Texas Catholic Voice October 2024

The bishops have finalized the legislative agenda outlining their public policy positions for the 89th legislative session which begins on Jan. 14, 2025.

Our advocacy efforts focus on eight areas: life and family, immigration, education, healthcare, restorative justice, social concerns, religious liberty, and creation.  

Although the session does not officially commence until January, bill filing begins Monday, Nov. 11, and TCCB staff will start the work of analyzing hundreds of bills. We look forward to working for the common good of the people of Texas. 

Tuesday is Election Day! We have been promoting the USCCB campaign, Civilize It, over the last several months and recommended reading Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship in anticipation of the general election. For a sample ballot, enter your address here and for a list of polling locations and other voter information, click here. Let’s all remember to pray before casting our ballots and regardless of who wins, ask God to grant wisdom and prudence to all our elected officials. 

Robert Roberson fight for life and justice 

We have been closely following the developments in the Robert Roberson case and we are relieved and gratified that for the time being his life has been spared.

After the Board of Pardons and Paroles voted against clemency and the governor declined to use his power to grant a 30-day reprieve, the Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence took the unprecedented action of issuing a subpoena to Robert Roberson to testify before the committee.

The attorney general challenged the Committee’s authority to issue the subpoena and before the night was over, the Texas Supreme Court granted a stay of execution and ordered the issue of separation of powers be resolved.

These are uncharted waters, but another execution date will likely not be set while the legal fight continues between the legislative and executive branches.

Even when a new date is requested, state law requires a 90-day posting of the date so the earliest the State would execute him will be in February.

We continue to pray for Robert and that the facts of his case, in light of new scientific evidence, will receive a thorough review by the courts. 

San Antonio celebrates 150th  

On Oct. 26, the Archdiocese of San Antonio celebrated its 150th anniversary. The Texas bishops attended the celebrations and share the following message: 

We the bishops of Texas want to congratulate the Archdiocese of San Antonio for their 150th anniversary. We enjoyed the joyous celebrations of the faithful. May Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Antonio shine down upon them. 

Have a Happy Halloween and a blessed All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day!