The Texas Catholic Herald

May 26, 2020

TOROK: The Holy Spirit’s presence during COVID-19

During COVID 19, young people have leaped into offering random acts of kindness. The following are responses from youth who were asked: What random acts of kindness have you done during this pandemic that made you feel the presence of the Spirit working through you?

May 26, 2020

MCNEILLIE: Surrendering is the first and last step in discerning a vocation

In a similar way, every life-committing vocation, such as marriage or consecrated life, starts like this — with a complete surrender of one’s self before God. What people may not realize is that discernment, indeed, every vocational discernment, begins like this too.

May 26, 2020

CIESIELSKI: Caregiving in the Age of COVID-19

This past month working from our homes, the Office of Aging staff has reached out and called about 100 seniors throughout the Archdiocese. Many have family and parish community to ensure that they are cared for.

May 26, 2020

JOHNSON: Christ’s promise of abundant life is a trustworthy support on our way to recovery

Even though we are in familiar territory, the present moment almost seems like venturing into the unknown. Facing the risk of COVID-19 is like dealing with an invisible threat. We must call on the Good Shepherd to bring us back together as a flock and to lead us out into the pastures of the world we live; in our communities and parishes.

May 12, 2020

Churches hold public Masses in phased reopening with protocols

With Daniel Cardinal DiNardo giving approval for priests to reopen their churches if correct safety protocols are in place, several Catholic churches opened their doors the weekend of May 2 to 3 with more expected to ease back into reopening by May 9 to 10.

May 12, 2020

Cardinal DiNardo, Bishop Sheltz join U.S. bishops in national consecration to Mary amid pandemic

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, with Auxiliary Bishop George A. Sheltz, joined other bishops throughout the United States and reconsecrated the country to Mary as the nation continues to struggle during the coronavirus pandemic.

May 12, 2020

Parishioners should still find solace in Mass despite new measures, mental health expert says

When parishioners return to Mass, the church building will look the same, but the environment might feel different. New social distancing measures have changed the landscape of a church sanctuary, even as clergy encourage attendees of the unchanging nature of the Mass.

May 12, 2020

Monument at Galveston basilica honors lives lost in diocese’s early epidemics

Early Texas bishop consecrations were modified due to flu outbreaks

May 12, 2020

Chaplains on front lines of hospital COVID-19 battles

Father Rodolfo “Jojo” Cal-Ortiz feels humbled and honored to help patients suffering from COVID-19 with their last Sacraments, the grace of absolution and apostolic pardon. Still, the priest acknowledges that those on the hospital frontlines have to deal with their own fears.

May 12, 2020

Homeless receive access to Christ’s love and healing during COVID-19 pandemic

Daily struggles continue for the homeless population that suffers from mental illness and chemical addictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations that care for this already underserved population have created news ways to offer critical programs and services while social distancing to keep both clients and workers healthy and safe.