News and statements
Texas bishops express support of “people of faith” serving on the border
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops provides the following statement: The Texas bishops join Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso in expressing solidarity with ministry volunteers and people of faith who seek only to serve vulnerable migrants as our nation and state continue to pursue failed migration and border security policies. We recognize migrant ministry…
Read More2024 Teachers of the Year
Gracie Cantu Alanna Heyl Teachers of the Year show lifelong dedication to teaching Mrs. Gracie Cantu, who teaches at Sacred Heart School in Rockport, and Mrs. Alanna Heyl, theology teacher at St. Dominic Salvo High School in Austin, are the 2024 Texas Catholic Conference Bishops’ Elementary Teacher of the Year and High School Teacher of…
Read MoreBishops celebrate court’s affirmation of EMTALA protection of unborn
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) celebrates the decision on Jan. 2, 2024, by the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the permanent injunction of a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) guidance issued last summer. In its decision in State of Texas v. Becerra, the court held that the Emergency…
Read MoreResponse to migration legislation
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops continue to uphold church teaching regarding migration. Most recently, in a letter to the Texas Attorney General in addressing the question of “whether Texas has the sovereign power to defend itself,” the bishops said “they reaffirm their commitment to continue the Church’s ministries of outreach and education, and to…
Read MoreStatement on Texas Supreme Court’s Cox ruling
Jennifer Carr Allmon, the executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding the Texas Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Kate Cox, who has challenged Texas’ ban on abortions. The Texas Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Kate Cox, a pregnant woman who challenged the abortion…
Read MoreJob Opening: Staff Attorney
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is seeking applications for the position of Staff Attorney. Inquiries should email resumes and a writing sample related to something on the legislative agenda of the TCCB to info@txcatholic.org. Writing sample examples include a portion of an amicus brief, legislative testimony, public comment on a rule, or analysis of bill.…
Read MoreTexas Catholic Voice Nov. 20, 2023
In this issue of the Texas Catholic Voice: Difficult week at the Capitol … Rest in peace, David Renteria … And more! A Message from Jennifer Allmon, Executive Director These past few days have been a challenging time at the Legislature. Last Tuesday the House passed SB 4, sending it to the governor’s desk.…
Read MoreTexas Catholic Voice Nov. 13, 2023
In this issue of the Texas Catholic Voice: Fourth special session well underway … Rest in peace, Brent Brewer … And more! A Message from Jennifer Allmon, Executive Director Parental choice in education I am ecstatic to report that on Friday, for the first time in two decades, a parental choice bill was voted out…
Read MoreOppose HB 4, uphold the rights and dignity of every person, foster the common good
The following testimony was delivered on Nov. 9 before the House State Affairs Committee by Justin Estep, senior director of Immigration and Refugee Services, Catholic Charities of Central Texas. As a church of immigrants, the Catholic Church has a long history of involvement in the immigration issue. Our experience in working with immigrants throughout the…
Read MorePope Francis relieves Bishop Joseph Strickland, appoints Bishop Joe Vásquez as apostolic administrator sede vacante
WASHINGTON – Pope Francis has relieved the Most Reverend Joseph E. Strickland from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Tyler. At the same time, the Holy Father has appointed the Most Reverend Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, as the Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the Diocese of Tyler. These provisions were publicized in Washington,…
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