Este es un momento histórico importante en la vida del diaconado permanente en la Diócesis de San Ángelo. Tenemos quince candidatos en formación para la ordenación el 23 de junio de 2018, y nos estamos preparando para formar un nuevo grupo que comenzará las clases en septiembre de 2018. Ahora es el momento en el cual debemos de invitar a aquellos hombres a quienes Dios podría estar llamando a entrar en formación para nuestra próxima clase diaconal – la clase de 2022.

This is an important historical moment in the life of the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of San Angelo. We have fifteen candidates in formation for ordination on June 23, 2018, and we are preparing to form a new group that will start classes in September of 2018. Now is the time for us to call forward those men whom God might be calling to enter formation for our next deacon class – the class of 2022.

Angelo Catholic School will host an open house for new parents from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 28, 2018, at Angelo Catholic School, 2315 A&M Ave. in San Angelo. Parents of school-age children are invited to see the school and tour the facility. All are welcome and invited to visit and ask questions. For more information, contact Becky Trojcak, Principal, at 325-949-1747.

"St. Joseph, Protector of the Church, pray for us." We prayed this prayer before, during, and after a workshop we attended on Nov. 29 at Christ the King Retreat Center in San Angelo. The workshop, "Protecting Your Flock," sponsored by the Miles Ministerial Alliance, was occasioned by the active shooters that have murdered and wounded people in various churches, most recently in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Both Catholics and Protestants attended the workshop. Seventy-four people were registered, with laity, both men and women, outnumbering clergy.

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has issued an action alert calling on Catholics to express support for rules on proper burial of children lost through abortion or miscarriage. Click to read the entire alert.

As we make plans to participate in the liturgy of the Church at Christmas, we are in a unique situation this year. Dec. 25 will be on a Monday. Christmas is always a holy day of obligation, so Catholics need to participate in Masses both for the Fourth Sunday of Advent and for Christmas.

RENEW International, a Catholic not-for- profit organization based in Plainfield, N.J., will begin celebrating its 40 th anniversary by honoring four bishops who have demonstrated their dedication to evangelization. The Champions for Evangelization award will be presented during a reception at the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops Fall General Assembly in November to Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley. OFM, Cap, archbishop of Boston; Most Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio, bishop of Brooklyn; Most Rev. Michael Pfeifer, OMI, bishop emeritus of San Angelo; and Most Rev. Michael Sis, bishop of San Angelo.

The Catholic bishops of Texas express their deep sadness for the loss of life at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Sunday. Click to read the full statement.

The Misioneros Servidores de la Palabra and Holy Redeemer Catholic Church are hosting an event with music and Eucharist on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at the Far West Event Center. Click for details.

The Catholic Newman Center at Angelo State University is beginning an Awakening retreat for young adults. Awakening is a weekend-long retreat where students grow closer to God, make new friends, and experience spiritual renewal. This will be the first of its kind in our diocese.

The Abilene Christian University "Center for Heritage and Renewal in Spirituality" (Charis) is sponsoring a panel discussion focusing on the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation and its implications for all Christians.

The Pontifical Council for Culture is offering an online course in Science & Faith in Dialogue beginning October 10. Click for more information, including links for registration.

Bishop Michael Sis will hold a public Rosary at Holy Family Parish in Abilene, 7:00 PM, Wednesday, September 27, 2017, during which he will offer a prayer and consecrate the Diocese of San Angelo to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. All are invited.

Jesús tenía un lugar especial en su corazón para los niños. Un día se sentó, llamó a sus doce apóstoles alrededor de él, y les enseñó una lección muy importante. Él tomó a un niño en sus brazos y les dijo: “El que reciba a un niño como éste en mi nombre me recibe a mi.” (Marcos 9:36) Él dijo: “Deja que los niños vengan a mí...porque el reino de Dios es de quienes son como ellos.” (Marcos 10:14)

Jesus had a special place in his heart for children. One day he sat down, called his twelve apostles around him, and taught them a very important lesson. He took a little child in his arms and told them, “Whoever welcomes one child such as this in my name welcomes me.” (Mark 9:36) He said, “Let the children come to me…It is to just such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs.” (Mark 10:14)

Young Adults ages 21-35 are invited to meet for Spirit and Spirits this Thursday, September 21, at 7:0 PM at Basin Burger House, 607 N. Colorado Street in Midland. We are excited to welcome speaker Bishop Sis to join us for happy hour.

As Masses this weekend (September 23-24, 2017), parishioners in the Diocese of San Angelo will have the opportunity to contribute to a special collection to assist those impacted by Hurricane Irma in Florida and the Caribbean. Contributions from West Texas will be used in the affected areas to support humanitarian aid, assistance with long-term efforts to restore communities, and for the pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church there. Thank you for your expression of solidarity for our brothers and sisters in their time of need.

The tragedy of Hurricane Harvey is causing tremendous suffering for our brothers and sisters on the Gulf Coast. Families are seeking shelter, people are searching for loved ones, emergency workers are serving tirelessly, and survivors are trying to find hope for the future.

UPDATED WITH NEW COLLECTION DATES -- Hurricane Harvey has caused a widespread path of destruction. Our prayers and material support are urgently needed to help rebuild lives.

Hurricane Harvey is significantly impacting the Texas coastal area. The Catholic Church in Texas is coordinating its response through the bishops of the 15 dioceses. At this time cash contributions are of greatest need.