For those preparing for marriage
Couples planning to marry should contact their priest or deacon at least six months prior to their wedding date in order to begin the marriage preparation process. Engaged couples are encouraged to inquire at their parish about pre-marriage retreats and classes. Couples planning to attend the diocesan pre-marriage retreat, “Together in God’s Image,” are encouraged to register as soon as possible. The program will be offered in retreat format at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton on Nov. 12-14. Engaged couples must provide proof they have taken either the FOCCUS or PREPARE assessment before attending the “Together in God’s Image” retreat. Couples must register by contacting the diocesan Office of Catholic Family Counseling and Family Life at (512) 949-2495. For registration forms, visit www.austindiocese.org and click on “For Marriage Preparation or Marriage Enrichment” next to the “For Your Marriage” icon.
Upcoming events at Cedarbrake Retreat Center in Belton
"Graced Aging," a day of reflection, will be presented Sept. 14 at Cedabrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. Growing older is a challenge at any age, but it is also an opportunity that opens us to spiritual transformation. This day will challenge participants to see beyond the wrinkles to the gift that life is. Pat Stankus will use Scripture, contemporary authors, humor and a variety of resources to present this day. The cost is $30 and includes lunch. To register, contact Cedarbrake at (254) 780-2436 or cedarbrake@austindiocese.org.
"Prayer with Thomas Merton," a weekend retreat, will be presented Sept. 24-26 at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. Father Thomas Merton, a Trapist monk and a great spiritual writer, said, “Solitude is not something you must hope for in the future. Rather, it is a deepening of the present, and unless you look for it in the present you will never find it.” Father Keith Hosey, a gifted retreat director from Indiana, will lead this weekend retreat inviting and teaching us how to enter deeper into our own prayer life. The cost is $165 for a private room and $135 for a double. To register, contact Cedarbrake at (254) 780-2436 or cedarbrake@austindiocese.org.
CCCTX
Training teaches how to start citizenship classes
Catholic Charities of Central Texas will offer a training on how to start citizenship classes in your parish or community Sept. 7 and 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of Santa Julia Parish in Austin. The training is free and will be conducted in English. For more information and registration details, contact Carmen Cortes-Harms (512) 651-6100 or carmen-cortesharms@austindiocese.org.
Caridades Católicas del Centro de Texas ofrecerá el 7 y 8 de septiembre de 5:00 pm a 8:00 pm un entrenamiento de cómo iniciar clases de ciudadanía en su iglesia o comunidad. El entrenamiento es gratis y será impartido en inglés en el Salón Parroquial de la Iglesia de Santa Julia, ubicada en el 900 Tillery St, Austin, TX 78702. Para más información e inscripción, por favor de contactarCarmen Cortes-Harms (512) 651-6100 ocarmen-cortesharms@austindiocese.org.
FREE WORKSHOP - MONEY MATTERS!
Catholic Charities of Central Texas will host a free workshop entitled "Money Matters!" on Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Round Rock Area Serving Center, 1099 E. Main Street in Round Rock. This workshop is offered on the third Tuesday of each month at the same time and location. It will help participants learn how to manage their money by preparing a personal spending plan and identifying ways to decrease expenses. Space is limited so registration is required. To register for the class or for more information, call (512) 869-4251.
Golf Tournament benefits Brazos Valley CCCTX
Catholic Charities of Central Texas is hosting its 2nd Annual Angels of Hope Golf Tournament on Oct. 11 at Briarcrest Country Club in Bryan. Individual fees are $125, group fees are $500 and sponsorships start at $150. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Brazos Valley Office. To purchase a sponsorship or register a team, contact Vancy Mayes at (979) 204-7169 or Vancy-Mayes@austindiocese.org. For more information, visit the Catholic Charities website at www.ccctx.org.
Faithful and prudent servants
Our Catholic brothers and sisters who are struggling with illness in the Seton Family of Hospitals need “faithful and prudent servants” of Jesus in order to be fed with the Bread of Life, the Body of Christ. If you might consider bringing the Eucharist to Catholics at Seton, please contact Father Frank Zlotkowski at (512) 324-7106 or fzlotkowski@seton.org for more information.
Theology on Tap presents A Bishop’s Story
Young adults are invited to join us for Theology on Tap on Sept. 1 at La Feria, 2010 S. Lamar in Austin. Bishop Joe Vásquez will speak about his vocation as bishop of the Diocese of Austin. Young adults are invited to learn about our shepherd and his role in the diocese in the company of other Catholic young adults. We will meet on the patio for live music at 6 p.m. and Bishop Vásquez’s presentation will begin at 7 p.m. For information, contact Alison Koederitz at alison-koederitz@austindicoese.orgor (512) 949-2467.
Second Annual Dinner, Dance and Auction at St. Ignatius in Austin
The second annual Dinner, Dance and Auction will be held Aug. 28 at St. Ignatius, Martyr Parish in Austin. Everyone is invited to enjoy good food, listen to Duck Soup and bid on various auction items. For more information, visit www.st-ignatius.org. RSVP to Christina Corona at (512) 291-4574 or (512) 442-3602.
Mini Festival of Catechists
The Austin South Deanery will host a Mini Festival of Catechists Aug. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Austin. The cost is $10 per person and $5 for lunch. For more information, contact Pam Neuman at (512) 892-2426, ext. 17, or contact Sister Rose Moreno at (512) 385-4333.
Killeen Prayer Vigil for Life
The Killeen Prayer Vigil for Life is scheduled for Aug. 28. The Prayer Vigil will begin with Mass at 8:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Parish, 2903 E. Rancier Ave. in Killeen followed by a caravan and procession at 9:45 am to pray the rosary at Killeen Women’s Health Center, 3106 S.W. Young Dr., Killeen from 10 to 11 a.m. All will return to St. Joseph Parish for closing prayer and fellowship at 11:15 a.m. For more information, contact Karen Hinze at (254) 986-1134.
Emerging Leadership in Light of the New Catholic Charismatic Vision and Mission Statement
Father Bob Hogan, co-founder of the charismatic and Marian religious community of priests and brothers called the Brothers of the Beloved Disciple, will present a conference and workshop entitled “Emerging Leadership in Light of the New Catholic Charismatic Vision and Mission Statement" on Aug. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center, 6225 Highway 290 East in Austin. For registration information, e-mail stc-charisgroup@live.com or kerryjoe@gmail.com or call (512) 255-5058 or (512) 454-3531.
Annual Festival, Holy Cross in Bertram
Holy Cross Parish in Bertram will host its annual Festival Aug. 29 from noon to 4 p.m. Fried chicken plates, including mashed potatoes, green beans and dessert, will be available for $7 each. Other activities include a rock wall, games for all ages and live music.
Married couples invited to retreat
Married couples are invited to reserve time to freshen up their vocation of marriage. Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends provide an opportunity for married couples to put aside everything else and focus on their relationship with one another and God. The program is designed to help marriages become a true source of strength. A Marriage Encounter weekend will be held Oct. 29-31 at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. For more information, visit www.austinme.org or contact Mike and Renee Furtado at (512) 396-3620 or mfurtado@grandecom.net.
Retreat for women at St. Albert the Great, Austin
"Women Mystics - Saints Among Us," the annual women's retreat sponsored by the women of St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin, will be held Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dominican Sister Helen Marie Raycraft will present the spirituality and writings of St. Julian of Norwich, St. Catherine of Siena, and Joyce Rupp, OSM. Registration, materials, and lunch are included in the $20 fee. For additional information and registration flier, contact Gerry Jones via e-mail at Gerry.Jones@gmail.com or Janice Ingram via e-mail at janicei@sbcglobal.net or in the evenings by phone at (512) 836-7839.
Save the date for Marriage Packet workshop
The fall joint workshop of the diocesan Offices of Family Life-Family Counseling Office and Canonical and Tribunal Services will be on the topic of “Marriage Packets,” including the marriage preparation process alternatives, the required documentation and the canon laws and diocesan policies affecting the marriage preparation process. The workshop, which is for those who prepare couples for marriage, will be held Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Pastoral Center in Austin. The fee of $25 will cover materials and lunch. For more information, view the flier at www.austindiocese.org/resources/26/3282.pdf.
TCC Scripture Seminar is Oct. 18-21
The Texas Catholic Conference's 27th Annual Scripture Seminar will be held at the Oblate Renewal Center in San Antonio on Oct. 18-21. This year's seminar will feature guest speakers Father George T. Montague, S.M., S.Th.D., a professor at St Mary's University and author of more than 20 books on both the scholarly and popular level, and Father Juan Alfaro, S.S.L., an author and teacher at local colleges and universities in San Antonio who also conducts biblical workshops in 45 dioceses.
The Scripture Seminar is an opportunity to aid in homily and religious education preparation, promote reflection on themes present in Scripture, and provide advanced education on Scripture.
A complete registration brochure with more information on the speakers and Seminar program is available at www.TXcatholic.org. For more information, visit www.TXcatholic.org or call Becky Sierra at (512) 339-9882.
Thinking about separation or divorce?
Is your marriage or that of a relative or friend heading for divorce? Do you know how to save that marriage? Or do you feel helpless? Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi with a long i) is designed to help troubled marriages regain their health. It helps spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. The program is highly successful in saving hurting marriages, even bringing reconciliation to couples who have already separated or divorced. For confidential information about or to register for the fall program beginning with a weekend on Oct. 22-24 call (830) 433-4380 or 800-470-2230 or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com.
NFP sessions
The Couple to Couple League will offer an NFP Introductory Session Sept. 5 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin. Participants are asked to register by the preceding Wednesday. The cost is $5 per couple. Attendance fulfills the NFP marriage preparation requirement. For more information or to register, contact Robert and Kelly Tavarez at (512) 258-9304. For more information about the Couple to Couple League, visit www.ccl.austin.tx.us.
The Couple to Couple League will host a series of NFP classes beginning Sept. 14 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the school library of St. Mary Cathedral in Austin. Subsequent classes will be held Oct. 12 and Nov. 9. For more information or to register, contact Randy and Grace-Marie Kolb at (512) 891-5341 or rkolb@austin.rr.com. For more information about the Couple to Couple League, visit www.ccli.org.
Relevant Radio, 970 AM, in Austin area
Relevant Radio, an independent network of 35 stations airing Catholic programming, can be heard in the greater Austin area at 970 AM (this includes most parishes in the Austin, Bastrop/Lockhart, Georgetown/Round Rock, and San Marcos deaneries). Sunday Mass is recorded and aired at 9 a.m. every Sunday. Daily weekday Masses are recorded and aired at 8:30 p.m. Visit www.relevantradio970.com for programming details and online audio streaming. For more information on the radio station, call (512) 390-5495.
How to report an incident of concern
Couples planning to marry should contact their priest or deacon at least six months prior to their wedding date in order to begin the marriage preparation process. Engaged couples are encouraged to inquire at their parish about pre-marriage retreats and classes. Couples planning to attend the diocesan pre-marriage retreat, “Together in God’s Image,” are encouraged to register as soon as possible. The program will be offered in retreat format at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton on Nov. 12-14. Engaged couples must provide proof they have taken either the FOCCUS or PREPARE assessment before attending the “Together in God’s Image” retreat. Couples must register by contacting the diocesan Office of Catholic Family Counseling and Family Life at (512) 949-2495. For registration forms, visit www.austindiocese.org and click on “For Marriage Preparation or Marriage Enrichment” next to the “For Your Marriage” icon.
Upcoming events at Cedarbrake Retreat Center in Belton
"Graced Aging," a day of reflection, will be presented Sept. 14 at Cedabrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. Growing older is a challenge at any age, but it is also an opportunity that opens us to spiritual transformation. This day will challenge participants to see beyond the wrinkles to the gift that life is. Pat Stankus will use Scripture, contemporary authors, humor and a variety of resources to present this day. The cost is $30 and includes lunch. To register, contact Cedarbrake at (254) 780-2436 or cedarbrake@austindiocese.org.
"Prayer with Thomas Merton," a weekend retreat, will be presented Sept. 24-26 at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. Father Thomas Merton, a Trapist monk and a great spiritual writer, said, “Solitude is not something you must hope for in the future. Rather, it is a deepening of the present, and unless you look for it in the present you will never find it.” Father Keith Hosey, a gifted retreat director from Indiana, will lead this weekend retreat inviting and teaching us how to enter deeper into our own prayer life. The cost is $165 for a private room and $135 for a double. To register, contact Cedarbrake at (254) 780-2436 or cedarbrake@austindiocese.org.
CCCTX
Training teaches how to start citizenship classes
Catholic Charities of Central Texas will offer a training on how to start citizenship classes in your parish or community Sept. 7 and 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of Santa Julia Parish in Austin. The training is free and will be conducted in English. For more information and registration details, contact Carmen Cortes-Harms (512) 651-6100 or carmen-cortesharms@austindiocese.org.
Caridades Católicas del Centro de Texas ofrecerá el 7 y 8 de septiembre de 5:00 pm a 8:00 pm un entrenamiento de cómo iniciar clases de ciudadanía en su iglesia o comunidad. El entrenamiento es gratis y será impartido en inglés en el Salón Parroquial de la Iglesia de Santa Julia, ubicada en el 900 Tillery St, Austin, TX 78702. Para más información e inscripción, por favor de contactarCarmen Cortes-Harms (512) 651-6100 ocarmen-cortesharms@austindiocese.org.
FREE WORKSHOP - MONEY MATTERS!
Catholic Charities of Central Texas will host a free workshop entitled "Money Matters!" on Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Round Rock Area Serving Center, 1099 E. Main Street in Round Rock. This workshop is offered on the third Tuesday of each month at the same time and location. It will help participants learn how to manage their money by preparing a personal spending plan and identifying ways to decrease expenses. Space is limited so registration is required. To register for the class or for more information, call (512) 869-4251.
Golf Tournament benefits Brazos Valley CCCTX
Catholic Charities of Central Texas is hosting its 2nd Annual Angels of Hope Golf Tournament on Oct. 11 at Briarcrest Country Club in Bryan. Individual fees are $125, group fees are $500 and sponsorships start at $150. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Brazos Valley Office. To purchase a sponsorship or register a team, contact Vancy Mayes at (979) 204-7169 or Vancy-Mayes@austindiocese.org. For more information, visit the Catholic Charities website at www.ccctx.org.
Faithful and prudent servants
Our Catholic brothers and sisters who are struggling with illness in the Seton Family of Hospitals need “faithful and prudent servants” of Jesus in order to be fed with the Bread of Life, the Body of Christ. If you might consider bringing the Eucharist to Catholics at Seton, please contact Father Frank Zlotkowski at (512) 324-7106 or fzlotkowski@seton.org for more information.
Theology on Tap presents A Bishop’s Story
Young adults are invited to join us for Theology on Tap on Sept. 1 at La Feria, 2010 S. Lamar in Austin. Bishop Joe Vásquez will speak about his vocation as bishop of the Diocese of Austin. Young adults are invited to learn about our shepherd and his role in the diocese in the company of other Catholic young adults. We will meet on the patio for live music at 6 p.m. and Bishop Vásquez’s presentation will begin at 7 p.m. For information, contact Alison Koederitz at alison-koederitz@austindicoese.orgor (512) 949-2467.
Second Annual Dinner, Dance and Auction at St. Ignatius in Austin
The second annual Dinner, Dance and Auction will be held Aug. 28 at St. Ignatius, Martyr Parish in Austin. Everyone is invited to enjoy good food, listen to Duck Soup and bid on various auction items. For more information, visit www.st-ignatius.org. RSVP to Christina Corona at (512) 291-4574 or (512) 442-3602.
Mini Festival of Catechists
The Austin South Deanery will host a Mini Festival of Catechists Aug. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Austin. The cost is $10 per person and $5 for lunch. For more information, contact Pam Neuman at (512) 892-2426, ext. 17, or contact Sister Rose Moreno at (512) 385-4333.
Killeen Prayer Vigil for Life
The Killeen Prayer Vigil for Life is scheduled for Aug. 28. The Prayer Vigil will begin with Mass at 8:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Parish, 2903 E. Rancier Ave. in Killeen followed by a caravan and procession at 9:45 am to pray the rosary at Killeen Women’s Health Center, 3106 S.W. Young Dr., Killeen from 10 to 11 a.m. All will return to St. Joseph Parish for closing prayer and fellowship at 11:15 a.m. For more information, contact Karen Hinze at (254) 986-1134.
Emerging Leadership in Light of the New Catholic Charismatic Vision and Mission Statement
Father Bob Hogan, co-founder of the charismatic and Marian religious community of priests and brothers called the Brothers of the Beloved Disciple, will present a conference and workshop entitled “Emerging Leadership in Light of the New Catholic Charismatic Vision and Mission Statement" on Aug. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the diocesan Pastoral Center, 6225 Highway 290 East in Austin. For registration information, e-mail stc-charisgroup@live.com or kerryjoe@gmail.com or call (512) 255-5058 or (512) 454-3531.
Annual Festival, Holy Cross in Bertram
Holy Cross Parish in Bertram will host its annual Festival Aug. 29 from noon to 4 p.m. Fried chicken plates, including mashed potatoes, green beans and dessert, will be available for $7 each. Other activities include a rock wall, games for all ages and live music.
Married couples invited to retreat
Married couples are invited to reserve time to freshen up their vocation of marriage. Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends provide an opportunity for married couples to put aside everything else and focus on their relationship with one another and God. The program is designed to help marriages become a true source of strength. A Marriage Encounter weekend will be held Oct. 29-31 at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton. For more information, visit www.austinme.org or contact Mike and Renee Furtado at (512) 396-3620 or mfurtado@grandecom.net.
Retreat for women at St. Albert the Great, Austin
"Women Mystics - Saints Among Us," the annual women's retreat sponsored by the women of St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin, will be held Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dominican Sister Helen Marie Raycraft will present the spirituality and writings of St. Julian of Norwich, St. Catherine of Siena, and Joyce Rupp, OSM. Registration, materials, and lunch are included in the $20 fee. For additional information and registration flier, contact Gerry Jones via e-mail at Gerry.Jones@gmail.com or Janice Ingram via e-mail at janicei@sbcglobal.net or in the evenings by phone at (512) 836-7839.
Save the date for Marriage Packet workshop
The fall joint workshop of the diocesan Offices of Family Life-Family Counseling Office and Canonical and Tribunal Services will be on the topic of “Marriage Packets,” including the marriage preparation process alternatives, the required documentation and the canon laws and diocesan policies affecting the marriage preparation process. The workshop, which is for those who prepare couples for marriage, will be held Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Pastoral Center in Austin. The fee of $25 will cover materials and lunch. For more information, view the flier at www.austindiocese.org/resources/26/3282.pdf.
TCC Scripture Seminar is Oct. 18-21
The Texas Catholic Conference's 27th Annual Scripture Seminar will be held at the Oblate Renewal Center in San Antonio on Oct. 18-21. This year's seminar will feature guest speakers Father George T. Montague, S.M., S.Th.D., a professor at St Mary's University and author of more than 20 books on both the scholarly and popular level, and Father Juan Alfaro, S.S.L., an author and teacher at local colleges and universities in San Antonio who also conducts biblical workshops in 45 dioceses.
The Scripture Seminar is an opportunity to aid in homily and religious education preparation, promote reflection on themes present in Scripture, and provide advanced education on Scripture.
A complete registration brochure with more information on the speakers and Seminar program is available at www.TXcatholic.org. For more information, visit www.TXcatholic.org or call Becky Sierra at (512) 339-9882.
Thinking about separation or divorce?
Is your marriage or that of a relative or friend heading for divorce? Do you know how to save that marriage? Or do you feel helpless? Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi with a long i) is designed to help troubled marriages regain their health. It helps spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. The program is highly successful in saving hurting marriages, even bringing reconciliation to couples who have already separated or divorced. For confidential information about or to register for the fall program beginning with a weekend on Oct. 22-24 call (830) 433-4380 or 800-470-2230 or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com.
NFP sessions
The Couple to Couple League will offer an NFP Introductory Session Sept. 5 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Austin. Participants are asked to register by the preceding Wednesday. The cost is $5 per couple. Attendance fulfills the NFP marriage preparation requirement. For more information or to register, contact Robert and Kelly Tavarez at (512) 258-9304. For more information about the Couple to Couple League, visit www.ccl.austin.tx.us.
The Couple to Couple League will host a series of NFP classes beginning Sept. 14 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the school library of St. Mary Cathedral in Austin. Subsequent classes will be held Oct. 12 and Nov. 9. For more information or to register, contact Randy and Grace-Marie Kolb at (512) 891-5341 or rkolb@austin.rr.com. For more information about the Couple to Couple League, visit www.ccli.org.
Relevant Radio, 970 AM, in Austin area
Relevant Radio, an independent network of 35 stations airing Catholic programming, can be heard in the greater Austin area at 970 AM (this includes most parishes in the Austin, Bastrop/Lockhart, Georgetown/Round Rock, and San Marcos deaneries). Sunday Mass is recorded and aired at 9 a.m. every Sunday. Daily weekday Masses are recorded and aired at 8:30 p.m. Visit www.relevantradio970.com for programming details and online audio streaming. For more information on the radio station, call (512) 390-5495.
How to report an incident of concern
Parishes are asked to occasionally print the following bulletin announcement (or something similar) and to include the information below on their Web site.
The Diocese of Austin is committed to preventing harm from happening to any of our children or vulnerable adults. If you are aware of sexual abuse and/or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult by a volunteer, employee or clergy member, our Ethics and Integrity in Ministry policies require that you report that information to the diocesan chancellor at (512) 949-2400 or superintendent of schools at (512) 949-2400. A Notice of Concern can also be submitted and is available on the diocesan Web site, www.austindiocese.org (click on the link HOW TO REPORT ABUSE). These reports may be made anonymously. It is also state law that abuse and/or neglect of a minor must be reported to local law enforcement or the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or www.dfps.state.tx.us.
If you have experienced abuse by someone representing the Catholic Church, you may contact the coordinator of Pastoral Care at (512) 949-2400.