August 2020 Texas Catholic Voice
In this issue of the Texas Catholic Voice:
- Executive Director Jennifer Carr Allmon encourages civility in political discourse....
- Archivist Selena Aleman provides a Catholic Archives of Texas update...
A Message from Jennifer Allmon, Executive Director
Watching the social media reactions to the political conventions over the last two weeks has certainly created an opportunity for prayer. These conventions and the responses of friends and family have led to prayer for conversion in the hearts and minds of our brothers and sisters to embrace the dignity of all human life from conception to natural death. I remain convinced that the path to this conversion will be paved by honest, respectful, and civil dialogue within our families and communities.
I don't mean a conversation where I bring my talking points to convince another of the error of his ways, but a true listening and responding to the deepest hopes and fears of our brothers and sisters, even when we have different perspectives or solutions.
This past November the USCCB announced a campaign to encourage the faithful and all people of goodwill to engage with civility. Civilize It is about making room in your heart for those with whom you disagree. Each one of us is a beloved child of God and we must respond in love to that reality. Civilize It is a non-partisan call to focus on the dignity of all people, even when we disagree, and to put faith in action by bearing witness to a better way forward. The campaign encourages us to pledge to act with civility, clarity, and compassion in this election year and beyond.
Civility: To recognize the human dignity of those with whom I disagree, treat others with respect, and rise above attacks when directed at me.
Clarity: To root my political viewpoints in the Gospel and a well formed conscience, which involves prayer, conversation, study and listening. I will stand up for my convictions and speak out when I witness language that disparages others' dignity, while also listening and seeking to understand others’ experiences.
Compassion: To encounter others with a tone and posture which affirms that I honor the dignity of others and invites others to do the same. I will presume others’ best intentions and listen to their stories with empathy. I will strive to understand before seeking to be understood.
By forming our consciences and growing in dialogue with others we can transform the culture.
Catholic Archives of Texas Update
Earlier this month, the summer edition of the Texas Catholic Historical Society’s newsletter was mailed to members. The newsletter includes a report from its president, Claudia Anderson, and minutes from the annual luncheon in February. Additionally, the society welcomes Dr. Christopher Wolfe as a new assistant editor for its journal, the Catholic Southwest. Dr. Wolfe is an assistant professor of political science at the University of St. Thomas and plans to transition to editor of the journal. The new edition of the Catholic Southwest will be released to members and available for purchase by non-members at the end of this year. The newsletter can be found here.
In the News
Upcoming Texas Executions
- Carlos Trevino - 9/30/20
Please join our bishops in praying for those scheduled for execution, for the victims of violent crimes and for all affected, including their families and communities. As the bishops of Texas wrote in their pastoral letter, "May God give us the grace to witness to the dignity of human life. May the Lord console the suffering, protect our community, and grant conversion to those responsible for the inflicting of death and violence upon others."
The Pope's August Intention
The Maritime World
We pray for all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen and their families.
The Texas Catholic Voice is a publication of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. For more information, write news@txcatholic.org or call 512-339-9882.