UPDATED: ORDINATION TO BE TICKETED DUE TO SPACE CONCERNS
     June 8 is the priestly ordination for our four transitional deacons. Sadly, the Cathedral does not have infinite seating. To that end, please note that attendance is by ticket only. The transitional deacons have sent out announcements of the ordination, but if there is not an additional paper ticket inside the announcement, you will not be admitted to the Cathedral due to space. Tickets can be recognized by the fact that they have a raised imprint on them as will as the transitional deacon's name.  If you cannot come to the ordination, we ask that you celebrate with the newly ordained at their Masses of Thanksgiving which will be scheduled throughout the Diocese on Sunday June 9th. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter. — Fr. Rodney White

By Jimmy Patterson

   The Diocese of San Angelo will ordain four graduating seminarians at a special Mass, 10 a.m., June 8 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in San Angelo. The ordination marks a rare occasion as the Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer, Bishop of San Angelo for 28 years has never ordained as many as four new priests at the same Mass.

   Innocent Ugochukwu Eziefule, of Nigeria; Lorenzo Hatch, of Dumas; Sam Matthiesen, of Olfen and Francis Onyekozuru, also of Nigeria, will all celebrate their priestly vows at the Ordination Mass. The four have already received their first priestly assignments, which they will assume following their ordinations.

  “The ordinations of these four wonderful new priests for the Diocese of San Angelo is indeed a most special day of joy for all of our people, and especially for me as bishop,” Pfeifer said. “Never during my years of being bishop of the diocese have I ever ordained four men for priesthood at one time. In the past, I have ordained three, but this year we have four. This is indeed a day of great joy and a day of gratitude to our God for these fine new priestly servants.” 

 Hatch was raised in Dumas and began his higher education at Amarillo College, studying para-medicine. In 2005, Hatch joined the Society of Divine Vocations, and as a postulant, while staying at the society’s parish in inner-city Newark, NJ, he found his love for parish ministry deepen. He was accepted as a seminarian in the Diocese of San Angelo and began his seminary formation in August 2005

   Eziefule, born in Nigeria, is the fifth born among four brothers and three sisters. He credits his parents with being instrumental to his early faith formation.

   “My deep gratitude goes to the Shepherd of this local Church in San Angelo, Bishop Michael D. Pfeifer, for accepting to ordain me to the priesthood of Jesus Christ,” said Eziefule. “I have assured our bishop that I will strive daily to be a faithful and dedicated priest, after the heart of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

    Matthiesen, nephew of the late Bishop Leroy Matthiesen of the Diocese of Amarillo, grew up in Olfen, a community that he says produces farmers and priests.

   The youngest of five children, Matthiesen also has a great-aunt who is a Benedictine sister and a great-uncle who was priest.

   “Throughout my childhood I always felt like God could possibly be calling me to the priesthood,” Matthiesen said. “I also felt like this is something that maybe I would like to do as well. My parents were my inspiration; they had a great love for people, especially those who were in need of help. So with all this on my mind and heart I decided to enter the seminary in the fall of 2004 right after I graduated from high school. The seminary was a great place of growth and discernment for me. I look forward to becoming a 'bridge to Christ' for the people of the diocese.”

   Onyekozuru, or “Uche,” as he is known, arrived in the United States in 2008. He says he remains indebted to God for his unfathomable love. “I am so grateful to God for his graces and for calling mortal men to a vocation so sacred and mysterious as the priesthood.” The name “Uche” translates to “God’s will.”

   All four seminarians have graduated from Assumption Seminary in San Antonio.

  “I have known these four good men since they entered the seminary, and I am very proud of them,” Pfeifer said. “I know that they are well prepared to share in the beautiful priesthood of Jesus Christ. I had the privilege of ordaining them as deacons about a year ago, and now it is a great joy to ordain them as priests. They will indeed be a great blessing for our diocese, especially for the people of the parishes where they are being assigned.”

   Matthiesen will begin his priestly service at Holy Family Parish in Abilene; Onyekozuru will also be assigned to Abilene, at Sacred Heart Church; Hatch will begin his service at St. Joseph / St. Anthony in Odessa and Eziefule has been assigned to St. Stephens, Midland.

By Jimmy Patterson
Editor

   BIG SPRING — With marked growth occurring now and more growth imminent, church and community leaders broke ground in April on a new parish hall at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Big Spring.
   Msgr. Bernard Gully, pastor of the church, wondered after the dirt was turned if workers would even have time to complete work on the parish — expected to take a year — before it would be necessary to start work on expanding the church to accommodate the influx of new parishioners.
   The Cline-Shale oil play has radically altered the economic and population landscape of Howard County. City leaders gathered citizens together in a town hall meeting a week before the church’s groundbreaking to inform them of the significant changes that are ahead in Big Spring’s future.
  Msgr. Gully noted the parish hall construction represents the first time in 35 years the church has had a building project in Howard County.
   “Some would say it’s about time,” Msgr. Gully said.
   Holy Trinity pastoral coordinator Richard Light said the parish community at Holy Trinity has already raised $536,000 of the $1 million price tag for the parish hall expansion. The amount raised is over half of what is needed, and it was raised in just a third of the time the capital campaign was expected to take.
   “Holy Trinity parishioners are giving at a rate of $26,000 a month,” Light said. “There are some people who said this could not happen; that there’s not money in Big Spring. There may not be any money here, but there sure are some generous people.”
   The Catholic Church’s first presence in Big Spring was in 1887. Just five years ago, the three Catholic Churches in Big Spring, and a mission in Coahoma, consolidated to form Holy Trinity Church. Msgr. Gully has led the transition of the church in the county since that coming together first began.
   “The main purpose of this building is to, of course, give praise, glory and worship to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Michael Pfeifer. “We do need good buildings where we can celebrate and have many activities, as this building will allow us to do. Once it is completed we have plans to expand and make larger the present church. Today we are here to thank God for his blessing.”
   Tommy Duncan, the Big Spring mayor and a member of the Baptist church in Big Spring, told the crowd assembled for the groundbreaking that the new parish hall is, “A wonderful testimony to you, your courage and your faith, and I look forward to coming and visiting many times. I appreciate the opportunity today to tell you how proud I am and how thankful that you are all a part of this community.”
   A day after the parish hall groundbreaking in Big Spring, St. Francis of Assisi Mission in Iraan also held a groundbreaking for a new church.

Photo: Bishop Michael Pfeifer, third from right, and Msgr. Bernard Gully, third from left, join with church and community leaders to raise their spades during groundbreaking ceremonies at Holy Trinity Church in Big Spring, April 11. Photo by Jimmy Patterson.

Bishop’s Calendar
MAY
   13 — SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Center – 8:30a.m. Staff Mass
   13 — SAN ANGELO, 11 a.m. Staff Meeting
   13 — SAN ANGELO, Christ the King Retreat Center – Rosary at Grotto at 6:30 p.m.
   15 — ABILENE, St. Vincent – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
   16 — ODESSA, St. Elizabeth – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
   18 — ODESSA, St. Joseph – Confirmation at 6:30 pm.
   19 — FT. STOCKTON, St. Agnes – Confirmation, 10:30 a.m.
   21 — ST. LAWRENCE, St. Lawrence–Confirmation, 6:30 p.m.
   22 — STANTON, St. Joseph – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
   24 — SAN ANGELO, St. Joseph – Confirmation, 6:30 p.m.
   25 — SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart –Confirmation at 5:00 p.m.
   26 — SAN ANGELO, St. Mary – Confirmation at 12:00 noon
   28 —  COLEMAN, Sacred Heart – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
   29 — EDEN, St. Charles – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.

JUNE
   1 — BRADY, St. Patrick – Confirmation at 7:00 pm.
   2 — MIDLAND, St. Ann – 10:45 a.m. – 40th Anniversary Mass for Monsignor Larry J. Droll
   4-7 — Rest and Prayer
   8 — SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Cathedral – Priestly Ordinations at 10:00 a.m.
   10-14 — SAN DIEGO, Meeting of the USCCB
   15 — SWEETWATER, Immaculate Heart - Install Father Charles Okonkwo – at 5:00 p.m.
   16 — COLORADO CITY, St. Ann – Confirmation at 10:30 a.m.
   17 — SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Center – Staff Mass at 8:30 am. and Staff Meeting at 11:00 a.m.
   18 — SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Center – Presbyteral Council Meeting at 11:00 a.m.
   19 — ST. LAWRENCE, Rural Life Mass at 6:30 p.m.
   20 — SAN ANGELO, Concho River –Mass for Lady in Blue at 9:30 a.m.
   23 — SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart Cathedral – Marriage Jubilee Mass at 2:00 p.m.
   28-30 —  KNOXVILLE, TENN., Baptism

Christ the King Retreat Center
MAY
   6 — Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp
   7 — Adoration
   12 — Mother’s Day
   13— Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp
   13 — Rosary with Bishop Pfeifer @ Mary’s Grotto
   14 — DRE, CRE, CYM-Reflection Day
   15 — Spice up your Marriage; Our Lady of Peace; GAFB
   17-19 — Engaged Encounter
   19 — Natural Family Planning
   20— Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp
   21 — Adoration
   27 — Memorial Day-Office Closed
   28-30 — Episcopal diocese of North West Texas
   30-June 2 — Women’s Small Town ACTS Retreat

JUNE
   3-7 — Lubbock Diocese Priests Annual Retreat
   7-9 — DOSA Priest Ordination
   10-11 — Seminarian Gathering
   14-16 — The Mystics Retreat
   16 — Father’s Day
   17— Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp
   18 — Adoration
   20-23 — Women’s Catholic Cursillo
   24— Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp
   25 — Adoration
   27-30 — Girls Chrysalis Flight

JULY
   1 — Heart of Mercy Prayer Group
   2 — Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
   4 — Independence Day-Office Closed
   8 — Heart of Mercy Prayer Group
   9 — Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
   10-14 — Teen ACTS Retreat
   15 — Heart of Mercy Prayer Group
   16 — Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
   16 — Deacon Quarterly Meeting
   18-21 — Boy’s Chrysalis Flight
   22 — Heart of Mercy Prayer Group
   23 — Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
   25-28 — Men’s Catholic Cursillo
   29 — Heart of Mercy Prayer Group
   30 — Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

NECROLOGY
JUNE
   7 — Rev. Ray Corr, O.P. (2005)
   8 — Rev. Felix Cubelo (2007)
   13 — Rev. David Espitia (2003)
   17 — Rev. Barry Mclean (2012)
   18 — Rev. John Lucassen (1993)
   20 — Deacon William Smith (2003)
   22 — Rev. Msgr. Alvin Wilde (1996)
   28-Bishop Stephen A. Leven (1983)

Catholic Communication Campaign Collection, May 12
By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI
   The annual Collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) provides grants to Catholic organizations that help spread the Good News through social networking sites, podcasts, television, radio, and print media. Half of the collection assists the communication efforts of our own diocese. The annual collection for the CCC will be taken in our diocese the weekend of May 11-12, 2013.
   Please support this important ministry of our church and be generous in the collection, and offer prayers for all those who benefit from this collection, helping them to spread the Good News to all of our people especially in this Year of Faith. I thank you for your past generosity.

Den Generosamente a la Colecta para la Campaña Católica de la Comunicación
Por el Obispo Miguel Pfeifer, OMI
   La Colecta anual para la Campaña Católica de la Comunicación (CCC) otorga donaciones a las organizaciones católicas que ayudan a compartir la Buena Nueva a través de las redes sociales, de podcasts, de la televisión, de la radio y los medios impresos. La mitad de esta colecta asiste en los esfuerzos de comunicación en nuestra propia diócesis. La colecta anual se llevará a cabo durante el fin de semana del 11-12 de mayo del 2013.
   Por favor apoyen este ministerio importante de nuestra iglesia y sean generosos en la colecta. Y, ofrezcan oraciones por todos ellos que benefician de esta colecta, ayudándoles a compartir la Buena Nueva a todo nuestro pueblo especialmente en este Año de Fe. Les doy las gracias por su generosidad en el pasado.

World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, May 24
By Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI
    Pope Benedict XVI had requested that May 24  be observed as a World Day of Prayer for the Church in China by the Universal Church. When he designated this particular day of prayer, Pope Benedict XVI pointed out that “This is the occasion for Catholics of the whole world to be united in prayer with the Church which is in China.”  Our Pope Benedict pointed out, “This day is dedicated to the liturgical memorial of Our Lady, Help of Christians, who is venerated with great devotion at the Marian Shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai.”
   Hence, my brothers and sisters in Christ, I invite you to join with me in special prayers for our Holy Father’s intention by offering special prayers for our sisters and brothers of the Catholic Church in China.

Msgr. Larry Droll
priestly anniversary
   MIDLAND — Msgr. Larry Droll, pastor of St. Ann’s Church in Midland, will celebrate his 40th priestly anniversary at the 10:45 a.m. Mass, June 2, at St. Ann’s.

Ordination banns
   SAN ANGELO — The following deacons will be called to the Order of Presbyters on June 8, 2013.
     Rev. Mr. Sam Matthiesen
     Rev. Mr. Francis Onyekozuru
     Rev. Mr. Lorenzo Hatch
     Rev. Mr. Innocent Eziefule
 In accord with Canon 1051 §2, should you know of any reason why any one of these men should not be ordained a priest, please contact Most Reverend Michael. D. Pfeifer, OMI, Bishop of San Angelo, 804 Ford St., San Angelo, Texas 76905 or call (325)651-7500.

Que son los Cursillos
de Cristiandad

   El Cursillo de Cristiandad es un movimiento de la Iglesia Catolica que busca la evangelizacion de los ambientes, que mas impactan la sociedad.  Y que, por su propio metodo, y por la gracia de Dios, logra dar vida, a los realidades esenciales del Cristiano.  Por medio de la unidad, originalidad, y creatividad, de cada persona.  Es un curso muy breve, de tres dias, sensillo y dinamico, sobre los fundamentos de la fe catolica que ofrece un proceso de renovacion personal y espiritual, de evangelizacion para el mundo.  El movimiento de Cursillos, consiste en proclamar que Dios, en Cristo, nos ama, si nos amamos a nosotros mismos, podemos a amar a Dios y si podemos amar a Dios, podemos amar a nuestros hermanos.  El tiempo para conocer su metodo, son tres dias, para tener el encuentro con uno mismo, con Dios y con nuestros hermanos.  

One School...One Campus!
   SAN ANGELO — Effective Fall 2013 all grades (3K - 6th) will be located on the Holy Angels Campus (2315 A & M). Now Accepting Registrations!
   ACS has served the city of San Angelo and surrounding communities for 125 years and is committed to continue to do so.
   While maintaining a strong focus on Catholic identity, we welcome all children to experience a faith-filled journey toward academic excellence and life-long service inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
   We offer small class sizes so that your child receives the individual attention she/he deserves on a daily basis.
   Tuition Assistance is available.
   For more information about Angelo Catholic School or to register your child, please call Mrs. Lucy Thomas at 325-949-1747

One of the things I’ll never forget about September 11, 2001 was the look on our son’s face after the news had begun to spread. He was a first grader when the planes flew into New York City. He had been going to school full-time for two or three weeks. Fresh out of the house and not yet certain about the world around him. It wasn’t so much the look on his face, come to think of it, as it was the way he carried himself with uncertainty and a sense of ‘take care of me’ even though he would never come right out and say it. There was fear, but it was tucked safely inside the 7-year-old boy that he had become. Most parents, us included, could see through the unsettled veneer and note that there was anxiety living in there too.

Fast forward a dozen years and here we are again. Our son is off at college now, but it wasn’t long after the bombings in Boston that the phone rang. It was him on the other end. He brought it up in casual conversation but there was a definite need to talk about the latest terrorist attack on our country. There was no making sense of it, and it is still difficult to both explain and understand for most Americans. Children need to be reassured by their parents, it doesn't matter if they are 7, 17 or 27.

Many parents today have no idea how to have this talk with their children simply because it was never a part of our national conversation until 9/11, although Pearl Harbor was certainly carried out with the same sort of brazen and spineless, cut-and-run attack on our country. I wasn’t alive then, but I imagine it felt different because we were in wartime. Still it would have been difficult for a parent to explain what had happened to the children of that day.

How do parents help make their children feel comfortable in times like these? We may not be at war against a nation like in World War II, but make no mistake that we are at war. When and where and what the casualty count will be is always a mystery these days but deep down inside, we all know it will happen again somewhere on our sacred soil. There are no rules with this adversary.

We can certainly teach our kids a couple of things that will go a ways in helping them feel safer today: In fact, telling them they are safe is probably one of best things we can offer them. While none of us can ensure that safety 100 percent, we can at least take solace in the fact that we wouldn’t seem to be in the cross-hairs of the people who bring this sort of destruction and evil. It seems to be in the larger cities. But even still, while it may not directly affect rural children, young people often don’t think in those terms. An attack in Boston might just as well be an attack down the road. In their minds it is an attack on us all. As it should be thought of by us all.

Dr. Jim May, of Midland’s Family Wellness Center, writes in the Midland Reporter-Telegram that now is a good time to discuss anger and its appropriate bounds. He also suggests never bringing up the latest terror attack or talking about it with your spouse when children are in the same room. If your child brings it up, Dr. May says, it is more possible to gauge his or her level of fear.

It’s important not to paint with a broad stroke, too. It seems likely that not all Muslims are bent on the destruction of Christians and America. Yet it can be easy to pass along a message of hate that would seemingly apply to all adherents of Islam if the proper words are not used. There was a sentiment posted on a national writer’s Facebook page recently that said “Most Muslims view radical Islamic terrorists the same way most Christians view Westboro Baptist Church.”It provided some interesting perspective, I thought.

There was an unsettling moment in the movie “42,” about the courageous Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball’s color line in 1947. A young boy, perhaps 10 or 11, attends a Brooklyn Dodgers ballgame with his father, and it is clear this boy is highly influenced by all his father says and does. When Robinson steps to the plate, the father begins yelling racial epithets at Robinson. Moments later, the son starts hurling the same n-word at Jackie — simply because he heard his father do it first. It was a disturbing, telling moment in the movie.

Spreading hatred about others can easily affect those who look up to you. Your words have a profound effect in your children even if it seems they are not listening.

There is a powerful letter on the “America Magazine” website that will challenge many who read it. In the piece, the writer refuses to hate Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, even saying that he will pray for him and love him. The reasons for the non-violent response by the writer, a seminarian named Michael Rogers, will make the reader think long and hard about himself or herself. Google “Dear Dzhokhar America Magazine” and you’ll be taken right to it. Read it.

So, what do we do when it seems like what we are doing is not enough?When it seems like we are not teaching our kids or protecting them, or offering them the kind of words we need to make them deal with today’s world in a more sensible way?

There’s only one fail proof answer: Be with your kids. Be there for them. Love them. Share with them. And if they ask you why this is happening, why people are killing Americans with bombs, it’s OK to say, ‘I don’t know for sure.’ Your honesty and love will stick with them longer than your intellect.

TO: Priests of the Diocese of San Angelo
FROM: Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI

Dear brother priests:

We are all aware of the deadly and destructive explosion that has killed at least 5 people and injured 160 others, and the well-being of the people of the surrounding area is being threatened. I first ask you to have all of our people pray for all the victims of this terrible disaster in all of our weekend Masses. Please announce this special intention from the pulpit and in our prayers of intercession. This is a moment to be in spiritual solidarity with all those suffering from this terrible tragedy, offering them our prayers, spiritual support and financial assistance. Joining my appeal for prayers is the appeal of Pope Francis for these victims, “Please join me in praying for the victims of the explosion in Texas and their families.”

Hence, I am asking every community of the Diocese to please take up a collection or send a donation to my office, and this assistance will be sent to these victims through the office of the Bishop of Dallas.

As we pray for the victims of this terrible explosion, we also continue to pray for the ones who were killed and injured from the bomb explosions at the Boston Marathon.

Thank you for your prayers, your spiritual support and for any funds that you can send to help our suffering sisters and brothers in Christ. God’s peace.

Bishop’s Calendar

APRIL
   14 — ODESSA, St. Mary – Confirmation at 11:00 am.
   15 — WALL, St. Ambrose – Confirmation at 6:30 pm
   16-18 — BELLEVILLE, ILL. – Oblate Fourth Province Convocation    
   19 —  ODESSA, Holy Redeemer – Confirmation at 6:30 pm
   20 — OLFEN, St. Boniface – Confirmation at 5:00 p,m.
   21-23 — SAN ANTONIO,  Texas Bishops’ Meeting
   24 — SAN ANGELO Diocesan Pastoral Center – Presbyteral Council Meeting at 11:00 a.m.
   25 — ABILENE, Holy Family – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
   26 — SAN ANGELO Sacred Heart Cathedral Gym– Youth & Catechetical Awards Banquet at 6:30  p.m.
   27-29 — CORPUS CHRISTI, Knights of Columbus State Convention
   30 — WINTERS, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel – Confirmation at 6:30 pm.

MAY
   1 — ELDORADO, Our Lady of Guadalupe–Confirmation, 6:30 pm
   2 — BALLINGER, St.Mary – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
   4 — MIDLAND, St. Ann – Confirmation at 5:00 p.m.
   5 — SONORA, St. Ann – Confirmation at 10:30 a.m.
   7 — MIDLAND, San Miguel Arcangel – Confirmation,6:30 p.m.
   8 — BIG LAKE, St. Margaret – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
   10 — MIDLAND, St. Stephen – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
   11 — ABILENE, St. Francis – Confirmation at 4:00 p.m.
   12 — BROWNWOOD, St. Mary – Confirmation at 11:00 a.m.
   13 — SAN ANGELO, Diocesan Pastoral Center – 8:30a.m. Staff Mass
   13 — SAN ANGELO, 11 a.m. Staff Meeting
   13 — SAN ANGELO, Christ the King Retreat Center – Rosary at Grotto at 6:30 p.m.
   15 — ABILENE, St. Vincent – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
   16 — ODESSA, St. Elizabeth – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
   18 — ODESSA, St. Joseph – Confirmation at 6:30 pm.
   19 — FT. STOCKTON, St. Agnes – Confirmation, 10:30 a.m.
   21 — ST. LAWRENCE, St. Lawrence–Confirmation, 6:30 p.m.
   22 — STANTON, St. Joseph – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
   24 — SAN ANGELO, St. Joseph – Confirmation, 6:30 p.m.
   25 — SAN ANGELO, Sacred Heart –Confirmation at 5:00 p.m.
   26 — SAN ANGELO, St. Mary – Confirmation at 12:00 noon
   28 —  COLEMAN, Sacred Heart – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.
   29 — EDEN, St. Charles – Confirmation at 6:30 p.m.

Christ the King
Retreat Center
APRIL
   15 — Heart of Mercy Prayer
   16 — Deacon’s Quarterly Meeting
   18-21 — Women’s Walk to Emmaus
   22 — Heart of Mercy Prayer
   23 — Adoration
   26-28 — Beginning Experience
   29 — Heart of Mercy Prayer
   30 — Adoration

MAY
   6 — Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp
   7 — Adoration
   12 — Mother’s Day
   13— Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp
   13 — Rosary with Bishop Pfeifer @ Mary’s Grotto
   14 — DRE, CRE, CYM-Reflection Day
   15 — Spice up your Marriage; Our Lady of Peace; GAFB
   17-19 — Engaged Encounter
   19 — Natural Family Planning
   20— Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp
   21 — Adoration
   27 — Memorial Day-Office Closed
   28-30 — Episcopal diocese of North West Texas
   30-June 2 — Women’s Small Town ACTS Retreat

JUNE
   3-7 — Lubbock Diocese Priests Annual Retreat
   7-9 — DOSA Priest Ordination
   10-11 — Seminarian Gathering
   14-16 — The Mystics Retreat
   16 — Father’s Day
   17— Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp
   18 — Adoration
   20-23 — Women’s Catholic Cursillo
   24— Heart of Mercy Prayer Grp
   25 — Adoration
   27-30 — Girls Chrysalis Flight


NECROLOGY
MAY
   2 — Rev. Russell Schultz (2004)
   5 — Rev. Clifford Blackburn, OMI (2005)
   7 — Msgr. Kevin Heyburn (2001)
   9 — Rev. Leo Diersing (1999)
   9 — Rev. Tom Diab (2007)
   15 — Deacon Wayne Rock (2006)
   28 — Rev. Francis Hynes, C.M.(1996)

Fr. Rodney White named Director of Seminarians
   As of April 1, Fr. Rodney White will assume the duties of the Diocesan Director of Seminarians in addition to his current duties as the Director of Vocations. Fr. Rodney is also responsible for assisting in the Marriage Tribunal and serves as the Director of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission. Fr. Rodney is replacing Fr. Hugh Wade, who has served the Diocese well for many years as Director of Seminarians. Fr. Wade has resigned this position due to health reasons and asks that everyone please keep him in prayer.

Day of Prayer for Rain
   As there remains an urgent need for rain throughout West Texas, and the entire state of Texas, Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI, of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, which takes in 29 counties in West Texas, is sending a letter today to all the Mayors of West Texas, asking the Mayors of all the major cities and towns within the geographical area of the diocese, to proclaim Sunday, April 14, 2013, as a Day of Prayer for Rain in all the churches and places of worship throughout West Texas. The bishop is asking that these proclamations be sent to the local media so all people would be aware of this request and join together in prayers to our Heavenly Father for this much needed gift.
   “We are told by Christ that if we ask our Heavenly Father for any good thing in Christ's name, that we will receive it,” Bishop Pfeifer said. “The precious gift of rain is so much needed to provide water for people, for all animals and for nature, and to reduce the danger of fires. Our humble recognition of God's help for rain is already a prayer and we trust our Heavenly Father will send rain as we already begin our prayers leading into the big day of prayer.”

Cemetery Cleanup
   On Saturday, April 27, there will be a general clean up of Calvary Cemetery in San Angelo. We will go through the entire cemetery and remove all flowers and decorations from the graves. We will also remove all unauthorized fencing and brick/stone/wire borders of any kind, including any items covering the grave such as white rocks, outdoor carpet, etc. If you have anything that you do not want thrown away by the cleanup crew, please come and pick it up by Friday, April 26. On Sunday, April 28, you may place arrangements back on the graves.

Msgr. Voitpilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes
   Msgr. Maurice Voity, rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in San Angelo, and veteran pilgrimage leader, is happy to announce a special YEAR OF FAITH PILGRIMAGE to FATIMA AND LOURDES, August 5-14, 2013. In addition to the great Marian Shrines at Fatima, Portugal, and Lourdes, France, pilgrims will visit Santiago de Compostela, Leon and Burgos, and the Way of St. James in Spain. This will be an especially spiritual and moving event for all the participants, and we expect to celebrate Mass at a different site each day. Lodging will be in 3 and 4-star hotels with private baths. Departure by coach from San Angelo and Abilene, and flying from DFW. The pilgrimage includes breakfast and supper daily. Current cost is only $3,395 per person in double occupancy (subject to change if air taxes and fuel charges are increased). Space is extremely limited, so make your reservation as soon as possible. For more information, or to receive a booking form, contact Sacred Heart Cathedral at 325-658-6567, or email Msgr. Voity at mjvoity@hotmail.com.

Immigration services available
   The San Angelo Diocese Immigration Services in our three deaneries can assist hundreds of people especially in Abilene and Midland-Odessa. Services include processing documents such as Naturalization and Citizenship
applications, Alien Relative petitions, Adjustment of Status Immigrations Benefit applications, Temporary Protective Status, Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrival (Dream Act), Waiver of Disability, and Work Permits. If you need legal assistance, or know of anyone who does with immigration matters, please contact your local pastor who will put you in contact with a person who can serve you.
Servicios Diocesanos
Disponibles de Imigracion
   Los Servicios de Imlgracion de la Diocesis de san Angelo en nuestras tres foranias han sido abiertos por algunos anos, mas sin embargo, al tener extremadamente poea ayuda hemos sido eapaz de ayudar o asistir a bastantes personas especialmente en las Foranias de Abilene y Midland Odessa. Los servicios se basan en: Procesamiento de Docwnentos, para ello incluyen: Aplicacion de Naturalizacion y Ciudadania, Peticion de un Familiar Extranjero. Ajuste de Estado Migratorio, Aplicacion Beneficiaria, Estado Temporal de Proteccion, Accion Diferida para la llegada de infantes (Dream Act), Dispcnsa de Incapacidad, y Permisos de Trabajo. Si necesita ayuda legal, o conoce a alguien que necesita ayuda con imigracion, comuniquese con su Pastor local quien 10 (la) pondra en contacto con la persona que 10 (la) atendera.

Letter of thanks
   The following letter was sent to the people of the Diocese of San Angelo for their generosity in supporting the Retirement Fund for the Religious:
   Dear Bishop Pfeifer:
   Thank you for your diocesan check for $77,597.02, which has been deposited in the Retirement Fund for Religious account. This brings your diocesan contributions for all the years of the collection to $1,340,338.23. The money has been recorded as part of Appeal XXV for 2012.
   Your generosity surely helps religious address the many challenges as they age. Religious today, as always, continue to make an impact on our society. Even as they age, the commitment to the ministry of their community, their prayer and their spiritual life are a vibrant testimony to the faithfulness they promised so many years ago. Your commitment to them is heartfelt testimony to their faithfulness. All religious, young and old, are grateful for your support.

Sister Janice Bader, C.PP.S.
Executive Director
National Religious Retirement Office

West Texas may be in worst drought ever with no relief in sight

   As there remains an urgent need for rain throughout West Texas, and in the entire state of Texas, Bishop Michael Pfeifer, OMI, of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, which takes in 29 counties in West Texas, is sending a letter to all mayors of West Texas. The letter asks that all mayors in all major cities and towns within the geographical area of the diocese to proclaim Sunday, April 14, 2013, as a Day of Prayer for Rain in all the churches and places of worship throughout West Texas. The bishop is asking that these mayoral proclamations be sent to the local media so all people would be aware of this request and join together in prayers to our Heavenly Father for this much needed gift.

   “We are told by Christ that if we ask our Heavenly Father for any good thing in Christ's name, that we will receive it,” Bishop Pfeifer said. “The precious gift of rain is so much needed to provide water for people, for all animals and for nature, and to reduce the danger of fires. Our humble recognition of God's help for rain is already a prayer and we trust our Heavenly Father will send rain as we already begin our prayers leading into the big day of prayer.”

   The bishop is encouraging the media to please bring this Day of Prayer for Rain to the attention of all people of West Texas.

By Jimmy Patterson

   LUBBOCK — In his book “Witness to Hope,” biographer George Weigel says Pope John Paul II influenced more people in more diverse circumstances than any human being in his time.
   Peggy Noonan called the pope, “a titan of the century,” and Carl Bernstein in his book, “His Holiness,” says PJP2 transformed the Vatican into one of the world’s most powerful institutions once again.
   Together, these three gifted writers have made a convincing case that Blessed John Paul II was indeed one of the most influential historical figures of our lifetime, regardless your faith.
   Why then, would over 110 personal effects of this spiritual giant open a multi-city United States tour in, of all places, Lubbock, Texas?
    It’s all in who you know, they say. Fr. Malcolm Neyland, a priest in the Diocese of Lubbock currently serving as a chaplain at University Medical Center, is the one man responsible for securing the exhibit’s opening along with the help of the National Exhibits Association. While Fr. Malcolm certainly has a persuasive way about him, it helps that he has, over the years, developed a friendship with Francesco Buranelli, director of the Vatican Art Museum.
   For Catholics, the exhibit is a once-in-a-lifetime display of papal effects, and include his trademark crozier, or staff, that he often used, eyes closed and head bowed in prayer;  an assortment of vestments worn throughout his life as priest, bishop and pope.
    The exhibit opens with a nearly life-sized painting of Pope John Paul II. Although memorable high points will likely differ from person to person, the exhibit that shows photographs of the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II and the aftermath, including John Paul II’s meeting to forgive his assailant, are particularly memorable.
   The exhibit also includes the Holy Gospel that rested atop the pope’s tomb upon his death in 2005 as well as a drop of his blood, sealed and protected in an airtight case. The relic is open for public veneration at the exhibit site.
   Topping off the tour and making it timely is a photo of Blessed John Paul II embracing Jorge Bergoglio upon his being elected Cardinal as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Bergoglio, of course, is now Pope Francis following his March 13 election.
   Visitors will also see a bronze cast of the pope’s hand, his red shoes, and his everyday white cassock, which is shorter in the front to accommodate his bent over posture caused by illness and advancing age. Other items include: the gold vestments he wore to elevate Pope Francis to cardinal; the ballot folder, urns and the balloting tray from the conclave when Cardinal Karol Wojtyla was elected pope.
   It goes without saying that all Catholics should attempt to take the time to see this historic exhibit, but the importance of this man and the history surrounding him and his accomplishments make it worthy of lengthy perusal regardless religious affiliation.
   The exhibit is available for viewing through May 31, 2013.
     (See box, Page 3, for details)