Posts by Helen Osman
HB 3899: Don’t override local zoning ordinances
Testimony provided by Jennifer Allmon On its surface, this bill violates the Catholic principal of subsidiarity, which notes that governmental decisions are best made by those closest to those impacted by the decisions. In political terms, this might be translated as legislation through consent of the governed. We recognize it is legitimate to protect the…
Read MoreHB 2350: Ban abortions “triggered” by court precedent
Testimony provided by Jennifer Allmon Supporting pro-life laws is part of our history and heritage as Texans. The State of Texas has repeatedly and throughout our history passed legislation to recognize and respect the dignity of unborn human life. Our state’s first prohibition on abortion 1854 remained intact for 120 years until Roe struck it…
Read MoreHB 1929: No subsidizing of abortion providers
Testimony provided by Jennifer Allmon HB 1929 will protect tax payers from subsidizing abortion providers through preferential contracts and property deals. Time and time again the people of Texas have made it abundantly clear that our citizens have a tremendous respect for unborn human life. This bill ensures that our tax dollars are not used…
Read MoreHB 16: Babies should be given medical care after “failed” abortion
Testimony given by Bishop Patrick Zurek, Amarillo Regardless of the circumstances of his or her birth, any baby merely by virtue of being born is a legally-recognized person. Under this bill, he or she must be treated like any other premature infant and given medical care appropriate to his or her age and needs. Actively…
Read MoreSB 22: stop subsidizing abortion providers
Testimony provided by Jennifer Carr Allmon Senate Bill 22 will protect tax payers from subsidizing abortion providers through preferential contracts and property deals. Time and time again the people of Texas have made it abundantly clear that our citizens have a tremendous respect for unborn human life. This bill ensures that our tax dollars are…
Read MorePrayers for Cardinal Daniel DiNardo
AUSTIN — The bishops of Texas offer their prayers and support to Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, who was admitted to the hospital last night after experiencing a mild stroke. Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, along with the other bishops of the state, ask for people to join with them in praying for his healing as well as asking…
Read MorePositions open in El Paso Catholic schools
EL PASO — The Diocese of El Paso is seeking a superintendent for its Catholic schools system and a principal of the Cathedral high school. The superintendent serves more than 2, 700 students enrolled in 11 schools, three high schools and eight elementary schools. Cathedral is a Catholic high school for young men rooted in…
Read MoreAustin, Beaumont teachers recognized as Teachers of the Year
Inaugural year for award taps teachers with deep roots in Catholic education AUSTIN – Vivian Conway of Austin and Jerrilynn Miller of Beaumont have been honored as the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops 2019 Elementary Teacher of the Year and High School Teacher of the Year, respectively. “Both Mrs. Conway and Mrs. Miller exemplify…
Read MoreWelcome to the 86th Legislature
There are several opportunities for Catholics working in and near the Texas state Capitol to participate in Catholic life in downtown Austin. Every week, more than 50 Masses are celebrated within one mile of the Capitol. Special faith events hosted at the Capitol include: Weekly Rosary On Wednesdays at 8 a.m., Sen. Lucio hosts the…
Read MoreTexas Catholic dioceses announce plan to release names of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors
Lists of clergy will include years 1950 to 2018 AUSTIN – The 15 Catholic dioceses in Texas and the Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter made the decision on Sept. 30 to release names of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor, going back at least to 1950. The statement…
Read MoreCardinal DiNardo leads delegation to border, holds press conference
WASHINGTON—On Monday, July 2, a delegation of bishops led by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, plan to meet with U.S. government officials and members of the Catholic community as part of a full day of visits with a focus on family unity. Immediately following the engagements, the bishops…
Read MoreSelena Aleman appointed Archivist for the Catholic Archives of Texas
AUSTIN – Selena Aleman has been appointed archivist for the Catholic Archives of Texas, Executive Director Jennifer Allmon announced today. She will begin her full-time position on June 1. “Selena Aleman will bring the Catholic Archives of Texas into the era of digital archives, using her already extensive experience,” Allmon said. “We welcome her to…
Read MoreStatement concerning the serial bombings in Central Texas
Statement from Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, of San Antonio and Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin (Spanish immediately follows English) “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the families and friends of all those affected by the package explosions which have taken place this month in Austin and San Antonio, the latest of…
Read MoreJob opening: Austin St. Vincent de Paul Client Services Coordinator
The Society of St. Vincent DePaul is a faith-based, grassroots nonprofit organization that offers person-to-person service to individuals in need. This is a mission driven organization. We are currently searching for a vibrant, enthusiastic, optimistic Client Services Coordinator who will serve as an active and collaborative member of the staff in our Austin Council office.…
Read MoreBishops express gratitude for clemency for Thomas Whitaker
Governor’s decision to stop execution an example of restorative justice. AUSTIN – The Catholic bishops of Texas expressed gratitude for the decision of Governor Greg Abbott to grant clemency to Thomas Whitaker. Their full statement follows: “We offer prayers of thanksgiving that Thomas Whitaker was granted clemency and mercy has been shown. We are grateful…
Read MoreFEMA allows houses of worship to receive hurricane relief funding
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has changed its Public Assistance Policy and Program Guide to add as eligible “activities of community centers or houses of worship open to the general public, without regard to their secular or religious nature,” effect for any major disaster declared on or after Aug. 23, 2017. Thanks for your prayers…
Read MoreBrownsville Diocese receives its first auxiliary bishop
Pope Francis has named Oratorian Father Mario Alberto Avilés, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Hidalgo, as auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Brownsville, a first for the diocese of about one million Catholics. MORE
Read MoreTexas bishops express sorrow for victims of Sutherland Springs shooting
AUSTIN — The Catholic bishops of Texas express their deep sadness for the loss of life at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Sunday. Their full statement follows: Our hearts ache for those suffering from the terrible loss of life at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs on Nov. 5. We open our…
Read MoreBishop James Tamayo comments on release of Rosa Maria Hernandez
“It is my prayer that people who find themselves in similar situations like the Hernandez family receive the charitable support necessitated by our nation’s current immigration policies,” Bishop Tamayo wrote. MORE
Read MoreArchbishop Garcia-Siller reacts to shooting at Baptist church in Sutherland Springs
“These Baptist brethren are our family, friends and neighbors who live among us in the archdiocese; just minutes away from our Wilson County parishes of Sacred Heart in Floresville, St. Ann in La Vernia, and St. Mary in Stockdale. We are committed to work in unity with all our brothers and sisters to build peace…
Read MoreBishops reiterate opposition to legislation targeting “sanctuary cities”
Courts encouraged to overturn unconstitutional law, SB4 AUSTIN — As major cities and smaller communities throughout Texas join together in a lawsuit in federal court to oppose state legislation targeting “sanctuary cities,” the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops reiterates its opposition to Senate Bill 4, the law which threatens to drive a wedge between law…
Read MoreLos obispos reiteran su oposición a la legislación dirigida a las “ciudades santuario”
Se anima a los tribunales a revocar la inconstitucional ley SB4 AUSTIN — Mientras las principales ciudades y comunidades más pequeñas de Texas se unen en una demanda en una corte federal para oponerse a la legislación estatal dirigida a las “ciudades santuario”, la Conferencia Católica de Obispos de Texas reitera su oposición al Proyecto…
Read MoreAdvancing a Culture of Life
Recently, several single-issue groups in our country have made an effort to advance their political agenda by establishing coalitions with each other. One such example is Indivisible, the founder of which explains his goal as follows: “You might be an abortion rights advocate, an immigrant rights advocate, a racial justice advocate, but if you wait…
Read MoreLos obispos cuestionan la detención de una niña con parálisis cerebral
La aplicación de las leyes de inmigración debe ser compasiva, enfocarse en los delincuentes, no en pacientes que esperan cirugía AUSTIN – El caso de una niña de 10 años, indocumentada, que fue detenida por agentes federales en su camino a una cirugía de emergencia, resalta la necesidad de aclarar las responsabilidades respecto de la…
Read MoreBishops question detention of child with cerebral palsy
Enforcement of immigration laws should be humane, target criminals, not patients seeking surgery AUSTIN – The case of an undocumented 10-year-old who was stopped by federal agents on her way to emergency surgery highlights the need for clarification of local and federal law enforcement agents’ responsibilities in securing the United States’ borders. Rosa Maria Hernandez,…
Read MoreBishop Tamayo of Laredo statement regarding Rosa Maria Hernandez, immigrant child with cerebral palsy
“The local Catholic Church, through Catholic Charities-Diocese of Laredo, stands ready to assist Rosa Maria and the Hernandez family with immigration support,” said Bishop James Tamayo of the Laredo Diocese. MORE
Read MoreBishop Daniel E. Flores issues statement on Jane Doe
Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville offers prayers and practical support for Jane Doe, the unaccompanied minor who is pregnant and under federal custody in Brownsville. MORE
Read MoreBishops criticize ACLU for pressuring facilitation of abortion; praise government officials for defense of unborn
Forcing government and immigration service providers to facilitate abortions will diminish services for immigrants AUSTIN – The Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops (TCCB) praises U.S. and Texas government officials for their defense of life in a recent case involving an unaccompanied pregnant minor in immigration custody in Brownsville, Texas, and criticizes the American Civil Liberties…
Read MoreBishops plea for stay of execution for Robert Pruett
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has written both Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardon and Parole to stay the execution of Robert Pruett, scheduled for this evening. The scheduled execution comes only a day after Pope Francis explicitly stated the death penalty is “contrary to the Gospel.”
Read MoreCFPB rules will aid vulnerable Texas borrowers
Federal agency takes significant step to counter payday and auto title loans. AUSTIN – The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) has worked for years to assist borrowers trapped in the cycle of debt that payday and auto-title loans create. The establishment of rules by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) marks an important step…
Read MoreTexas bishops support fair treatment of churches for FEMA aid
Discriminating against houses of worship for relief aid violates both the constitution and law AUSTIN — The Catholic bishops of Texas support a recent suit filed in federal district court by three churches that alleges unconstitutional discrimination against them by FEMA in the allocation of Hurricane Harvey relief aid. The three churches – Harvest Family…
Read MoreFormer UN Legal Fellow joins staff for TCCB public policy work
Rachana Chhin joins TCCB as public policy outreach coordinator AUSTIN — Jennifer Carr Allmon, executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, announced today the appointment of Rachana Chhin as the Public Policy Outreach Coordinator for the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB). Prior to joining the TCCB, Chhin served as the Murphy Legal…
Read MoreCristo Rey Houston school seeking principal
Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston (Cristo Rey Jesuit) is seeking a Principal (Director of Academics). Selected candidate will begin work on July 1, 2018. Priority will be given to resumes received before October 1, 2017. MORE >>>
Read MoreLos Obispos condenan la terminación de DACA e instan a una reforma duradera
Al amparo de DACA, más de 110,000 jóvenes contribuyen a la sociedad y al bienestar de Texas AUSTIN – Los Obispos católicos de Texas han emitido la siguiente declaración en respuesta a la decisión de poner fin a la Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA por sus siglas en inglés). En primer…
Read MoreBishops denounce ending DACA and urge lasting reform
Under DACA, more than 110,000 young people contribute to Texas society and well-being AUSTIN –The Texas Catholic bishops have issued the following statement in response to the decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). We say, first, to DACA youth: regardless of your immigration status, you are a child of God. You…
Read MoreWater’s rise and fall: Harvey’s wrath across the Gulf Coast
HOUSTON (CNS) — As the waters from Hurricane Harvey rose and fell, prayers uttered in Texas ranged from pleas for protection to asking God for the courage to live with charity and great patience, said Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria. MORE
Read MorePope Francis offers prayers
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis offered his prayers for the people of Texas and Louisiana struggling to cope with the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey and he praised all those engaged in rescuing and caring for the thousands of people forced out of their homes. In a message to Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of…
Read MoreGiving in disaster: Give like the widow
By Jennifer Carr Allmon Executive Director, Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops “And he called his disciples to him, and said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of…
Read MoreCalming insurance claims fears | Calmando Temores sobre Reclamos a las Aseguradoras
Many news outlets are reporting that, based on a new law taking effect on Sept. 1, insurance claims must be filled by Thursday to be paid. This is false. While most news articles have been corrected in the body of the article, the headlines remain misleading which causes unnecessary fears for families whose homes are…
Read MoreCatholic Church taking national collection for storm assistance
WASHINGTON (CNS) — Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, asked bishops across the country to consider a special collection to assist victims of Hurricane Harvey along the Gulf Coast. He suggested in an Aug. 28 letter to bishops that the collection be taken during Masses…
Read MoreText to donate for Harvey victims to Catholic Charities USA
Alexandria, Va. — Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is accepting donations via text and online. To donate, text CCUSADISASTER to 71777 or visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.
Read MoreCall for solidarity with those impacted by Hurricane Harvey
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) president, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, has called for prayers and solidarity with those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Cardinal DiNardo also called on all people of good will to closely monitor future calls for assistance for victims and survivors in the days ahead. MORE
Read MoreCatholic groups are mobilizing to help in Hurricane Harvey’s aftermath
By Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — Catholic dioceses and charities are quickly organizing to help in the aftermath of a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall with winds of 130 miles per hour late on Aug. 25 into the Rockport, Texas area, northeast of Corpus Christi. MORE
Read MoreArchbishop Garcia-Siller, MSpS, statement on Hurricane Harvey
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of the dioceses of Corpus Christi and Victoria, as well as the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, as they cope with the damaging effects of Hurricane Harvey. The people of San Antonio have opened their arms to welcome evacuees of this historic hurricane, and Catholic Charities of the archdiocese…
Read MoreBrownsville bishop offers support for hurricane victims
Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville has issued the following statement: We continue to pray for everyone affected by the hurricane and those who are at risk as the storms continue. Our diocese will be taking a second collection at our local churches. Pastors may take up this collection as soon as this weekend. We will…
Read MoreCardinal Daniel DiNardo statement on Hurricane Harvey
Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast this weekend. The powerful winds and considerable rainfall from this storm are impacting many lives and homes throughout the region. The southern counties of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston have already suffered substantial property damage and losses. Numerous homes in these communities are currently without power.…
Read MoreJob opening: Public Policy Outreach Coordinator
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is seeking applications for the position of Public Policy Outreach Coordinator. Inquiries should email resumes to info@txcatholic.org. The Public Policy Outreach Coordinator assists the Executive Director and Associate Director of Public Policy in the public policy analysis and outreach of the TCCB. This is a full-time position located in Austin…
Read MoreEstablishing education opportunity through SB 2 / HB 253
The TCCB supports parental choice and we applaud Senator Taylor and Representative Simmons for honoring a parents’ right to choose the best education for their children. Their bills, SB 2 and HB 253, both recognize that parents are the primary educators of a child, and provide opportunities for special education children who have the greatest…
Read MoreBishops express sympathy for trafficking victims found in San Antonio
The Catholic Bishops of Texas join Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, in offering their sincerest condolences to the families of the migrants who were tragically killed as human smuggling or trafficking victims from heat exhaustion and suffocation in San Antonio overnight. In addition to prayers for the repose of those souls, the bishops also offer prayers for healing for…
Read MoreTexas bishops disappointed by Texas attorney general’s request to terminate DACA
DACA termination would punish young adults brought to the U.S. as children AUSTIN — The Catholic bishops of Texas expressed disappointment in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s movement to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, forcing 117,000 young people to be deported from the United States. “These individuals contribute to the economy,…
Read MoreFoster care children win with Governor’s signing of HB 3859
Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 3859 into law today, allowing people and institutions with sincerely held religious beliefs the opportunity to serve children in the foster care system without violating their consciences. “We are very grateful to Governor Abbott for signing HB 3859, and for all of the hard work of Rep. James Frank and…
Read MoreTexas Faith Leaders for Fair Lending Coalition calls for adherence to 180-day limit for payday loans
In comments filed with the Texas Attorney General, the Texas Faith Leaders for Fair Lending Coalition describes the effects of payday and auto title lending practices and regulations on the consumers of those products. “These lenders trap Texans in a cycle of debt which leaves borrowers worse off than before they applied for the loan,”…
Read MoreTCCB priorities included in special session agenda for Texas Legislature
Gov. Abbott’s agenda addresses 20 items, including pro-life issues and parental choice AUSTIN — Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s issues to be addressed in the one-month special session include many of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops’ priorities, especially pro-life legislation and parental choice for special needs students. The Governor mandated the special session’s first priority…
Read MoreHoly Cross Father Wack appointed bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Holy Cross Father William Wack, currently pastor of St. Ignatius Parish in Austin, has been tapped by Pope Francis to serve as the sixth bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida. The announcement was made Monday, May 29, by the apostolic nuncio for the United States. MORE
Read MoreTexas bishops affirm opportunity for Catholics to engage in foster care system
Passage of House bill 3859, authored by Rep. James Frank and Sen. Charles Perry, provides conscience protection for organizations and individuals wishing to serve in Texas’ foster care system AUSTIN — The Texas Legislature has passed a bill providing people motivated by their religious beliefs the freedom to serve children in Texas’ foster care system.…
Read MoreAs amended, HB 21 improves school finance and offers choice for special needs students
Michael Barba The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops support HB 21 as amended by the Senate. The Principle of Parental Choice. We strongly support parental choice and we applaud Rep. Simmons for authoring this bill, both because it: 1. recognizes that parents are the primary educators of a child, and 2. provides opportunities for special needs…
Read MoreCatholic Charities welcome passage of House bill 3859
Bill authored by Rep. James Frank provides conscience protection for organizations and individuals wishing to serve in Texas’ foster care system AUSTIN — Catholic organizations in Texas welcomed the progress of a bill providing people motivated by their religious beliefs the freedom to serve children in Texas’ foster care system. House bill 3859, authored by…
Read MoreBishops call on Gov. Abbott to veto SB 4
“Anti-sanctuary cities” law will have negative impact on Texans AUSTIN — The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has issued the following statement, calling for Governor Greg Abbott to veto Senate Bill 4: The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is disappointed with the 85th Texas Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 4. As passed, the bill does…
Read MoreEl Paso job opening for high school principal
If you are an experienced educator who would like to work at an all boys high school, we would like to hear from you. Cathedral High School is a Catholic Lasallian college preparatory conducted in the three-century old Lasallian tradition begun by Saint John Baptist De Lasalle to give a human and Christian education to…
Read MoreHB 2008: requires payday lenders to comply with federal military lending regs
Jennifer Allmon Executive Director The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops support HB 2008. This bill requires that payday and auto-title lenders comply with the federal military lending act. The TCCB supports this bill to prevent predatory loans to active duty military. The Texas Catholic Bishops first became concerned about the harmful effects of payday and…
Read MoreHB 1134: uniform statewide payday lending regulations
Jennifer Allmon Executive Director The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops support HB 1134. We would like to thank Representative Craddick for filing this important bill to provide uniform statewide regulation for payday and auto-title lenders. Frustrated with the lack of meaningful regulation by the state, cities throughout Texas have taken steps to pass a unified ordinance…
Read MoreHB 1335: Parental choice helps children in foster care and with special needs, too
Michael Barba Associate Director of Public Policy My name is Michael Barba and I am testifying on HB 1335 on behalf of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. The Principle of Parental Choice. We strongly support parental choice and we applaud Rep. Simmons for authoring this bill, both because it: recognizes that parents are the…
Read MoreObispos decepcionados por la aprobación de la legislación SB 4, ‘anti ciudades santuario’
La ley impactará negativamente a los migrantes en Texas AUSTIN — La Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Texas está decepcionada por el voto de la Cámara de Representantes de Texas para aprobar la iniciativa SB 4, que castiga a los oficiales de policía locales si no cooperan plenamente con las solicitudes de detención emitidas por…
Read MoreBishops disappointed by House passage of SB 4, “anti-sanctuary cities” legislation
Law will have negative impact on migrants in Texas AUSTIN — The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) is disappointed by the Texas House’s vote to pass SB 4, which will punish local police officers if they do not fully cooperate with detainer requests issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). SB 4 would also…
Read MoreHB 3347: Support before- and after-school care
Michael Barba Associate Director of Public Policy The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops supports HB 3347. Analysis and Recommendation. Under HB 3347, the board of trustees of a school district can establish before-school and after-school programs for students in Elementary or Middle school. The programs would be maintained through public-private partnerships, and HB 3347 effectively makes…
Read MoreHB 3081: Undermines attempts to regulate predatory payday and auto title lending
Jennifer Allmon Executive Director The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops oppose HB 3081. HB 3081 seeks to prohibit local cities from establishing payday and auto-title lending regulations. On its surface, this bill violates the Catholic principal of subsidiarity, which notes that governmental decisions are best made by those closest to those impacted by the decisions –…
Read MoreSB 2178: Should not include payday and auto title lending in its scope
Michael Barba The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops opposes SB 2178. Bill Analysis. SB 2178 establishes that a suit may be filed by a state-licensed business in district court against a municipal regulation if: the municipal regulation is more burdensome than the state regulation, or the municipal regulation would result in an adverse economic impact…
Read MoreHB 741: protects consumers of payday and auto title loans
Michael Barba The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops supports HB 741. HB 741 establishes that a credit services organization (CSO)[1] may not: extend credit to a consumer, or offer advice or assistance to a consumer unless they first evaluate the consumer’s ability to repay the extended credit alongside all other known obligations. We applaud Rep.…
Read MoreSB 1530: seeks to prohibit local cities from establishing payday and auto-title lending regulations
Michael Barba Associate Director of Public Policy I am testifying in opposition to SB 1530 on behalf of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. SB 1530 seeks to prohibit local cities from establishing payday and auto-title lending regulations. On its surface, this bill violates the Catholic principal of subsidiarity, which notes that governmental decisions are…
Read MorePope Francis and climate change
Editor’s Note: The Texas Legislature’s International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee invited Ricardo Simmonds, Environmental Policy Advisor for the Office of Domestic Social Development, within the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, to address the committee on the Catholic Church’s stance on the environment, from the perspective…
Read MoreSB 892: expands a diverse network of foster care providers
Jennifer Carr Allmon The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops support SB 892. This bill ensures that Texas will maintain and expand a broad and diverse network of foster care providers. In light of the foster care crisis that Texas has endured, the passage of this bill is an essential tool in reform. Since 1727, Catholic…
Read MoreSB 2144: school finance reform needs student-centered equity
Michael Barba The Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops support SB 2144. This is the best first step toward addressing our school finance system, and runs parallel to our work: following the 2017 session, the bishops have charged the TCCB with providing recommendations upon how to improve the finance system. Our work will shed light on…
Read MoreBishop Daniel Garcia statement on pro-life legislation
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is pleased to support this package of pro-life bills that provides incremental progress to reduce abortion in Texas. In 2015, more than 55,000 unborn children were killed by abortion in our state. Each one of them was made in God’s image. Each one of them was a precious child…
Read MorePro-life legislation supported by leading pro-life coalition
Pro-life groups applaud bill authors for a thoughtful package of pro-life legislation Press conference on Facebook Live AUSTIN — Four major pro-life organizations representing more than 10 million Texans have announced support of key bills before the House chamber of the 85th Texas Legislature. “The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is pleased to support this…
Read MoreHB 64 & HB 1537: Death penalty serves no purpose in Texas today
Michael Barba The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops support HB 64 and 1537. We thank Reps. Dutton and Farrar for filing this legislation. Analysis of Capital Punishment. There are four goals or ends of punishment which the bishops use to analyze whether a punishment is legitimate and should be applied: 1. the punishment results in the…
Read MoreHB 316: Punishment appropriate for the actions
Michael Barba The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops support HB 316. We thank Rep. Canales for filing this legislation. Analysis of HB 316. There are four goals or ends of punishment which the bishops use to analyze whether a punishment is legitimate and should be applied: 1. the punishment results in the rehabilitation of the…
Read MoreHB 995: Alternate agent for medical power of attorney could cause confusion
Michael Barba Associate Director of Public Policy The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops oppose HB 995. Cause for Opposition. On page 6, lines 17-20 HB 995 states: “You may wish to designate an alternate agent in the event that your agent is unwilling, unable, or ineligible to act as your agent. Any alternative agent you designate…
Read MoreHB 2858: addresses horrors of human trafficking
Jennifer Carr Allmon As executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, I’m testifying in support of HB 2858. Many of our Catholic Charities agencies provide assistance to victims of human trafficking. While I worked at Catholic Charities in Houston, I served on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Anti-Trafficking Task Force. In that…
Read MoreHB 3947: strikes at payday lending reform
Michael Barba The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops opposes HB 3947. Bill Analysis. HB 3947 establishes that a suit may be filed by a state-licensed business in district court against a municipal regulation if: the municipal regulation is more burdensome than the state regulation, or the municipal regulation would result in an adverse economic impact on the…
Read MoreHB 3080: Life imprisonment for people convicted of capital offense who have severe mental illness
Michael Barba The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops support HB 3080. Under HB 3080, if a person with a severe mental illness is convicted of a capital offense, they cannot be sentenced to death, but must be sentenced to life without parole. Individuals with the following mental illnesses at the time of the offense are included…
Read MoreHB 3081: undermines hard-earned payday lending regulations in 42 Texas communities
Jennifer Allmon The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops opposes HB 3081. HB 3081 seeks to prohibit local cities from establishing payday and auto-title lending regulations. On its surface, this bill violates the Catholic principal of subsidiarity, which notes that governmental decisions are best made by those closest to those impacted by the decisions – which…
Read MoreHB 1155: Disrespectful of the human body
Jennifer Carr Allmon The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops opposes HB 1155. We oppose this bill because it allows for the cremation of human remains using alkaline hydrolysis. The dehydration of human remains in a vat of chemicals is disrespectful of the human body and does not allow for burial of the body. Treating the dead…
Read MorePresident of U.S. Bishops Conference responds to explosions at two Coptic Churches
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued a statement in response to explosions on Palm Sunday at two Coptic Christian churches in Egypt that have killed at least 40 and injured at least 100. MORE
Read MoreCardinal DiNardo: US bishops renew call for peace in Syria through dialogue
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, as president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, joined Bishop Oscar Cantú, chair of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace, in a joint statement calling for renewed peace efforts in Syria. “We once again make our own the earlier call of our Holy Father, Pope Francis: ‘I exhort the…
Read MoreHB 2225: oppose removal of state standards for child migrants
Michael Barba The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is against HB 2225. We oppose this bill because it effectively removes the state’s standards for childcare if the children are migrants. Background. The licensing requirements maintained by DFPS were established in order to ensure the quality of care for children housed in family residential centers (FRCs).[1]…
Read MoreHB 3054: improve the rights of juries serving death penalty cases
Mary Helen Russell I’m testifying in support of HB 3054 on behalf of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. The Bishops are meeting today across the street in preparation for their advocacy day tomorrow, which is why the Executive Director, Jennifer Allmon, is unable to be here to deliver this testimony. However, the issue is…
Read MoreHB 3859: ensures broad and diverse network for foster care reform
Jennifer Allmon Executive Director, Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is in support of HB 3859. This bill ensures that Texas will maintain and expand a broad and diverse network of foster care providers. In light of the foster care crisis that Texas has endured, the passage of this bill is…
Read MoreUS bishops denounce rollback of environmental protections
President Donald J. Trump issued an Executive Order on March 28, 2017 that rescinds and weakens numerous environmental protections, and effectively dismantles the Clean Power Plan (CPP). The chair of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development noted the bishops’ opposition to the order. MORE
Read MoreSB 1018: Denies the dignity of families
Michael Barba I am testifying against SB 1018 on behalf of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. Background. The licensing requirements maintained by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) were established in order to ensure the quality of care for children housed in family residential centers. DFPS first established an emergency version…
Read MoreHB 1799: Good cooperation to keep children safe in public and private schools
Lisette Allen The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops support of HB 1799. In our own operation of schools, we have established a program called Safe Environment, through which we train all staff how to recognize early signs of potential abuse and prevent it from occurring. We maintain policies governing adult-student interactions, including on social media.…
Read MoreTexas Catholic Conference of Bishops encouraged by passage of SB 25
New bill prevents “wrongful birth” lawsuits and respects all human life AUSTIN — The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is encouraged by passage of Senate Bill 25 from the Senate today. “The Texas Senate’s passage of SB 25 is a great step toward the State of Texas ensuring that parents can no longer file a…
Read MoreBishops object to House version of SB4, anti-sanctuary city bill
The House State Affairs Committee considered SB4 today, and Bishop Joe Vasquez testified against the bill. As passed by the Senate, two parts of the bill are particularly objectionable: (1) the bill does not prioritize criminal offenders for detention and deportation, and (2) the bill allows local law enforcement to stop individuals in public and…
Read MoreHB 21: First step in addressing school finance reform
Michael Barba HB 21 makes adjustments to the finance system, especially by providing a new weight for dyslexic student and folding funds into the Basic Allotment. It is a first step toward addressing a fundamental problem in the system. The fundamental problem is that Texas collects revenue through a local property tax to fund a…
Read MoreEl Paso superintendent job opening
If you are an experienced educator who has qualities to be a Superintendent – or who is one now – the Diocese of El Paso offers an exceptional opportunity and challenge. The Diocese is located in the far west city of El Paso, Texas, which has been named the Safest City in the US. The Superintendent…
Read MoreHB 35: Protects dignity of the human person
Jennifer Carr Allmon The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops supports H.B. 35 because it seeks to protect the dignity of the human person. In particular, the Bishops are grateful to Chairman Cook and his staff for their role in bringing this issue to light. The revisions contained in H.B. 35 are long overdue and provide…
Read MoreUS Catholic bishops affirm issues around gender identity are best resolved locally
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued two statements regarding the federal government’s guidance on requiring schools to treat “a student’s gender identity as the student’s sex.” Recognizing the complexity of this discussion, the bishops recommend that decisions be made on the local level, in accord with President Trump’s withdrawal of earlier guidance by the…
Read MoreBishop Vásquez: New Executive Order still leaves many innocent lives at risk
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin and Chair of the USCCB Committee on Migration, says that President Trump’s latest Executive Order still puts vulnerable populations around the world at risk. In a statement issued after today’s announcement of travel suspension, Bishop Vásquez says that while we seek to maintain our values and safety, we must also exercise…
Read MoreSB 20: ‘Great first step’ to prevent Texans from unintentionally subsidizing abortion
Jennifer Allmon The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops supports SB 20. We would like to thank Senator Taylor for filing this bill to prohibit abortion coverage on health benefits plans in the federal health benefit exchange program. We also applaud the provision which requires that individuals purchasing insurance be notified that coverage for abortion is…
Read MoreSB 25: Stop ‘wrongful birth’ lawsuits
Jennifer Allmon The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops supports S.B. 25. This bill is short and simple, but presents a powerful message of profound respect for unborn life and the lives of persons living with disabilities, and the noble desire of doctors to do no harm to their patients. S.B. 25 prohibits wrongful birth lawsuits that claim…
Read MoreSenator Lucio moves forward bill to correct judges’ instructions for capital punishment juries
Current law requires judges to lie to juries; causes unnecessary death penalty decisions AUSTIN — The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) commends Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., for filing Senate Bill 1065, which will improve the rights of jurors serving in death penalty sentencing trials. Texas law is intentionally misleading as it requires judges and…
Read MoreBishops support full funding of Texas’ DFPS
Michael Barba The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops support fully funding DFPS, especially programs pertaining to aging out, kinship care, prevention and intervention, and the shift to a regional community-based model. To inform this conversation, I’ll walk through two persistent problems facing the agency. Caseload In 1996, the Governor’s Committee to Promote Adoption told DFPS…
Read MoreFort Worth Catholic Charities: HB4 encourages positive kinship care for children in foster care
Dana Springer Director of Child Welfare Services Catholic Charities Fort Worth The main goal of foster care is reunification between child and their birth family. Currently, relatives of the child are not the first option for placement. Research by the Health and Human Services Department has shown that children placed in kinship care have less…
Read MoreFort Worth Catholic Charities: Faith-based agencies welcome HB6
Shannon Rosedale Catholic Charities Fort Worth. More than 25% of Texas’ foster care provider networks are faith-based. These agencies provide a necessary service to protect the state’s most vulnerable children. The services provided are life-saving. For the system improvements in HB 6 to be successful, they must be coupled with conscience protections. Protecting the conscience…
Read MoreBorder bishops call for dignity regardless of ‘migration condition’
WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a joint statement, Catholic bishops whose dioceses are along the U.S.-Mexico border spoke of the “pain, the fear, and the anguish” they’re seeing in immigrants and vowed to follow the example of the pope in building “bridges, rather than the walls of exclusion and exploitation.” MORE
Read MoreFrom the Archives: anniversary of first archbishop of San Antonio
February 16–On this day in 1927, Arthur Jerome Drossaerts was consecrated as the first archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio in San Fernando de Béxar Cathedral. Drossaerts was born in Breda, Holland, in 1862. He was ordained in 1889 and traveled to Louisiana the same year. http://www.texasdaybyday.com The installation program is in the…
Read MoreBishops’ chair on migration responds to judicial decision blocking executive order
Bishop Joe Vásquez, as chair of the USCCB Committee on Migration, issued a statement welcoming the decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a lower court’s order blocking several key provisions of President Trump’s executive order regarding refugees. The bishop also said the Church remains in solidarity with those fleeing persecution. MORE
Read MoreCatholic Schools Week 2017
Last week Catholic schools in Texas and across the nation celebrated Catholic Schools Week (CSW) 2017. Representative Drew Springer offered a Texas House Resolution honoring all Catholic Schools in Texas. Cardinal DiNardo was recognized on the Texas House floor and presented with the resolution. All members of the Texas House of Representatives requested that their names…
Read MoreAlternatives ways to reform immigration system – not SB4
Michael Barba Associate Director of Public Policy, Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops As Bishop Joe Vasquez stated emphatically, we oppose Senate Bill 4. I add to his testimony several alternatives, recommended by the bishops, which would significantly improve our immigration system. It would serve the people of Texas to examine how our laws can advance…
Read MoreTestimony on SB 11: Cautious first step in foster care reform
Jennifer Allmon Executive Director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops I’m testifying in cautious support of SB 11. The issues facing our foster care system in Texas are numerous and complex. SB 11 is a beginning point in providing some needed reforms. We believe that a triage assessment system is an improvement that will…
Read MoreBishop Vásquez: SB 4 Opposition Testimony
My name is Bishop Joe Vásquez of the Diocese of Austin. I am testifying today on behalf of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops. We are opposed to Senate Bill 4. The Catholic Church has a long history of involvement in the immigration issue. Our experience in working with immigrants throughout the years compels us…
Read MoreFaith-based groups stand against SB4 and other anti-immigrant legislation
AUSTIN — A coalition of faith-based organizations, including the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, Austin Interfaith and the Texas Industrial Areas Foundation, are stepping up the pressure for the Texas Legislature to reject so-called “anti-sanctuary city” bills. In testimony today against Senate Bill 4, which Governor Greg Abbott has…
Read MoreBishop Vasquez stands against executive order
AUSTIN, Texas – Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of the Diocese of Austin issued the following statement on Jan. 30, 2017, regarding President Trump’s Executive Order “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States”: I strongly disagree with the executive order on refugee resettlement. Today, with more than 65 million people forcibly displaced from…
Read MoreUS Bishops Conference Defends All Faiths in Response to Executive Orders
WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, vice president of the USCCB, have called on Catholics to join the bishops in defense of human dignity. MORE
Read MoreBishops strongly disagree with policy to halt admission of refugees
WASHINGTON—President Donald J. Trump issued today an Executive Order addressing the U.S. refugee admissions program and migration to the United States, generally. The executive order virtually shuts down the refugee admissions program for 120 days, reduces the number of refugees to be admitted to the United States this year from 110,000 to 50,000 individuals, and…
Read MoreBishops oppose President Trump’s wall
Bishop Joe Vasquez, bishop of the Austin DIocese and chair of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, said he was “disheartened” that President Donald Trump has prioritized building a wall on the US/Mexico border. “This action will put immigrant lives needlessly in harm’s way,” he said in a statement released today. “Construction of…
Read MorePope Francis names new auxiliary bishop for San Antonio
Msgr. Michael J. Boulette, a priest of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, has been appointed an auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese. MORE
Read MoreUSCCB Migration Chairman Expresses Disappointment over Abrupt End of “Wet Foot / Dry Foot” Policy for Cuban Migrants and Refugees
WASHINGTON—On January 12, 2017, the Obama Administration announced the end of the Wet Foot/Dry Foot policy towards Cuban arrivals, which allows Cubans who arrive onto American soil to stay in the U.S. and apply to become legal residents while returning those Cubans intercepted at sea back to Cuba. Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin, Texas, chairman…
Read MoreA Message from the President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Response to Pope Francis’ Video Message During National Migration Week, January 8-15
WASHINGTON—The follow statement has been issued by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), in support of Pope Francis’ video message issued today during National Migration Week. National Migration Week is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of immigrants, refugees, migrants and survivors of human trafficking in…
Read MoreTexas Catholic bishops call for immigration enforcement that respects human dignity of migrants
Handout: The Church’s principles on immigration enforcement Any enforcement measures must be targeted, proportional, and humane AUSTIN — National Migration Week, which has been observed for more than a quarter of a century, carries renewed importance this year. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and Archbishop José H. Gomez of the Archdiocese of…
Read MoreLegislative highlights: Justice for Immigrants
National Migration Week, which has been observed for more than a quarter of a century, carries renewed importance this year. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Archbishop José H. Gomez, president and vice president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, offered these thoughts in their message: “Migration is, more than anything, an act of great hope.…
Read MoreNovena for life begins Jan. 21
A modern adaptation of an ancient Catholic prayer allows people to prepare spiritually for the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States, Roe v. Wade. The nine day prayer, titled “9 Days for Life,” is organized by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Texas Catholic Pro-Life Day falls…
Read MoreBishops issue statement for National Migration Week
A joint statement from Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, Vice President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops addresses National Migration Week, taking place January 8-14, 2017.
Read MoreNovena for life resource from USCCB
A modern adaptation of an ancient Catholic prayer allows people to prepare spiritually for the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States, Roe v. Wade. The nine day prayer, titled “9 Days for Life,” is organized by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Texas Catholic Pro-Life Day falls…
Read MoreTexas Catholic Pro-Life Day
Celebrate life and join other Texas Catholics at the Capitol on Saturday, January 28.
Read MorePope Francis appoints new Bishop for the Diocese of Dallas
Pope Francis has named the Most Reverend Edward J. Burns to serve as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas. Bishop Burns, the new Chief Shepherd of the 1.3 million Catholics in the Dallas diocese, succeeds Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who left Dallas for Rome on October 1 after the Pope appointed him the Prefect…
Read MoreTexas Catholic Conference of Bishops developing alternative burial options for aborted children
Charitable service expands longtime practice of many Catholic cemeteries for children lost to miscarriages AUSTIN — Catholic cemeteries are stepping forward, working with the Catholic bishops in Texas, in response to ongoing efforts to provide a proper burial for children lost to abortion. New state regulations issued by the Department of State Health Services…
Read MoreLegislative highlights: Pro-life (TCV Vol. 85.1)
With each issue of Texas Catholic Voice we highlight key legislation for you to monitor. We begin with the foundational principle of the protection of human life from conception to natural death by highlighting the abortion-related legislation that we are supporting. This is not an exhaustive list, but those which we are closely collaborating with bill…
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