The Catholic community of Southeast Texas gathered Dec. 29 to celebrate with Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, as he ordained Joseph Sigur to the priesthood. “It’s so wonderful to be here this morning. The Church of God, the Church of Southeast Texas gathers in prayer for this ordination,” Bishop Guillory said.
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Annunciation — the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will bear God’s son — was such a tremendous, history-changing event that preaching about it is extremely difficult, Pope Francis said.
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Christmas will not be authentic if people get caught up in a frenzy of shopping, presents and meals, all while ignoring the poor and forgetting who the celebration is really all about, Pope Francis said.
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — With Christmas just over a week away, visitors came to St. Peter’s Square with their Baby Jesus figurines for a traditional blessing by the pope.
Parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Port Arthur woke up early to sing “Las Mañanitas” to the Blessed Mother on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12. Following the singing of “Las Mañanitas,” parishioners gathered to celebrate the Eucharist.
Father Tarsisius Pauling, SVD, praised Mary as he welcomed parishioners at a Mass that was part of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration Dec. 9 at St. Joseph Church in Livingston. “She carried Jesus in her heart and in her womb,” said Father Pauling.
By James Ramos, Catholic News Service HOUSTON (CNS) — Catholic and civic leaders in the Houston area recalled the late George H.W. Bush’s legacy as president, his history as a Houstonian and his faith as a Christian.
People who’ve lost loved ones to crime came together to place ornaments on a Christmas tree at the Tree of Angels ceremony Dec. 4 at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Beaumont. “The Christmas holidays should be a happy and joyous time, but for those members of our community who have been touched by loss, particularly due to violent crime, the season can be difficult,” said Misty Craver, program director of the Jefferson County Victim’s Assistance Center.
“We’re asking God to guide our political leaders and to guide us, particularly when we get ready for Advocacy Day,” Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, said Dec. 3 at a prayer service for Advocacy Day held at Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas in Beaumont.
The Bishop’s Faith Appeal Leadership Dinner launched the 2019 BFA campaign Dec. 2 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Beaumont. The theme for the 2019 BFA campaign is “Love and Justice.” For the 2019 campaign the Campaign Chairs are Theresa and Joe Henrik.
“Let our friends and neighbors know that the church is here and has been here,” said Father Jim McClintock at the Dec. 1 Rededication Mass for St. Mary Church in Fannett. “This is a building. But you are the church.” The Mass marked the first time in more than a year since Hurricane Harvey that parishioners celebrated Mass inside their church building.