Posts Tagged ‘TCCB_blog’
Capital Punishment: The death penalty does not fulfill justice
Each year during October the Church observes Respect Life Month. During this time, we pray and reflect on the precious gift of life and recommit ourselves to working toward a culture that truly welcomes and protects human life in our society, from conception to natural death. Catholic teaching on abortion and euthanasia is very clear,…
Read MoreCatholic Church commits to ongoing work for refugees
AUSTIN — Catholic charitable and social services will continue to work with other nonprofits serving refugees in Texas, as the state government announced its intention to step away from its role. Speaking on behalf of two dozen Catholic organizations and his fellow Catholic bishops in the state, Bishop Michael F. Olson of Fort Worth said,…
Read MoreExecutive Director provides testimony to state’s Investments and Financial Services Committee
AUSTIN — The Catholic Church’s experience of clients with outstanding payday and auto-title loans has led the Texas bishops to become champions for reform of the unregulated payday and auto-title lending industry. In testimony before the Texas House’s Investments and Financial Services Committee, the executive director of the bishops’ state conference explained that better consumer…
Read MoreTexas Bishops encourage tax credit scholarship program
AUSTIN — Texans can benefit from the insights coming from the 20 tax credit scholarship programs which exist around the nation, the executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference testified to the state’s Senate Education Committee in Austin. “We have the opportunity to develop a program that replicates the success in other states while avoiding…
Read MoreStatement in response to Catholics for Choice campaign
On Monday, full-page advertisements ran in the San Antonio Express-News, the Houston Chronicle, and the Dallas Morning News from a Washington D.C.-based entity called Catholics for Choice. Despite what is implied by its name, Catholics for Choice is not a member-oriented organization and has no affiliation with the Roman Catholic Church. Instead, it is financed…
Read MoreHelp stop predatory loan practices
In our charitable ministries we see the high cost of being broke every day. We hear the same stories of debt and despair throughout the state of Texas, where virtually no regulation means thousands of Texans are trapped in the never-ending payday and auto-title lending cycle of debt. Payday loans are marketed as short-term small…
Read MoreStay of execution granted for Jeff Wood
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has issued a stay of execution for Jeff Wood. Their action today prevents a gross miscarriage of justice. The public outcry against this execution illustrates broad agreement on the injustice and basic unfairness of the Texas law of parties.
Read MoreRobert Pruett granted stay; Jeff Wood’s case needs support
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals hasstayed the execution of Robert Pruett“pursuant to the appeal pending in the DNA case.” Pruett was scheduled to be executed on Aug. 23 despite significant doubts about the reliability of his conviction. Meanwhile, Jeff Wood, who has not ever killed another person, is still scheduled to die Aug. 24 for a…
Read MoreA call for justice
The state of Texas intends to kill two individuals within 24 hours on Aug. 23 and 24, 2016. In both cases, there are strong indicators that the defendants may be innocent. A gross misuse of justice does not serve the victims, our society or those who have been sentenced to death. Please consider joining the…
Read MoreBishop Mulvey to Duval Co. commissioners: let the people talk
On Monday, the Duval County Commissioners voted to begin contract negotiations with Serco, an Australian for-profit contractor, in order to submit to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a proposal for a family detention facility in San Diego. Monday’s hearing did not follow the proper hearing disclosure procedures. Duval County Judge Ricardo Carrillo said the hearing…
Read MoreProposed rules right long-time wrong
Last week the Department of State Health Services published long overdue draft rules for the humane and dignified disposition of human fetal remains. Support of these rules is something on which people on both sides of the fractious abortion debate can find common ground. Regardless of one’s definition — unborn babies, products of conception, fetuses,…
Read MoreTexas Bishops highly concerned with ruling that puts women at grave risk
AUSTIN — The US Supreme Court has decided, in a 5-3 decision, to strike down key provisions of Texas HB2, a law that protects women’s safety while seeking an abortion. The Texas State Legislature overwhelmingly approved HB2. The Texas Catholic Conference supported the passage of this pro-life law and submitted an Amicus brief to the…
Read MoreRethinking The Death Penalty Events Coming To The Texas Capitol In October
The public and moral consequences of capital punishment will be the subject of a one-day conference entitledJourney To Mercy – Rethinking The Death Penalty In Texasbeing jointly hosted by the Texas Catholic Conference on Friday, October 23, in the Texas Capitol in Austin. The conference is an opportunity to re-examine the state’s system of capital…
Read MoreCorpus Christi Passes New Law Regulating Payday and Auto-Title Lenders
Consumer advocates from across the state celebrated the Corpus Christi City Council’s passage of a payday and auto-title lending ordinance on August 11. Modeled on similar ordinances passed by 25 of the largest municipalities across the state, the Corpus Christi ordinance looks to “reducing abusive and predatory lending practices” by payday and auto title loan…
Read MoreCatholic Earth Day: Pope Calls For Day Of Prayer For Care Of Creation September 1
Pope Francis has issued a challenge for all Catholics to join in a first-ever "World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation" on September 1, 2015. This date will be marked by prayer and contemplation as Catholics are asked to consider how they might live in greater harmony with the environment. The call follows…
Read MorePope Calls For Change Of Attitude Towards Migrants, Refugees
By Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, Archdiocese of San Antonio The cry to end the imprisonment of refugee children and their young mothers in detention centers is written on the heart and soul of the Catholic Church and the Gospel. “Whatever you did for these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” I ask you, my sisters…
Read MoreFifth Undercover Planned Parenthood Video Exposes Houston Clinic
The controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood’s harvesting and distribution of organs and tissue from aborted fetuses has reached the Lone Star State. Newly released clandestine video by the Center for Medical Progress shows staff at a Houston clinic discussing the relationship between altering abortion procedures to obtain the most intact organs and their associated costs. The…
Read MoreTexas Catholics Encouraged To Post ‘Howdy’ Messages For Pope Francis
In honor of the Holy Father’s first Apostolic Visit to the United States on September 22-29, the Texas Catholic Conference has setup a new Facebook page“Texas Catholics Welcome Pope Francis”. People are invited to give the Pontiff a big Texas “Howdy” by posting welcoming messages, prayers, pictures, and videos on the group page atwww.Facebook.com/HowdyPopeFrancis. Individuals,…
Read MoreParents Prepare Children To Head Back To Texas Catholic Schools
Over the next three weeks, more than 80,000 students will return to the 265 Catholic schools in Texas to start the 2015-2016 academic calendar. Anxiety tends to run high for both children and their parents at the beginning of every school year. However, the Texas Catholic Conference Department of Education has a few simple tips…
Read MoreTCC Statement On Federal And State Investigations Of Planned Parenthood
Texas’ Catholic Bishops have expressed deep concern and moral disgust at recent videos showing executives of Planned Parenthood Inc. casually negotiating the sale of infant body parts that have been harvested from abortions. The two undercover videos by the Center for Medical Progress has awakened national attention to the atrocity of dismembering infants and then…
Read MoreDioceses of Brownsville And Dallas Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries
Although their founding dates are separated by 75 years, the Diocese of Brownsville and Dallas are both celebrating landmark birthdays this month. On July 15, 1890, Pope Leo XIII issued a Papal Bull to erect the Diocese of Dallas. As a relative newcomer, Pope Paul VI established the Diocese of Brownsville on July 10, 1965.…
Read MoreCatholic Press Association Recognizes Catholic Southwest With Two Awards
Catholic Southwest: A Journal of History and Cultureextended its notable history of award winning publications by picking up two third-place awards at the Catholic Press Association’s recent conference in Buffalo, New York. The publication won third place in the Best Cover category and Amanda Bresie’s article on the founding of Xavier University in New Orleans…
Read MoreEducation Leader Marsha Solana Retires From Texas Catholic Conference
After forty-nine years of dedicated service in Catholic education, Marsha Solana recently retired from the Texas Catholic Conference. At the time of her departure, she served as Associate Director of the organization’s Department of Education. Solana worked in a variety of roles throughout her prestigious career, including years as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent…
Read MoreBishops’ Chairmen Renew Push To End Death Penalty
WASHINGTON—The bishops chairing two committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) renewed the bishops’ opposition to the death penalty in a message, July 16. The message commemorated the 10th anniversary of the bishops’ Catholic Campaign to End the Use of the Death Penalty and their accompanying message,“A Culture of Life and the Penalty…
Read MoreHappy Birthday Diocese of Dallas!
By Most Reverend Kevin J. Farrell, Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas On July 15, 1890, one-hundred-and-twenty-five years ago, Pope Leo XIII erected the Diocese of Dallas. Because of the July heat and the absence of so many on vacations, birthday celebrations are postponed until the fall and winter. A number of festivities are planned…
Read MoreCatholic Missions Of San Antonio Named UNESCO World Heritage Site
Capping off a collaborative effort that began almost a decade ago, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed the Catholic Missions of San Antonio as a World Heritage Site. The announcement was made Sunday, July 5, 2015, at the World Heritage Summit in Bonn, Germany. The San Antonio Missions, which remain working…
Read MorePro-Life House Bill 3994 Signed Into Law By Governor Abbott
Pro-life leaders from across Texas, including representatives of the Texas Catholic Conference, joined Governor Greg Abbott on July 8, for the ceremonial signing into law of House Bill 3994. The new law tightens the legal process by which juveniles can get an abortion without parental notification or permission if they can convince a district court…
Read MoreBishop Brendan Cahill Ordained As Third Shepherd Of Victoria Diocese
For the first time in 25 years, the Diocese of Victoria has a new bishop. On Monday, June 29, 2015, Most Reverend Brendan John Cahill was ordained to the Episcopacy. He succeeds Bishop Emeritus David Fellhauer, who shepherded the diocese from April 7, 1990, until his retirement earlier this year. Bishop Cahill will lead fifty…
Read MoreUSCCB And Catholic Charities USA Unite In Support Of Second Chance Act
Citing the daunting financial, social, and physical and mental health challenges facing parolees re-entering society after prison, the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development and Catholic Charities USA are urging the U.S. Congress to pass the Second Chance Act (S. 1513) this session. This Second Chance Act would increase support for collaborative…
Read MoreArchbishop’s Statement on San Antonio Missions UNESCO Designation
By Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, Archdiocese of San Antonio I join with our civic leaders and Catholics across the archdiocese in celebrating the inclusion of the San Antonio Missions as a United Nations World Heritage site. It is a wonderful recognition of the cultural and historical treasures they are, not only to the city, but to…
Read MoreSan Antonio Missions Gain UNESCO World Heritage Status
By Sara Gruber,San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau The wait is finally over: The San Antonio Missions have officially been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The decision was announced on July 5th at the annual UNESCO World Heritage committee meeting in Bonn, Germany. An elite list with just 22 existing U.S. landmarks included, the…
Read MoreTCC Statement On SCOTUS Ruling On Abortion Center Medical Standards
The Texas Catholic Conference expressed disappointment at the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to suspend enforcement of one of the country’s most effective measures for protecting women’s health and safety against a predatory abortion industry. The Texas law (part of 2013’s landmark HB 2) required abortion clinics meet the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers…
Read MoreBishop Brendan Cahill Ordained In Victoria
By Jessica Priest,Victoria Advocate Hands clasped in prayer, priests and parishioners alike celebrated the coming of Victoria’s newest spiritual leader, Bishop Brendan Cahill. The voices of more than 1,200 people mixed with an ethereal choir Monday at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral during a three-hour service to install Cahill as a leader of Catholics in…
Read MoreStatement by Texas Catholic Conference on Supreme Court ‘Same-Sex Marriage’ Ruling
The Texas Catholic Bishops expressed disappointment and dismay at a sharply divided U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that “same-sex marriage” is somehow equal to the sacred, traditional bond between a man and a woman in marriage. We believe that the sexual difference between male and female is essential for marriage, because only man and woman can…
Read MoreReligious Freedom Vital To Our 21st Century World
By Most Rev. Michael J. Sis, Bishop of San Angelo Religious freedom is necessary for the health of a democratic society. However, it is being increasingly threatened around the world today, including in our own beloved country. The Fortnight for Freedom is being observed by Catholics in the U.S. from June 21 through July 4,…
Read MoreFather Brendan Cahill Set To Become New Bishop of Victoria Diocese
The Diocese of Victoria is making final preparations for the Episcopal Ordination and Installation of His Excellency The Most Rev. Brendan J. Cahill, S.T.D. as its new bishop on Monday, June 29, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Victory Cathedral. He will succeed Bishop David E. Fellhauer as the third shepherd of the…
Read MoreTexas Bishops Encourage Witnesses During Annual Fortnight For Freedom
For the third consecutive year, the bishops of Texas are joining their counterparts across the United States for the "Fortnight for Freedom". This 14-day period of prayer, penance, education, and action in defense of religious freedom opened on Sunday, June 21, 2015, and runs through the Fourth of July. The theme of this year’s observation…
Read MoreStatement By Texas Catholic Conference On HHS Mandate Ruling
The Texas Catholic Conference today expressed disappointment at the U.S. Fifth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals’ ruling Monday that would force religious institutions to violate their faith. Several Texas dioceses and churches have long objected to provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act that require religious employers to provide health insurance that covers contraceptives, sterilizations, and abortions unless…
Read MoreCatholic Mobilizing Network Rolls Out New Tools For Year Of Mercy
The Catholic Mobilizing Network has developed new educational resources to correspond with the Jubilee Year of Mercy, which will be celebrated by the Catholic Church from December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016. These tools include updated materials on the death penalty, restorative justice, solitary confinement, and more. The Catholic Mobilizing Network works in close…
Read MoreUSCCB Chairmen Give Strong Support for the ‘First Amendment Defense Act’
WASHINGTON—Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, gave their strong support for the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), which is a federal…
Read MorePray for Charleston
ByMost Rev. Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of the Diocese of Austin I, like many of you, was completely shocked by the act of violence in Charleston, S.C., at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Houses of worship should be places of comfort and peace. As people of God we abhor all acts of brutal…
Read MorePope Francis’ Sweeping EncyclicalCalls for Swift Action to Protect God’s Creation
The world has become captivated by Pope Francis’ much-awaited encyclical,Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, which is his appeal to dialogue between "every person living on this planet" to urgently address our environmental challenges to find the best care for “our common home.” In this encyclical, the Pontiff offers a hopeful vision of…
Read MoreBishops’ Efforts For Advance Directives Reform Signed Into Texas Law
With the stroke of his pen Governor Greg Abbott capped off several years of public advocacy by Texas Catholics with his signing House Bill 3074 into law. The measure requires the provision of artificial nutrition and hydration for patients who wish it, unless the provision of food and water causes harm to the patient. The…
Read MoreFederal Appeals Court Upholds Pro-Life House Bill 2
A three-judge panel at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously on June 9, 2015, to uphold the constitutionality of Texas’ pro-life law, House Bill 2, as applied almost entirely across the Lone Star State. InWhole Woman’s Health v. Lakey, three abortion providers and three abortion doctors challenged the 2013 bill passed overwhelmingly by…
Read MoreTexas Dioceses Ordain Thirty-two Men To The Priesthood
This spring, the fifteen dioceses of Texas ordained 32 Transitional Deacons to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood. Through the imposition of hands and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, these men completed several years of education and spiritual training to make the final step on their call to the priestly vocation. The Diocese of…
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