June 2018, Vol. 36, No. 6

Ì The official publication of the Diocese of Austin Ì

En Español: Páginas 23-26

Three priests will be ordained on June 23 By Mary P. Walker | Senior Correspondent

With great joy and thanksgiving, Bishop Joe Vásquez will ordain Deacons Henry Cuellar, Andrew Dinh and Paul-Michael Piega to the priesthood June 23 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin. All three men come from Catholic families, and all have faced adversity in their journeys toward ordination. Deacon Henry Garcia Cuellar Jr., age 34, is the son of Henry and Martha Cuellar. He is the oldest of four in his close-knit family. His home parish is Santa Barbara Parish in Austin, and he graduated from high school in Manor. He completed his seminary studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. Deacon Cuellar explored careers in nursing and computer science, and discovered that he loved to help people. He studied at Austin Community College for social work and psychology, and worked in the Manor and Austin school districts providing social services. Yet, he felt there was something missing in his life. Growing up, Deacon Cuellar heard his family praise the work of Oblate Father Charlie Banks. Active in his parish as a lector, catechist and altar server, Deacon Cuellar first thought about becoming a priest when he was 13. Parishioners recognized his devotion and asked if he had ever considered the priesthood. However, he was 23 before he took his first step toward ordination. His pastor, Father Richard Tijerina, invited him to attend a Project Andrew event, which is sponsored by the diocesan Vocation Office each February. “As soon as I left that gathering, I knew I was being called to discern the

Deacon Henry Cuellar Jr.

Deacon Andrew Dinh

Deacon Paul-Michael Piega

priesthood,” Deacon Cuellar said. In 2008, he was accepted for seminary studies. Like many seminarians, Deacon Cuellar was challenged by his studies, the idea of giving up family life and leaving behind a career he enjoyed. Another challenge was a brush with death. When he was a sophomore at St. Joseph Seminary College, he was diagnosed with encephalitis. Deacon Cuellar spent six weeks in an induced coma, supported by the prayers of family and friends. They especially invoked the intercession of St. John Paul II. The original prognosis was either severe brain damage or death. Yet, he recovered, and his doctor characterized this healing as miraculous. Although Deacon Cuellar does not remember much of this time, he has a special appreciation for his life, intellect and vocation because he came so close to losing them. Deacon Cuellar is grateful for all the priests, family, friends and parishioners who have encouraged

him through the years. As a priest, he looks forward to sacramental ministry, and bringing Christ’s love and mercy to others. His advice to those who are wondering whether God is calling them to the priesthood or religious life is to pray, be involved in parish life and to not be afraid, because if God is calling, he will provide the grace and joy to say yes. Deacon Andrew Dung Dinh, age 43, spent his early years in Vietnam. He is the youngest of 10 children, and son of Vo Thi Dinh, and his late father, Toa Kim Dinh. Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Parish in Austin is his home parish. When he was 12, with a desire to pursue a better life, Deacon Dinh left Vietnam and spent two years alone in a refugee camp in Thailand. Regarding that time, he said, “Looking back, it was bad, but God kept me from feeling anxious and afraid.” Eventually, his sister, who lived in England, got him a sponsor, and he moved there and lived for nine years. During that

time, he learned English and finished high school. In the meantime, his mother, brothers and sisters moved to Los Angeles, and he joined them in 1995. The family consulted an attorney, who believed it would take about two years to get the needed immigration documentation to allow him to get a job and attend college. Instead, the process took 10 years and was a time of great hardship. Finding education more affordable in Austin than in California, Deacon Dinh attended Austin Community College, planning to get a medical technology degree at a four-year college. He also worked for a company soldering computer chips and in a bank. However, God’s call to the priesthood changed this path. Deacon Dinh was attracted to the priesthood at a young age, and felt God’s call in his 20s. “I did not pursue it because I had

See PRIESTS on Page 3

Bishop’s Interview

Ministry of Service

World

Español

Bishop Joe Vásquez discusses Pope Francis’ latest exhortation. PAGE 16

Deacon Jerry Klement shares what he has learned during his 40 years of service. PAGE 5

US Catholics gave $59 million to 2017 disaster relief efforts.

Tres sacerdotes serán ordenados el 23 de junio.

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2 THE MISSION OF THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT As the official newspaper for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin, the Catholic Spirit is dedicated to providing information, education and formation for the Catholic community of Central Texas. This mission calls for the newspaper: • to provide readers with an understanding of our Catholic faith and traditions; • to be a primary source of information on Catholic issues relevant to the community; • to be a unifying element for faith communities, both rural and urban, throughout Central Texas; • to show respect for and appreciation of all cultural groups and traditions; • to emphasize topics affirming the Catholic community and life, while acknowledging the humanity of the community and examining, with courage, topics that challenge and encourage growth in the faith.

HOW TO SUBMIT INFORMATION Deadline for submission of articles or information for the Catholic Spirit is the 10th of the month for publication in the following month’s edition. Deadline for the july/August issue is June 29. Submit material in one of the following ways: • E-mail to [email protected]. • Mail to Catholic Spirit, 6225 Hwy. 290 E., Austin, TX 78723 Catholic Spirit has unrestricted editing rights.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE Subscription rates are $12 for one year. To subscribe, send a check payable to Catholic Spirit to Catholic Spirit, 6225 Hwy. 290 E., Austin, TX 78723. Members of a parish in the Austin Diocese may receive the newspaper for a reduced rate. Contact your parish staff for more information.

ADDRESS CHANGES Send all address changes to Catholic Spirit, 6225 Hwy. 290 E., Austin, TX 78723. Please include your parish’s name and city. If receiving duplicate copies of the Catholic Spirit, call (512) 949-2443 or e-mail [email protected].

STAFF Publisher: Bishop Joe S. Vásquez Editor: Shelley Metcalf Assistant Editor: Christian R. González Advertising: Shelley Metcalf Spanish translation: Gina Dominguez Columnists: Mary Lou Gibson, Sara Ramirez and C.D. Weaver Correspondents: Ricardo Gandara, Enedelia J. Obregón, Carla Smith and Mary P. Walker Catholic Spirit subscribes to Catholic News Service (CNS) and is a member of the Catholic Press Association. Catholic Spirit cannot be held liable or responsible for the content of any advertisment appearing within these pages. Advertisements are solely the responsibility of each advertiser. Misleading advertising is never knowingly accepted. Complaints regarding advertising should be directed to the advertiser or to the Better Business Bureau. Copyright 2018 by the Austin Diocese. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any editorial content, photograph, art or design is prohibited without written permission of the publisher Catholic Spirit (ISSN 0896-2715) is published 11 times annually (monthly except one issue in July/August) by the Austin Diocese. Bishop Joe S. Vásquez (publisher) 6225 Hwy. 290 E. Austin, TX 78723 Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Catholic Spirit 6225 Hwy. 290 E. Austin, Texas 78723

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OBITUARIES Deacon Jesus A. Vasquez, 63, died April 22 after a two-year battle with cancer. He was ordained a deacon for the Diocese of San Angelo in 2010 but later moved to San Marcos where he served St. John the Evangelist Parish. He is survived by his wife, Debra, and their children and grandchildren. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 26 at St. John the Evangelist Parish in San Marcos. Franciscan Sister St. Anthony Chrzanak, 70, passed away at her home in Bryan on April 27. She ministered to patients, family members and physicians for more than a decade at CHI St. Joseph Health System in Bryan. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis Convent in Sylvania, Ohio, in 1967. She taught for many years before she transitioned to health care. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 3 at St. Anthony Parish in Bryan. Deacon Jerry M. Opperman, 75, died April 30. He was ordained to the diaconate in 2010, and served St. Philip Mission in China Spring and St. Mary Parish in Waco. He is survived by his wife, Gloria, and their son. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 4 at St. Louis Parish in Waco. OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS Bishop Joe Vásquez has made the following appointments, all are effective on July 6: Pastors/Administrators • Father Alberto Borruel, pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Taylor. • Father James Ekeocha, pastor at St. Jerome Parish in Waco. • Father John Guzaldo, pastor at St. Luke Parish in Temple. • Father Ryan Higdon, administrator at St. Louis Parish in Waco and St. Philip in China Spring. • Father Darrell Kostiha, administrator at St. Joseph Parish in Cyclone and Sts. Cyril and Methodius Mission in Marak. • Father Jairo Sandoval-Pliego, pastor at San José Parish in Austin. • Father Steven Sauser, pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Bryan. • Father Rakshaganathan Selvaraj, pastor at St. Mary, Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Lago Vista. • Father Kurtis Wiedenfeld, administrator at St. Mary Parish in Temple. • Father Brion Zarsky, pastor at St. Ferdinand Parish in Blanco and Good Shepherd Mission in Johnson City. Parochial Vicars (Associate Pastors) • Father Payden Blevins, St. John Neumann Parish in Austin. • Father John Boiko, St. John the Evangelist Parish in San Marcos. • Father Everardo Cazares, St. Mary Cathedral in Austin. • Father Ranjan Cletus, St. Louis Parish in Waco and St. Philip Mission in China Spring. • Father Jared Cooke, St. Thomas More Parish in Austin. • Father Henry Cuellar Jr., St. William Parish in Round Rock. • Father Andrew Dinh, St. Thomas More Parish in Austin. • Father Alirio Fernandez-Bueno, St. William Parish in Round Rock. • Father Greg Gerhart, St. Mary Catholic Center in College Station. • Father Cesar Guzman-Diaz, Santa Teresa Parish in Bryan. • Father Froylan Jerez, Sacred Heart Parish in Austin. • Father Jesse Martinez, St. Louis Parish in Austin. • Father Isidore Ndagizimana, St. Mary Parish in Brenham, St. Ann Parish in Somerville and Blessed Virgin Mary Mission in Old Washington. • Father Hai Nguyen, St. Theresa Parish in Austin. • Father Paul-Michael Piega, Santa Cruz Parish in Buda. • Father Vincent Romuald, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Temple and St. Matthew Mission in Rogers. • Father Sang Quan, St. Elizabeth Parish in Pflugerville. • Father Richard Tijerina, St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin. Retirements • Msgr. John McCaffrey has been granted retirement. • Father Don Loftin has been granted retirement. ADVISORY Anyone who knows the whereabouts of any of the following individuals is requested to notify Gloria Villarreal as soon as possible at (512) 949-2482: • Pauline Kay Giberson • Jose Bautista Martinez • Kristina Marie Russie

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New priests look forward to serving the people PRIESTS continued from Page 1 allow God’s voice to be heard. no encouragement or guidance from the people around me. I also felt unworthy and at the time was unable to go through years of formation and academics,” Deacon Dinh said. Deacon Dinh credits Bishop Michael Sis, Fathers Brian McMaster, Jonathan Raia and Sang Quan, his mother and family, and his Christian Life Community prayer group for their encouragement and help that allowed him to eventually answer the call to the priesthood. He completed his seminary studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. With his own strong and enduring family ties that withstood hardship and separation, Deacon Dinh is especially passionate about the importance of family life. As a priest, he wants to help couples prepare for marriages that last and encourage them to form strong, enduring families of their own. His advice to men and women who are considering the priesthood and religious life is to take positive steps, such as contacting the diocesan Vocation Office and spending quiet time in prayer to

Deacon Paul-Michael Piega, age 29, was born in Queens, New York. He is the son of Lanie and the late Carlos Piega; he has one younger sister. The family moved to Rowlett (near Dallas) in 1997. Attending Texas A&M University in 2007, Deacon Piega majored in biology and planned to become a dentist. Active on campus, he was vice president of the freshman class and president of the sophomore class. He was also active at St. Mary Catholic Center, which he considers to be his home parish. During his sophomore year, Deacon Piega attended a silent retreat that focused on Ignatian discernment. In the silence after Communion on the last day, he believes that God spoke to him in his heart. “I heard this voice that asked, ‘Will you tend to my sheep, will you feed my sheep, will you lead my sheep,’” Deacon Piega said. This led him to discern whether God was calling him to the priesthood and to change his major to psychology. First, he considered entering formation

for the Jesuits. However, as he prayed and interacted with priests of the Austin Diocese, he experienced a sense of peace when he considered becoming one of them. After graduation from Texas A&M, Deacon Piega attended St. Joseph Seminary College, where he earned a degree in philosophy. He continued his studies and earned a degree in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Currently, he is studying liturgical theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and will finish his studies at the Pontifical North American College next year. Challenges to his calling were what he characterizes as “worldly desires.” Through prayer, he learned that only God brings true peace and contentment. Also, because his father had been chronically ill for a number of years, leaving behind his family to study in Rome was an act of trust. When his father died last February, he turned to the Lord. “I can share this suffering with Jesus. Jesus knows what it was like to lose St. Joseph before he entered ministry

and knows what I am going through,” Deacon Piega said. He is grateful to his family, friends and priests who have helped him on this journey. As a priest, he looks forward to bringing Jesus to others through Mass and the sacraments. To those who are considering whether God is calling them to the priesthood or religious life, he advises, “Like any good father, the Lord wants only the best for you. Trust him in his vision, and always keep the Blessed Mother at your side. She will lead you to her son.”

First Masses The new priests will celebrate the following Masses of Thanksgiving. Father Henry Cuellar Jr. will celebrate Mass in Spanish at 8 a.m. on June 24 and in English at 10 a.m. at Santa Barbara Parish in Austin. Father Andrew Dinh will celebrate Mass at 10 a.m. on June 24 at Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Parish in Austin. Father Paul-Michael Piega will celebrate Mass at 10 a.m. on June 24 at St. Mary Catholic Center in College Station.

ϱϲϬϮ,ǁLJϯϭϳE͕dĞŵƉůĞdyϳϲϱϬϮ;ϮϱϰͿϳϴϬͲϮϰϯϲǁǁǁ͘ĂƵƐƟŶĚŝŽĐĞƐĞ͘ŽƌŐͬĐĞĚĂƌďƌĂŬĞ What The World Needs Now: Boundless Compassion: July 25 The Boundless Compassion retreat will be offered at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center July 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The retreat will be based on the book by Sister Joyce Rupp, “Boundless Compassion.” The Gospels tell us to be compassionate but the question is how? This retreat will invite and challenge us to look for ways in which we can develop and embrace Our Lord’s stance toward all of life. Beverly Collin, assistant director of Cedarbrake, will present this day. The cost is $40 and includes lunch.

Assumption of Mary Retreat: Aug. 15 6JG#UUWORVKQPQH/CT[4GVTGCVYKNNDGJGNFCV%GFCTDTCMGQP#WIHTQOCOVQRO9GYKNNTGƀGEVQPVJGITGCVNQXGCPFHCKVJQH/CT[QPGCTVJ that culminated in her glorious assumption into Heaven. Sharon Perkins, former director of Evangelization and Catechesis for the Diocese of Austin, will lead this retreat, which includes Mass. Costs is $40 and includes lunch.

Praying With Icons: Aug. 24-26 The Praying with Icons retreat will be offered at Cedarbrake on Aug. 24-26. Iconography can be a profound way to pray. Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate Father Clyde Rausch will give this retreat. He served 29 years in Sweden as a missionary where he learned iconography. The cost is $225 per person for single room, $180 per person for double occupancy and $100 for commuters.

Embracing Transitions in Our Lives (PARISH STAFF) The Embracing Transitions in our Lives Retreat for parish staff memberss will be offered at Cedarbrake Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Changes are inevitaDNGCPFUQOGVKOGUFKHſEWNVVQCEEGRV6JCVKUYJ[KVŏUKORQTVCPVVQVCMGVKOGVQőUKVYKVJVCNMCDQWVCPFITKGXGVJGEJCPIGŒ6JGQPGEQPUVCPVVJKPIKPQWTNKXGU is God’s love for us that never changes. We invite parish staffs to come together, process whatever changes are happening, so that you can continue the work entrusted to you. Brian Egan and Beverly Collin will lead this retreat. The special staff rate is $25 and includes lunch.

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WWME: Making strong marriages stronger By Carla Smith | Correspondent

Whether a couple has been married for a short time or many years, the Diocese of Austin’s Marriage Encounter Ministry offers an experience to make good marriages even better and help married couples build a richer, fuller life together through Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) weekends. “Our marriage was renewed on our weekend,” said Chris and Jo Ann Hodges of St. Luke Parish in Temple. “We were so caught up in our lives that we weren’t taking time to focus on each other. We learned to be more compassionate, accepting, and we redeveloped a sense of appreciation for each other.” The weekends are part of WWME’s mission, which is to proclaim the value of the sacraments of matrimony and Holy Orders throughout the world.

During a WWME weekend, married couples reconnect, rediscover their dreams, rekindle their romance and deepen their Catholic traditions as they become more aware of God’s desire for their marriage. They learn how to com-

than 1.6 million couples having attended a weekend, and it celebrates its 50th anniversary this summer in Chicago. Two people who will be in attendance are Jose and Rachel Guzman of Austin, parishioners of St. Thomas

“We’ve talked so long about divorce rates, but we should talk about and do our part to build better marriages. Strong marriages foster strong families.” –– Rachel Guzman, Austin/Central Texas Encounter Leadership Team municate more effectively and how the blessings of a good marriage spill over into their family, friends and parish community. Started in 1952 when Father Gabriel Calvo developed a series of conferences for married couples in Spain, the concept spread worldwide including to the U.S. in 1967. It is the largest pro-marriage movement in the world with more

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More Parish in Austin. They currently serve as the Austin/Central Texas Encounter Leadership Team and oversee all aspects of offering weekends in the Central Texas area. For those who think their healthy marriage won’t benefit from a weekend, the Guzmans said every marriage can benefit. “All of us change the oil in our cars and upgrade our phones, but we rarely take the time to improve our marriage,” Jose said. “But if your marriage is in a good place, you deserve a weekend away and deserve to be alone together and rediscover each other.” The Guzmans did point out that the weekends are not retreats or marriage clinics, but the weekends’ unique approaches to revitalize a marriage. Rachel and Jose’s journey with WWME began when they attended their first weekend in 2010. Today they work with a variety of groups to follow WWME guidelines and to find presenters and offerings that appeal to Central Texas weekend attendees. “The WWME was truly a blessing to us,” said Stephanie and David Ozuna, parishioners of Emmaus Parish in Lakeway. “The one-on-one sessions challenged us, and we will always appreciate the tools WWME provided.” Weekends are held Friday evening through Sunday afternoon and couples typically sleep at the location. It’s a time for a husband and wife to focus on their marriage and their spouse. All

sharing is done privately. “It is often very difficult for married couples to give their marriage the attention it deserves in the midst of everyday life,” Rachel said. “But after a weekend away from the distractions and tensions of life, couples return to their life and families with a renewed commitment to each other.” Statistics show nearly 50 percent of marriages end in divorce, but only 2 percent of couples who attend a Marriage Encounter Weekend fall to divorce. Organizers hope that children who witness good marriages will seek the same for themselves. “We’ve talked so long about divorce rates, but we should talk about and do our part to build better marriages,” Rachel said. “Strong marriages foster strong families.” Jose added that building strong marriages also builds stronger future generations. “It saddens us to hear some parishes have more couples willing to sponsor engaged couples for marriage prep than actual engaged couples to sponsor. Our goal is to better prepare the next generation of Catholics to turn these trends around,” he said. The Marriage Encounter Ministry holds several weekends a year, with three planned in the upcoming months: July 13-15 in Lakeway, Sept. 21-23 in Round Rock and Nov. 2-4 at the Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. WWME is faithful to the Catholic Church’s teaching that marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman, but weekends are not restricted to couples married in the Catholic Church. The cost of attending a weekend is $100 per couple. For more information on the Marriage Encounter Ministry or Marriage Encounter Weekends, go to www. austinme.org, e-mail wwmeaustin@ gmail.com, or call (512) 677-9963.

In the diocesan Pastoral Plan, “Encounter that leads to Transformation,” the second Initiative under Goal 1, Provide Spiritual Formation that Leads to Encounter is focused on the family: Create pastoral strategies that support the family as Domestic Church; a place of transforming spiritual growth for forming disciples. Marriage Encounter is one of the most effective movements that supports marriages and family life. For information on the pastoral plan, visit www.austindioceseplan.org.

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Deacon sees his ministry as gift of empathy, compassion By Ricardo Gandara | Correspondent

“Deacons must remember they are called to serve just as Jesus did –– they must be willing to give themselves completely for the good of the people and the church,” Bishop Joe Vásquez said in the May issue of the Catholic Spirit. Deacon Jerry Klement has been a “minister of service” for 40 years. He was one of the first deacons to serve in the Austin Diocese, and he helped shape the diaconate formation program for the diocese. “Anyone can do marriage preparation or visit the sick … It’s about loving them and having empathy and compassion.” And in doing so “you are involved in their lives and you enter into their sacred space,” he said. Deacon Klement, 80, and now officially retired from service at St. Luke Parish in Temple, is still involved and helps out when called. Once a deacon, always a deacon, he said. Deacon Klement was ordained in 1978 in Baltimore. There, he started a 37-year career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but he also answered the call to serve in the church. “Growing up, I always said I wanted to be a priest,” he said. He attended one year of seminary while in high school but did not continue. But he remained active in the faith and always felt there was unfinished business. “I got the call to do something more about 1975 … I believe certain people are called to something bigger,” he said. Upon requesting a job transfer to Texas in 1979, he landed in Temple, the state headquarters of the U.S. De-

partment of Agriculture. Deacon Klement worked for the Farmer’s Home Administration, which offers loans and grants to farmers, ranchers and rural communities. It was a homecoming of sorts; he was raised on a farm in Muenster, a small German town north of Dallas. He also dove into ministry at St. Luke Parish. Diocese-wide, just five men, including Deacon Klement, served as deacons. Primarily, their job was to recruit more men to serve in parishes. Although the permanent diaconate was established in the early days of the church, the number of deacons had steadily declined. However, during the Second Vatican Council, it was clear that the church needed more permanent deacons, so Pope Paul VI restored the diaconate at the end of the council. “We were cautious at first, and we probably moved too fast for some priests. We were always making adjustments and learning along the way,” Deacon Klement said. Parishes were receptive to the program. When St. Luke’s pastor at the time died in 1985, the parish was without a resident priest for five months. Deacon Klement became the face of the parish. “They tell me I became the stabilizing force,” he said. He continued running and organizing education and youth programs. “In those early days, priests came and went; deacons were more stable,” he said. The work of deacons caught on. In 1984, 30 deacons were ordained in the diocese and another 30 followed in 1988. In 1995, Bishop John McCarthy named Deacon Klement director

Discerning the call to the diaconate Men who are discerning the call to the permanent diaconate are invited to attend Project Stephen, which meets every third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Austin. During the evening, participants learn the qualities and characteristics of a deacon, what he does and what it takes to become a deacon, and they pray before the Blessed Sacrament, study St. John Paul II’s wisdom about discernment and enjoy the fellowship of other men/couples in discernment. Couples are urged to discern together so wives are strongly encouraged to attend these sessions. Prior to attending Project Stephen, men must discuss the possibility of the diaconate with their pastor and receive his permission to explore the call. To attend the next Project Stephen meeting, send an e-mail to [email protected] or call (512) 949-2459.

of the diaconate office, a staff position he held until 2008. “The greatest satisfaction in adding to my role of being involved in the lives of people in the parish, is the way I worked with and helped prepare men for formation. Then, I watched them flourish as deacons,” he said. Not lost in the work of deacons is the behind-the-scenes role of their spouses. Carole, Deacon Klement’s wife of 54 years, has played a crucial role in his ministry. In his early days of diaconal formation, the Klements had four children and Carole was at the forefront of raising them. “While wives were not part of the formation process, Carole attended everything. She’s always been very affirming and supportive. Sometimes, I was stumbling in my own doormat. Carole stepped in and that was a sign for me to step back and consider what

Deacon Jerry Klement is one of the longest serving deacons in the Austin Diocese. He was ordained in 1978. (Photo by Ricardo Gandara)

I was doing,” he said. Deacon Klement also particularly enjoyed men’s evangelization programs such as Cursillo and Christ Renews His Parish. As his parish work has slowed due to retirement, Deacon Klement is affirmed by his work with the sick. “Being one-on-one and listening to their pain has allowed me to offer companionship. I’ve been blessed to serve the church and people all these years. That’s been a gift to me,” he said. For more information about the permanent diaconate in the Austin Diocese, e-mail formationdirectors@ austindiocese.org or call (512) 9492459.

In the diocesan Pastoral Plan, “Encounter that leads to Transformation,” Goal 3 is to “Strengthen Christian Witness and Outreach to Transform Individuals and Communities.” This story on Deacon Klement is wonderful example of a lived in service to the church and Christian witness. For information on the pastoral plan, visit www.austindioceseplan.org.

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East Austin parish finds unity in diversity By Enedelia J. Obregón | Senior Correspondent

When St. Peter the Apostle Parish opened in Austin in 1962, parishioners were mostly white and affiliated with Bergstrom Air Force Base. When the nearby base was closed on Sept. 30, 1993, the number of parishioners quickly declined. About 10 years ago, only about 200 families were left. Due to changing demographics, more than 900 families now call St. Peter home. Most are Mexican-American or immigrants from Mexico who come to the Spanish Mass on Sunday afternoons. The arrival of Father Chris Ferrer as pastor two years ago brought a sizable community of fellow Filipino worshippers for the Filipino Mass, which is celebrated the first Saturday afternoon of each month. The parish also includes a small number of immigrants from different African countries. With such a diverse parish, Father Ferrer wanted one unified community. After consulting with the parish and finance councils, he brought together members of the different communities last year and pitched the idea of a first-ever parish festival. “I wanted something that would bring unity,” said Father Ferrer, who also serves as judicial vicar for the The youth of St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Austin were well represented at the parish’s first festival. (Photo by Enedelia J. Obregón)

Diocese of Austin. “It was important that people want to be part of it, help each other and be welcoming to all.” Because of the large number of immigrants, there is a language barrier, Father Ferrer said. He wanted an event that would overcome the language and cultural barriers and that would allow everyone to participate. The first festival, which took a year to plan, was held April 29 on the parish grounds. It gave parishioners the opportunity to share food and entertainment from their cultures. Along with hamburgers, turkey legs, bowling and fishing pond games for little ones, there were fajitas and chicharrones with hot salsa and Filipino egg rolls and sweet halo-halo. There were Mexican matachines with pre-Columbian regalia and Filipino dancers showcasing tinikling and the Muslim fan dance. There was also Zumba dancing. The festival also served as a fundraiser. Alejandro Lemus was one of those new parishioners on the festival planning committee. “We never felt pushed aside or not listened to,” Lemus said. “Everyone felt comfortable working together. We are very proud of how hard everyone worked.” Lemus said he felt grateful and

blessed to have participated in the success of the festival. “It’s nice to see everyone united,” he said. “We need to remember that we are serving the Almighty and we are servants of the people.” Mylene Pabicon Barnfield is a 16-year parishioner and a member of the parish council. She credits Father Ferrer with the changes. Adding the Filipino Mass and starting finance and parish councils has made a big difference, she said. As people from different groups get to know each other, Barnfield is optimistic the parish festival will lead to more involvement from parishioners. During the festival, she got to meet people who come to different Masses. “I’m hoping this is a start to more socializing,” she said. “Before, people would come to Mass and just go home.” Bob Morales, a parishioner for six years and a trustee with the Knights of Columbus Council 1017, said he started seeing the demographic changes when then-pastor Father Richard Tijerina started the always-packed Spanish Mass about five years ago. “The youth started coming and RE (religious education classes) just exploded,” Morales said. “We’ve run out of room.” Lupita Bodony has to deal directly with the blessings of a popular RE program as the parish director of religious edu-

St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Austin hosted its first festival on April 29. Entertainment included traditional Filipino dances. (Photo by Enedelia J. Obregón)

cation. The long-time parishioner had to close RE registration last fall at 318 students in grades pre-Kindergarten through 12. In prior years, no more than 200 children attended. Bodony said there are only 20 catechists and very little room. “We’re running out of space,” she said. “We had to turn people away,” she said. “There was no place to put them.” On May 12, 42 children made their first holy Communion during Mass in Spanish, and on May 19, 13 children made their first Communion during a Mass in English. The two-year confirmation program, which usually had a handful of students, had 34 students this year, Bodony said. Diana Bennett is a member of the pastoral council and a catechist for older children making their first Communion. She said that while it can be a challenge bringing the different cultures together, the diversity enriches the parish. “We may all be different, but we’re all Catholic,” she said. Cam O’Keefe has been a parishioner for about seven years and heads the parish council. She said that while diversity is important, the most important thing is the unity of faith. “We come together to celebrate the sacraments,” she said. “That’s what joins us together. All of us make the Sign of the Cross. That’s what unites us.” St. Peter the Apostle Parish is at 4600 E. Ben White in Austin. Visit www.stpetersaustin.org for details.

JUNE 2018

CENTRAL TEXAS

7

3RD ANNUAL CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

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