Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to say thank you, Godspeed to Bishop Joe S. Vasquez

March 1, 2010

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release: March 1, 2010
Contact:
Jenny Faber, Director of Communications
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
jfaber@archgh.org
713.652.8223

Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to say thank you, Godspeed to Bishop Joe S. Vasquez

Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston are invited to come together tonight, March 1, to express their gratitude for Auxiliary Bishop Joe S. Vasquez and his commitment to the people of this local Church.

Last month, Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Vasquez, 52, as the fifth Bishop of Austin.

During a 7 p.m. Mass this evening at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, the faithful of Galveston-Houston will celebrate Bishop Vasquez' contributions to the Archdiocese over the last eight years.

In January 2002, Bishop Vasquez became the nation's youngest active bishop when he was ordained an auxiliary bishop for Galveston-Houston at age 44. Since 2006, Bishop Vasquez has been the Archdiocese's Vicar General/Chancellor, overseeing the administrative operations of the largest diocese in Texas and the 11th largest diocese in the United States. He has also served as the Vicar for Hispanic Catholics and been the Archdiocesan Liaison for Youth during his years with the Archdiocese, which serves 1.5 million Catholics in 10 counties.


WHAT
: A Mass of Celebration honoring Bishop Joe S. Vasquez, Auxiliary Bishop of Galveston-Houston and new Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Austin. A reception will follow the Mass.

Bishop Vasquez will celebrate the Mass, with Daniel Cardinal DiNardo concelebrating.

WHEN: Monday, March 1

  • 6:30 to 6:45 p.m. – Cameras may set up in the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Interviews with key personnel from the Archdiocese may be available; please contact Jenny Faber in advance to arrange an interview.

  • 7 p.m. – Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

  • 8:30 p.m. – Reception at the Cathedral Centre

WHERE: Mass at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Parkway, Reception at the Cathedral Centre, 1701 San Jacinto

Parking is available at:

  • The lot behind the old Co-Cathedral

  • The Amegy Bank parking garage at the corner of St. Joseph Parkway and Fannin

  • The Chancery parking lot at Fannin and Jefferson

  • The Cathedral Centre lot at Jefferson and Caroline


VISUALS
:

  • Non-obstructive photography and general videotaping (b-roll) at certain locations inside the Co-Cathedral are permitted during Mass. Please contact Jenny Faber, Archdiocesan Communications Director, at 713-652-8223 for details on locations for photography inside the Co-Cathedral.

  • Bishop Vasquez will greet Catholic parishioners after Mass at an evening reception at the Cathedral Centre.