South Texas Catholic

The month of October brings with it our annual observance of Respect Life Month. As part of the Year of St. Joseph declared by Pope Francis, this year’s celebration highlights the example of that great saint.

Bishop Michael Mulvey celebrated the 20th Annual Blue Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Portland on Sept. 11. Joining him in the celebration were: Pastor Father Piotr Koziel and Deacon Robert Rosales of Our Lady of Mount Carmel; Father Peter Elizardo, rector at Corpus Christi Cathedral and pastor of Sacred Heart; and those employed in the “Public Safety Field,” their families and friends.

En su reunión de septiembre, el Subcomité de Certificación para el Ministerio y Servicio Eclesial  de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB) aprobó nuevos estándares y procedimientos de certificación integrales para el ministerio de capellanes católicos. Las competencias de formación y certificación que fueron aprobadas culminaron un proceso de cinco años de participación colaborativa y sinodal entre múltiples obispos, oficinas de la USCCB, capellanes de prisiones, teólogos, expertos en atención pastoral y otras personas interesadas en todo el país.

During its September meeting, the Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved new comprehensive certification standards and procedures for Catholic prison ministry. The formation and certification competencies that were approved capped a five-year process of collaborative and synodal engagement among multiple bishops, USCCB offices, seasoned Catholic prison chaplains, theologians, experts in pastoral care, and stakeholders across the country.