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The Friday E-Pistle
Jan. 29, 2021
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Bishop Joe Vásquez celebrated a Mass for Life on Jan. 23 at the University Catholic Center in Austin. May we continue to proclaim and demonstrate by our actions the dignity and sanctity of all human life. (Photo by Gabriel Lujan)
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A Message from Bishop Vásquez
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Official appointment
- Rev. Alejandro Ballesteros Duarte, DJ as parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Parish in Austin, effective Jan. 20.
Prayer for our youth attending DCYC
Tomorrow is DCYC 2021. Please pray for our young people and their chaperones as they gather for DCYC at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock. May our young church be surrounded by the love of God as they come together to learn more about the Lord and his loving presence in their lives.
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The Catholic Higher Education special collection will be taken up Feb. 13-14 in all parishes in the diocese. This collection supports campus ministries in our diocese, including at the University of Texas, Texas A&M University, Baylor University, Texas State University, Mary Hardin-Baylor, St. Edward’s University and other smaller college campuses. Please be generous in your support of this most worthy cause. Click here for more information.
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Join NPM Austin and the Diocese of Austin, as they welcome composer, producer and recording artist W. Clifford Petty for a webinar on the healing power of music. “Plenty Good Room” will be offered Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. As we seek to encounter others by building bridges, join us as we explore how the music, culture and history of the Black apostolate has helped to heal the wounds of our broken society. This webinar is an opportunity to bring about healing in the midst of these times of social unrest and the coronavirus pandemic. Visit the NPM Austin site for registration, which is $20 person. Please register by Feb. 10 (seating is limited). For more information, contact Andrea Ramos or call (512) 949-2448.
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Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center
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The annual Ash Wednesday Day of Reflection will be held Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Temple. The day will include Mass and the distribution of ashes. Register online or call (254) 780-2436.
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Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM)
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The pandemic in no way lessens the sacred obligation of those who serve in ministry, both virtual and in-person, to make the Church safe for all. Online EIM Training [En Español] is available for all persons who are due to update/renew their EIM compliance. New employees and new volunteers currently active in ministry should contact their parish/school EIM site administrator regarding the availability of an EIM Workshop at their site.
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Catholic Services Appeal (CSA)
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The Catholic Services Appeal hit a milestone 11 weeks into the appeal -- reaching $5 million pledged and $3.6 million paid. These strong results position us 26% ahead in pledged amount and 39% ahead in paid amount year-over-year. Our goal of raising $5.8 million is now clearly in sight. Thank you to all who have donated for your generosity!
There are 40 parishes who have reached their goal to date with another 19 parishes less than 10 percent away. Congratulations to the following parishes leading in goal percentage attained:
- Our Lady of San Juan Parish in Moody: 224%
- St. Mary Parish in San Saba: 197%
- St. Joseph Parish in Marlin: 166%
- St. John Vianney Parish in Round Rock: 161%
- St. Ferdinand Parish in Blanco: 146%
- St. Patrick Parish in Hutto: 143%
- Santa Rosa Parish in Andice: 139%
- St. Joseph Parish in Killeen: 138%
- St. Joseph Parish in Dime Box: 137%
- Holy Cross Parish in Austin: 136%
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A Project Rachel Retreat will be held Feb. 12-14. Project Rachel is a compassionate and confidential ministry that extends God’s unconditional love and forgiveness to women and men who experience the tragedy of abortion by offering a safe place to be reconciled with God and the church. Project Rachel helps anyone who is suffering after having an abortion (or as the result of a loved one's abortion) to experience God's mercy, forgiveness, and peace. Registration ends on Feb. 5. Don’t miss this opportunity to find healing. For more information, contact Luisa de Poo via email or (512) 949-2487.
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