News - April 2018 RSS Feed

“If you want to be there, we will do our best to make it happen,” said Superintendent Marcia Stevens in regard to the affordability of Catholic schools in Southeast Texas Catholic schools within the Diocese of Beaumont are more affordable than many realize.

Vic Soares, a volunteer with the Diocese of Beaumont’s Criminal Justice Ministry, was surprised when the Federal Correctional Complex Beaumont, Low Unit named him as Volunteer of the Year at its annual volunteer appreciation dinner April 19.

Serving as part of a four-year program, the V Encuentro, or “Fifth Encounter” is “opening minds and hearts.” V Encuentro is an evangelization initiative created for Spanish-speaking communities to share their faith and make themselves known within the Church.

“I would often lay on the trunk of our car at night and stare into the stars. And in those moments, I could hear God’s call,” Sister Esther Dunegan said. That call more than 50 years ago led to five decades of service as a Sister of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament.

“Although we are diverse, we are united in the body of Christ,” said Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, celebrating Mass at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica that was part of St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School’s International Day celebration April 20.

The annual Crime Victims’ Vigil offers victims and survivors a time to meet together. The Diocese of Beaumont is a member of the Jefferson County Coalition for Victims of Crime, which hosted the vigil April 12 at the Jefferson County Courthouse.

April 11, 2018 WASHINGTON—The U.S. Catholic Bishops of the southern border issued a statement on April 6, 2018, regarding their deep concern over the Administration’s decision to deploy the National Guard  at the U.S./Mexico border.

By Kelly Sankowski Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — Surrounding the 1968 release of “Humanae Vitae” (“Of Human Life”) was the cultural context of the sexual revolution and a widespread fear about overpopulation following World War II, said Donald Critchlow, a professor of history at Arizona State University.

By Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Here is a selection of quotations from “Gaudete et Exsultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”), Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on holiness: — “I like to contemplate the holiness present in the patience of God’s people: in those parents who raise their children with immense love, in those men and women who work hard to support their families, in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile.” — “Holiness is the most attractive face of the church.” — “The important thing is that each believer discern his or her own path, that they bring out the very best of themselves, the most personal gifts that God has placed in their hearts, rather than hopelessly trying to imitate something not meant for them.” — “In times when women tended to be most ignored or overlooked, the Holy Spirit raised up saints whose attractiveness produced new spiritual vigor and important reforms in the church.” — “We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer.

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God calls all Christians to be saints — not plastic statues of saints, but real people who make time for prayer and who show loving care for others in the simplest gestures, Pope Francis said in his new document on holiness.