in March. ........................................
Bishop McCarthy's legacy extends well beyond the borders of this diocese. The Texas Catholic Conference and its broad mission of service to the state is a legacy of John McCarthy...He is a giant not only in the Catholic Community-but to all who know him. Recipients of the award have made an impact on significant numbers of persons or set a precedent or example which has affected many. Their achievements have effected progress toward eliminating social, economic, or political injustice or discrimination and the furthering of basic human dignity and rights as defined in Catholic social teaching. Bishop McCarthy with TCC Executive
For more information, visit the Archdiocese of San Antonio web site.
MAY 28, 2008
TCC Advocates for Adult Stem Cell Research
“There is a basic moral principal to do good and avoid evil. All morality is built on that. And using adult stem cell research is a good. There is a moral imperative to move ahead with this,” stated Rev. John A. Leies, S.M, S.T.D, a professor of moral theology at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, who represented the Texas Catholic Conference at the May 21 Adult Stem Cell Research hearing before the Texas House Appropriations Committee.
“Adult stem cells are a way in which life, the spark of divine divinity within us, will be protected and enhanced. Both from a practical and a moral standpoint, cell experimentation should be confined to the use of adult stem cells.”
The Adult Stem Cell Research hearing was convened to review an interim charge regarding the potential clinical and economic benefits of using state funding for current and increased adult stem cell research, including cord blood stem cells. Click here to watch Rev. Leies’ testimony (his testimony begins at 35:30, or the 35th minute) or click here to read his remarks.
Contrasting adult stem cell research, which the Church supports, with embryonic stem cell research, which the Church opposes, Rev. Leies stated, “We do not believe that we are supposed to create life in order to destroy it. Adult stem cell research has proven itself. And the moral problem of the destruction of life is avoided.”
For more information on the TCC’s position on stem cells, click here or click here to view our entire legislative agenda.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Rev. Leies, a member of the Society of Mary, obtained a bachelor’s of science in education from the University of Dayton, Ohio and continued his education, receiving a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L) and a Doctorate in Theology (S.T.D) from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. Rev. Leies is a consultant for the National Catholic Bioethics Center, and was former President and Academic Vice-President for St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.
MAY 27, 2008
Marriage Preparation encouraged to form Healthy Marriages 
The Catholic Church has a long history of helping couples to prepare for marriage. Because the Church wants couples to form strong, lasting marriages, couples who wish to marry in the Catholic Church are asked to attend an approved marriage preparation program. There are many different formats for marriage preparation programs ranging from intensive weekends, to a weekly series, to “in home” mentor couple programs. For more information on Catholic Marriage resources, for engaged couples, married couples, or others who are interested, you can visit the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops “For Your Marriage” web site here or contact your Diocesan office for Family Life.
Regional intermediaries have been named to help ensure that healthy marriage services are available in every region of the state. Click here to find your intermediary and for more information on the initiative.
MAY 7, 2008
Texas Catholic Conference 2008 Restructure Plan
While gathered in Rome in 1963 during the Second Vatican Council, the Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Texas, who were then in attendance at the Council by a joint act initiated and established the Texas Catholic Conference. The purposes and structure of the organization were formalized in 1964 in Articles of Administration adopted by the Ordinaries of Texas.
Under the terms of these Articles, other members of the Church in Texas, in addition to the founding bishops, were incorporated as integral parts of the Texas Catholic Conference, (hereinafter called the Conference) through affiliated departments. In 1970 the Conference was reorganized. A General Assembly was established to involve a still greater number of the faithful. A Constitution for the newly reorganized Conference was approved unanimously by the Ordinaries.
2007-2008 Restructure Process
The need to restructure the Conference was based on four primary issues:
All department chairs were asked to complete a survey of their activities. The Bishops learned that many of the departments were not meeting on an annual basis and did not conduct any activities. Departments that were inactive for two or more years were not included in the new structure. Based on the survey results, the Bishops decided to continue, merge, or close departments.
Click here to read the entire TCC Restructure Plan
Please call your Senator and request that the Kerry-Snowe National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act (S. 2523) be included in the major housing bill that the Senate Banking Committee takes up this week or next week.
The U.S. Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee will take up a major housing bill this week or next to address the foreclosure crisis. The bill is expected to include the Senate's version of regulatory reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including the creation of an Affordable Housing Fund. This fund will be the first source of dedicated funding for the National Housing Trust Fund.
However as of yet, there is no commitment to take up S. 2523 (the Kerry-Snowe National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007) as part of this major housing bill. Unless the Kerry-Snowe bill is included, there is no assurance that 100% of the funds will go to housing, and no assurance that any of the funds will be targeted to extremely low income people.
Our Catholic Faith
Catholic Social Teaching has long recognized housing as a basic human right. The Catholic community—through its parishes, diocesan structures, and Catholic Charities agencies—is one of the largest providers of shelter in the nation. Since the late 1960's, the federal government through the Department of Housing and Urban Development has solicited, encouraged, and funded a variety of Church sponsored housing--particularly senior housing, transitional housing, homeless shelters, and some family units.
Bishop William Murphy, on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has written to the Senate urging support of a National Housing Trust Fund as “a genuine opportunity to let the American people know that the housing needs of low-income families are a national priority.” And to “demonstrate how vitally important housing is to the well-being of families and our communities.”
Click here to contact Senator Hutchison. Click here to contact Senator Cornyn.
My Catholic faith has long recognized housing as a basic human right. Support of a National Housing Trust Fund is a genuine opportunity to let the American people know that the housing needs of low-income families are a national priority and to demonstrate how vitally important housing is to the well-being of families and our communities.”
Please work to include the Kerry-Stowe National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act in the housing bill. Thank you for your time."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Thom Shellabarger at the USCCB, 202 541 3189 or tshellabarger@usccb.org
APRIL 29, 2008
USCCB Official Praises Senate Passage Of ‘Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act’
The U.S. Senate voted 95 to 0 to pass the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (“GINA,” H.R. 493), which bars employers and health insurers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of their own or their family members’ genetic information, on April 24.
Deirdre McQuade, Assistant Director for Policy and Communications at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, praised its passage.
“Today the Senate took a stand for some of the most vulnerable members of the human family, whether born, yet to be born, or placed for adoption. No one should be discriminated against on the basis of genetic testing,” McQuade said.
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a nearly identical bill by a vote of 420 to 3 on April 25, 2007.
“The Pro-Life Secretariat is particularly grateful to Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) for ensuring that this bill’s protection against discrimination will cover the families of unborn children with adverse prenatal diagnoses, as well as children being adopted,” she said. “His advocacy on their behalf will empower families to welcome vulnerable children with special needs into their lives.”
“After minor technical differences between the House and Senate bills are resolved, we look forward to President Bush signing into law this important protection for American families,” McQuade said.
APRIL 25, 2008
Bishop Peña to Give Border Wall Testimony
Most Reverend Raymundo J. Peña, Bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville, will testify on the impacts of constructing a border wall--both to the human community and to the environment--this Monday, April 28 before the subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans.
"The 'Wall' has been discussed very frequently and thoroughly in this part of Texas, because our community is a border community. For many Americans the emphasis is on the word "border" but for those families that have lived in this area for generations, the reality is that the community comes first and our community has existed long before the border was ever drawn."..click here to read the testimony...
APRIL 25, 2008
Benedict XVI Addresses Educators
Pope Benedict XVI addresses Catholic Educators gathered at the Catholic University of America
in Washington
(CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)
On April 17, 2008, His Holiness Benedict XVI addressed about 250 College Presidents, Superintendents and other educators, representing over three million children and students, on the campus of The Catholic University of America. I was privileged to be one of those present as the Pope singled out this important ministry in the Church. As we waited in the Great Room, probably the size of a small parish hall, we, business suited invitees, talked among ourselves about the message that we were going to receive. However, regardless of the message, we were all very anxious to meet the messenger.
Those of us in the room represented a ministry in the American Catholic Church that has undergone many changes in the past forty years. In 1965, Catholic schools enrolled almost 4.4 million students, or 12% of all U.S. students in elementary and secondary grades. At the current time Catholic schools enroll about 2.3 million students. Since 1990, more than 1,300 Catholic schools have closed, mostly in cities, notes a report released April 10 by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a Washington think tank.
Director of Education Margaret
McGettrick, along with several Diocesan
Superintendents from around the state.
From left to right: Sr. Elizabeth Ann Swartz SSND, Diocese of El Paso and San Angelo; Margaret McGettrick, Director of Education for the Texas Catholic Conference; Ned Vanders, Diocese of Austin; Sr. Marcella Ewers, D.C. Diocese of Brownsville, Sr. Kevina Keating, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Leo Cottenoir, Diocese of Lubbock.
Clearly, then, Catholic identity is not dependent upon statistics. Neither can it be equated simply with orthodoxy of course content. It demands and inspires much more: namely that each and every aspect of your learning communities reverberates within the ecclesial life of faith. Only in faith can truth become incarnate and reason truly human, capable of directing the will along the path of freedom (cf. Spe Salvi, 23). In this way our institutions make a vital contribution to the mission of the Church and truly serve society. They become places in which God’s active presence in human affairs is recognized and in which every young person discovers the joy of entering into Christ’s “being for others” (cf. ibid.,28)
"After the meeting, I remember a reporter telling me that one noticeable difference between coverage of our present pope and our last is that people went to see John Paul II but people flock to listen to Benedict XVI..."
Click here to learn more about our Education issue advocacy
Click here to read Pope Benedict's speech from his meeting with Catholic Educators
APRIL 14, 2008
Welcome Holy Father
"Our devotion helps us to speak and act in persona Christi, to teach, govern and sanctify the faithful in the name of Jesus, to bring his reconciliation, his healing and his love to all his beloved brothers and sisters. This radical configuration to Christ, the Good Shepherd, lies at the heart of our pastoral ministry, and if we open ourselves through prayer to the power of the Spirit, he will give us the gifts we need to carry out our daunting task, so that we need never “be anxious how to speak or what to say” (Mt 10:19)."(CNS Photo/Nancy Wiechec)
- Pope Benedict, addressing the American Bishops, April 16, 2008
More Links:
APRIL 10, 2008
The TCC Welcomes New Auxiliary in San Antonio
The Holy Father has announced the appointment of Rev. Oscar Cantú, from Holy Name Parish in the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston, as Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio. Cantú's ordination is set for June 2 in San Antonio. We welcome Bishop-Elect Cantú to the TCC!
He will be ordained a bishop in San Antonio on June 2 by Archbishop José H. Gomez. At 41, Bishop-elect Cantú will be the youngest bishop in the United States. Born and raised in Houston, TX, Bishop-elect Cantú is a product of Houston’s Catholic Schools and was ordained a priest in May of 1994. Since his ordination, he served in a number of parishes in the Houston metropolitan area. He currently is the pastor of Holy Name Parish in Houston, which was his childhood parish. He has also taught at the University of St. Thomas School of Theology and the University of St. Thomas at St. Mary’s Seminary.
Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral Dedicated
Texas’ newest Cathedral, the , finally reached completion as the entire archdiocesan community, led by Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, marked the occasion with a Dedication Mass on April 2.
"The church building is a sign and reminder of the immanence and transcendence of God—who chose to dwell among us and whose presence cannot be contained or limited to any single place.... Churches are signs of the pilgrim church on earth; they are images that proclaim the heavenly Jerusalem."
-Built of Living Stones, no. 50
In 1959 Pope John XXIII recognized the tremendous growth and prominence of Houston as a major metropolitan area and redesignated the Diocese of Galveston to the Diocese of Galveston-Houston. Sacred Heart church in downtown Houston, established in 1897 as the fourth parish in Houston, was elevated to be a Co-Cathedral, co-equal in status with St. Mary in Galveston. St. Mary's Cathedral, the first cathedral of the Archdiocese, was dedicated in 1848.
"The Lord has no need of our praise but our desire to give thanks and praise is already God’s gift to us. The Cathedral is a place for thanks and praise, for Liturgy, for great public worship in Christ Jesus...It is a place that invites all people to come and experience a serious house grounded rightly to the earth but also soaring to transcendent heights."
"Let the triumphant victims take their place where Christ is the victim. He who suffered for all is above the altar; those redeemed by his sufferings are beneath the altar."
–Letter 22, 13; PL 16: 1066
"For today we come before you, to dedicate to your lasting service, this house of prayer, this temple of worship, this home in which we are nourished by your word and your sacraments... Here may your children, gathered around your altar, celebrate the memorial of the Paschal Lamb, and be fed at the table of Christ’s word and Christ’s body...Here may prayer, the Church’s banquet, resound through heaven and earth as a plea for the world’s salvation…Here may the poor find justice, the victims of oppression, true freedom. From here may the whole world clothed in the dignity of the children of God, enter with gladness your city of peace."
-Prayer of Dedication
Incense was then burned at the altar as the Cardinal prayed, “Lord may our prayers ascend as incense in your sight. As this building is filled with fragrance, so may your Church fill the world with the fragrance of Christ.”
At the conclusion of the prayer after communion, the Blessed Sacrament was carried in procession with incense and candles throughout the church and placed in the tabernacle. While the sanctuary lamp was lit, the ministers and faithful pray in silence.
The new Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart had been under construction for more than three years, as ground for the new church was broken, January 30, 2005.
-Tantum Ergo, Thomas Aquinas
The Archdiocesan Co-Cathedral web site has many resources, including a history of the Archdiocese and the Co-Cathedral, Catechetical tools such as lesson plans and coloring pages, notes on the anatomy of the Co-Cathedral, and a link to the Co-Cathedral's parish web site, where you can find mass schedules and other parish activities.
MARCH 28, 2008
Msgr. William L. Broussard, Rest in Peace
MARCH 18, 2008
Oppose the Shuler-Tancredo Bill:
We need comprehensive immigration reform that will secure our borders, restore the rule of law and legalize the status of immigrants in our country.
TCC airs radio program on Relevant Radio
The TCC's first radio show, Relevant to You, aired on Austin's Relevant Radio 970 AM on Friday, March 14. The hour-long show featured TCC Executive Director Andrew Rivas, as well as Ted Wrenn, General Manager for Relevant Radio in Austin. During the course of the show, Andrew discussed the history and role of the TCC in Texas, as well as the TCC's role as the public policy voice of Texas.
TCC will produce a new show every month. Click the play button above to listen to the first show titled “About the Texas Catholic Conference.”
MARCH 12, 2008
TCC Staff Visit the Texas Cord Blood Bank
Last week TCC staff members visited the Texas Cord Blood Bank in San Antonio. Specially approved by the Texas legislature, the Texas Cord Blood Bank allows families to donate their infant's cord blood at no cost to the family.
There are many benefits to treating patients with cord blood cells. Because cord blood immune cells are less mature, they are more easily accepted by a patient when used in transplantation. As a result, patients with a less-than-perfect match can now be treated. In addition, there are fewer immune complications after transplantation and since cord blood is banked and ready to use, it is immediately available when a patient needs it. The Texas Cord Blood Bank partners with the National Marrow Donor program to help physicians find matches for their patients, and has the bank has already made 8 matches.
MARCH 3, 2008
Catholic Bishops Welcome New Bill For Global HIV/AIDS Relief
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Florida, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, and Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, both affirmed key provisions in the bill.
The reauthorization increases current funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to $50 billion over five years and provides assistance to additional countries in the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe.
“We welcome this strong reaffirmation of U.S. leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria on behalf of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people and communities,” Bishop Wenski said.
“The proposed reauthorization of PEPFAR is an essential life-giving response to an epidemic that continues to threaten current and future generations, especially in Africa,” he added.
If passed by Congress, this PEPFAR program has the potential to prevent twelve million new infections by 2012, support treatment for three million people already infected, and care for an additional twelve million people, including five million orphans and vulnerable children overseas.
Cardinal Rigali further commented, “The new bill reflects a commitment to saving human lives as well as our solidarity with those suffering overseas. It is vital to preserve and expand proven life-saving programs – especially abstinence and fidelity education – while refusing to dilute and distort a successful AIDS relief program with family planning and ‘reproductive health’ activities.”
“I join Bishop Wenski in urging Congress to build upon a consensus that maintains PEPFAR’s compassionate, life-saving focus,” Cardinal Rigali said.
Bishop McCarthy Awarded Harry A. Fagan Roundtable Award
Bishop John McCarthy, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Austin, was recently awarded the Harry A. Fagan Roundtable Award from the Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors. This award honors an individual or individuals who have made unique contributions to the achievement of the Catholic vision of social justice.
-Bishop Gregory Aymond, Diocese of Austin
Director Andrew Rivas and TCC Associate Director Jennifer Allmon
During his two years working with the USCCB Social Action Department (11968-1969) he helped develop many pastoral statements, including “Race Relations and Poverty,” “Farm Labor,” “The Crusade Against Poverty,” and “Welfare Reform Legislation.” Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston in 1979, he bought his pastoral concern for justice and peace to his new role as bishop, continuing to promote CCHD and serving on the Catholic Relief Services Board of Directors, while devel