As you all may be aware, the people of Haiti are working to rebuild in the aftermath of an earthquake that struck the island. It caused immense damage and resulted in a substantial loss of life on an island already challenged by social unrest and still rebuilding after a major 2010 earthquake. Tropical Storm Grace followed, adding devastation to an already reeling population. As a result of both disasters, many Church properties, along with homes and businesses, have been severely damaged or destroyed. The impact will be long-lasting.

One of the greatest poverties in this world today is the poverty of loneliness. Mother Teresa called this poverty of loneliness “the greatest disease in the west today.” In her words, “the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love.” This is the mission of Christ in the City: to love, know, and serve the poor.

In a video co-produced with the Ad Council, Pope Francis urges people to get vaccinated against Covid-19, calling it an act of love toward others. [External link to YouTube]

Racheal Jacoby has been selected as a finalist for Catholic Extension's 2021-2022 Lumen Christi Award. Read about Jacoby and all the finalists here. [External link]

Bishop Michael J. Sis promulgated four new documents July 22 outlining current coronavirus protocols in the Diocese of San Angelo in four areas: public liturgies, gatherings, faith formation, and Catholic schools. The documents on liturgies and gatherings are updates to the more relaxed Phase Two protocols released on April 29, 2021. This is the first time Phase Two protocols have been issued for faith formation and Catholic schools.

The Philippians Bible verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” could have been Bryce Hoppel’s mantra in his trajectory to the 2021 Summer Olympics. Hoppel, a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, was once an adolescent with a lofty goal: growing up to become an Olympian, the odds of which are approximately .00013 percent. But his strong faith is one of the reasons few, if any, in his inner circle are surprised that the 23-year-old qualified in June to compete in the 800-meter race at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

This summer many of those athletes whose God-given talents are on display arrive in Tokyo formed in some way by their Catholic faith or education. [External Link to National Catholic Register]

Bishop Michael J. Sis has issued a decree in response to the motu proprio letter of Pope Francis, Traditionis Custodes.

ODESSA, Texas (FOX 24) – A Catholic church that’s been in the Basin for more than half a century is getting a facelift. It turns out the project manager involved has a unique degree that is helping to take these renovations to new levels for people of faith. [External link]

La Enmienda Hyde (The Hyde Amendment) respeta la conciencia del pueblo estadounidense al prohibir el uso de los fondos de los impuestos para pagar la mayoría de los abortos electivos. Incluye excepciones para casos de violación, incesto, o riesgo de mortalidad materna. Dado que no protege completamente a todos los no nacidos, no es una política perfecta. Sin embargo, como compromiso bipartidista, al menos está reduciendo el número total de abortos y protegiéndonos de ser forzados contra nuestra voluntad a pagar por la matanza de inocentes. La Enmienda Hyde está siendo atacada actualmente por la Casa Blanca y algunos miembros del Congreso.

The Hyde Amendment respects the consciences of the American people by prohibiting the use of taxpayer funds to pay for most elective abortions. It includes exceptions for cases involving rape, incest, or maternal mortality risk. Since it does not fully protect all the unborn, it is not a perfect policy. However, as a bipartisan compromise, at least it is reducing the overall number of abortions and protecting us from being forced against our will to pay for the killing of the innocent. The Hyde Amendment is currently under attack by the White House and some members of Congress.

A standing ovation–make that a rousing standing ovation–isn’t something that’s often experienced in a Roman Catholic Mass. But Sunday, June 27, was special. And admirers of Msgr. Frederick G. Nawarskas, better known as “Father Fred,” made sure he knew it. It was Father Fred’s last Sunday as pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church and the congregation wanted him to go out with a bang–or at least a rousing standing ovation.

La semana pasada, mis hermanos obispos y yo votamos abrumadoramente para publicar un documento educativo sobre la belleza y el poder de la Eucaristía. El Comité de Doctrina de la Conferencia Episcopal comenzará a redactar ahora este documento y, en los meses venideros, los obispos continuaremos orando y discerniendo sobre eso a través de una serie de reuniones y consultas regionales. En noviembre, los obispos se reunirán para discutir el borrador del documento.

Last week, my brother bishops and I voted overwhelmingly to issue a teaching document on the beauty and power of the Eucharist. The doctrine committee of the bishops’ conference will now begin drafting this document and, in the months ahead, the bishops will continue our prayer and discernment through a series of regional meetings and consultations. In November, the bishops will gather to discuss the document draft.

St. Ann's Catholic Church in Midland recently opened a new youth activity center. [External link to Odessa American]

For the benefit of the people of God, the Diocese of San Angelo announces the following changes of assignment for priests, effective July 1, 2021:

The Solemnity of St. Joseph is observed on March 19. This year the solemnity falls on a Friday. According to canon 1251 of the Code of Canon Law, when a Friday occurs on a day listed as a solemnity, there is no requirement to abstain from eating meat on that day. Therefore, Catholics may eat meat on this Friday, March 19, 2021, and no special dispensation from the bishop is needed.

Queridos hermanos en Cristo, A la luz de la reciente decisión del Gobernador Greg Abbott de poner fin a un mandato de máscara en todo el estado, algunos han preguntado si nuestros protocolos del coronavirus en la Diócesis de San Angelo han cambiado. La situación está avanzando en una dirección muy buena, y el futuro parece optimista, pero todavía no hemos llegado a un punto en el que sea prudente que la Iglesia relaje nuestros requisitos. Todavía necesitamos que muchas más personas se vacunen. Mientras tanto, todavía exigimos el uso de máscaras sobre la boca y nariz, distanciamiento social, desinfección adecuada, y buena ventilación en nuestras iglesias. Esto es para proteger la salud de nuestros miembros más vulnerables, y es consistente con lo que sabemos de la ciencia y la medicina. En resumen, todos nuestros protocolos diocesanos del coronavirus permanecen en efecto hasta nuevo aviso. Les pido su vigilancia continua para detener la propagación de este virus y su paciencia con cualquier inconveniente que puedan causar nuestras medidas de seguridad. En la alegría del servicio de Cristo, Mons. Michael Sis Obispo de San Angelo

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, In light of Governor Greg Abbott's recent decision to end a statewide mask mandate, some are wondering if any of our coronavirus protocols in the Diocese of San Angelo have been changed. While we are moving in the right direction, and the future looks optimistic, we have not yet arrived at a point where it would be prudent for the Church to relax our requirements. We still need more people to get vaccinated. In the meantime, we still expect the wearing of masks over the mouth and nose, social distancing, proper sanitizing, and good ventilation in our church facilities. This is to protect the health of our more vulnerable members, and it is consistent with what we know from science and medicine. In summary, all our diocesan coronavirus protocols remain in effect until further notice. I ask for your continued vigilance to stop the spread of this virus, and for your patience with whatever inconvenience may be caused by our safety measures. In the joy of Christ's service, Bishop Michael Sis Diocese of San Angelo