Texas Catholic Voice Jan. 23, 2023

On Monday, Bishop Michael F. Olson of Fort Worth celebrated a Mass for the Blessing of Elected Officials of State Government at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin. Attendance was very high, and included Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and their families. Bishop Olson delivered an impactful homily which concluded with these words:  

“While you have been elected by your constituents, your faith should tell you that you have been called to this humble service by God and are accountable to His judgment — the judgment of Him who can neither deceive nor be deceived. The gift of your Catholic faith is not a private matter to be hidden under a bushel basket any more than it is to be exploited as a mascot for your own opinions or as a talisman for your political careers. 

“Your faith which engenders hope must hold pride of place in your practice of ethics so that it will become the source of your good and just works. The cornerstone of your faith is the humility that you know that you have received everything from God and that you confidently entrust yourself to the power of God who is greater than you, as contrasted with the secret pride of those who think that they can discharge their duties of office exclusively by their own willpower. This requires daily prayer, regular and contrite recourse to the sacrament of Penance, and attendance and active participation at Mass every Sunday and on holy days of obligation. 

“We ask the Lord’s blessing upon each and all of you, for He has asked you to govern and to serve a people so vast that they seem to be beyond numbering and prone to disorder. We ask Him to protect you from the temptation to idolatry. We ask His wisdom for you to trust Him that you might receive a listening heart to distinguish between good and evil — the gift only He can give. We ask for His protection upon your families from all enemies who would do you harm. We ask the Lord for these gifts as we approach the altar of perfect sacrifice with humility to receive and be transformed by His Body and Blood, His Soul and Divinity.” 

Legislators welcomed by TCCB staff

This past week, the policy staff and I visited almost every legislator’s office and shared with their staff, or the members themselves if they were available, a TCCB welcome packet which included our legislative agenda, the Mass schedule for nearby parishes, and upcoming Catholic events. We plan to finish visiting the rest of the offices this week, so no one is left out! 

There will be an Ash Wednesday service in the Capitol Auditorium on Feb. 22 and Catholic Advocacy Day is on Tuesday, March 28.  

I am very excited to announce we have a new host for our Wednesday rosary, since Senator Eddie Lucio retired. I am grateful to former Sen. Lucio for starting this beautiful tradition and that it will continue under the auspices of another member. More details will soon be forthcoming.