Texas Catholic Voice October 2025
In this issue of the Texas Catholic Voice:
- ESA Updates
- Respect Life Month, Tribute to Kyleen Wright
- Upcoming Execution: Robert Roberson
- Welcome Bishop Danny
- And more!
A Message from Jennifer Allmon, Executive Director
The comment period on the recently published Education Savings Accounts (ESA) Rules has come to an end, which means the final rules will be coming soon. Learn more on the Texas Comptroller’s ESA webpage here: Texas Education Savings Account Program.
The TCCB has prepared materials and resources for our schools and families. On our website, you will find a timeline, FAQs, and new resources for schools, parishes and dioceses to download and use in your own communications. We provide bulletin announcements, graphics, and resources in English and Spanish.
Respect Life Month
Respect Life Month is an annual observance during October to promote the dignity and value of human life from conception to natural death. It encourages prayer, reflection, and action through various activities, including Respect Life Sunday on the first Sunday of October and the Respect Life Novena in the latter part of the month, with resources available through the USCCB's Respect Life website.
During this time, we also grieve the loss of a great pro-life leader in Texas, and a dear friend to the TCCB team.
Kyleen Wright (in the middle in the photo to the left) was a longtime strategic partner and a stalwart warrior for pro-life causes for more than 40 years. As the executive director of Texans for Life Coalition, she stood alongside the TCCB working on every pro-life bill we ever addressed. Kyleen was an incredible prayer warrior, pro-life advocate, leader, and dear friend. Before all of that she was a wonderful mom, and that was the role of which she was most proud. Nothing lit up her eyes and her joyous smile like talking about her sons and granddaughters. She leaves an incredible pro-life legacy.
Welcome home, Bishop Garcia
On Sept. 18, Bishop Daniel E. Garcia was installed as the sixth bishop of Austin in July. Bishop Garcia, a native of the Diocese of Austin, most recently served as the bishop of Monterey, California. TCCB staff was honored to be present for the installation Mass at St. William Catholic Church in Round Rock. It was a beautiful and moving service and we look forward to working with Bishop Danny, and all the bishops of Texas, to serve the people of Texas.
ESA Mini Summits
TCCB and Texas Private Schools Association are continuing our collaboration to host mini-summit events for school leaders from 10:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. in locations throughout the state. These events are not intended for parents or general audience but for pastors or private school leaders. Please RSVP your attendance in advance to ensure we have adequate space and material for you. Mini summits currently scheduled include:
- El Paso – Oct. 2 at Immanuel Christian School, 1201 Hawkins Blvd.
- Austin - October 16 at Brentwood Christian School, 11908 N. Lamar Blvd. 78753
- San Antonio – Oct. 22 at San Antonio Christian School, 19202 Redland Rd.
- The Woodlands – Oct. 30 at The Woodlands Christian Academy, 5800 Academy Way
- Tyle r- November 7 at Grace Community School (Lower Campus), 3215 Old Jacksonville Rd, 75701 Note this session is from 9 am- 11:30 a.m.
To register, please email Office@TexasPrivateSchools.org.
Robert Roberson's execution scheduled for Oct. 16
As they do before every scheduled execution, the bishops wrote a letter to Governor Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, urging them to grant a stay of execution for Robert Roberson, who is scheduled to be executed on Oct. 16.
New research and evidence have convinced many people, including the lead detective in Robert’s case, that Robert is innocent. Robert has languished on death row for more than 20 years because he was sentenced under the highly controversial Shaken Baby Syndrome hypothesis. In addition, he immediately fell under a cloud of suspicion due to his lack of emotion when he brought his daughter to the emergency room. Robert has since been diagnosed with autism, which may serve as an explanation for his lack of emotion in the emergency room. One of the major hallmarks of autism is a reduced range of emotional expression.
Since 1992, at least 40 parents and caregivers in 20 states and the U.S. military have been exonerated after being wrongfully convicted under the Shaken Baby Syndrome hypothesis, according to the National Registry of Exonerations.
If Robert’s execution is not stayed, he will be the first person executed in the United States for a conviction obtained using this now widely debunked hypothesis.
We continue to pray for all those affected by the death of Nikki Roberson, most especially her father, Robert, and we pray that Robert be granted a stay of execution.
Rally for the life of Robert Roberson
Join us Saturday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. on the south steps of the Texas State Capitol for a press conference and rally in support of Robert Roberson. Speakers will include Nan Tolson (Texas CCATDP), Texas lawmakers, Josh Burns (Shaken Baby Syndrome exoneree), Jacquie Benestante (Autism Society of Texas), Rev. Brian Wharton (former lead detective in Robert’s case), and Gretchen Sween (attorney for Robert Roberson).
Weekend of prayer for Robert Roberson
If the courts have not taken action by Oct. 10 to stop the execution, faith leaders and faith communities throughout Texas to set aside time during the weekend of Oct. 11-12 to pray for Robert Roberson. This effort is being led by Rev. Brian Wharton, a United Methodist pastor who was the chief detective in the case in Palestine, Texas more than 20 years ago. He now believes the State has convicted an innocent man and is a staunch advocate for Mr. Roberson.
Novena to end the death penalty
Each year, CMN kicks off Respect Life Month with a special novena dedicated to the intention of death penalty abolition. Joining together in prayer Oct. 1–9, these nine days prepare us to celebrate World Day Against the Death Penalty.
World Day Against the Death Penalty
The 23rd World Day Against the Death Penalty is Friday, Oct 10. Each year, World Day Against the Death Penalty commemorates efforts around the world to end the practice of capital punishment.