Join Msgr. Michael Howell on social media as he guides you on a virtual tour of Corpus Christi Cathedral. Msgr. Howell’s charismatic and energetic personality will take you to areas of the cathedral that you may have never seen before. You will learn about the roots of the Corpus Christi Cathedral, which is almost as old as the city itself.

Deacon Amos “Stanley” Millsap, a Permanent Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on May 15, 2020, at the age of 89.

Father A. Ferdinand Derrera, SJ, died May 15, 2020, in Grand Coteau, La. He was 96 years old, a Jesuit for 68 years and a priest for 58 years. The first part of Fr. Derrera’s apostolic life was spent in secondary education. He taught at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas 1964-67 and then spent a year in El Paso earning a master’s degree in Spanish from the University of Texas, El Paso, and assisting at Sacred Heart Church, the Jesuit parish. Subsequently, he was assigned to the Minor Seminary of the Corpus Christi Diocese, where for six years he was rector of the seminary, principal and superior of the Jesuit community.

The Dominican Sisters of Peace are welcoming women who are discerning their call to religious life to a Virtual Mission for Peace Experience June 5-9, 2020. This free online discernment experience is open to Catholic women age 18-45 anywhere in the United States and will be conducted on the free Zoom video conference platform.

In a world where we see wars being played out on the evening news, threats of terrorism both foreign and domestic, and where the faithful are challenged and vilified by a secular society, the message of Fatima is still relevant today. Increasingly we live in a society that does not know God or that keeps him at arm’s length. 

Catholics, through tradition, around the world, have dedicated the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This singular devotion awakens hearts to Mary as the first disciple, the first to love the precious savior, and the first to lead people to Jesus.

Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class Jose Cruz, from Corpus Christi, assigned to the “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, plays an electronic keyboard during a choir rehearsal on the fo’c’sle aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the Atlantic Ocean May 6.

National Military Appreciation Month is celebrated every year in May. It includes Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day – both days honor the many brave men and women who served or continue to serve our country. Amid the heartfelt remembrances, the month-long celebration resonates with a strong affirmation for diocesan priests, Father Raju Thottankara and Father Tung Tran, who continue to serve as chaplains for the brave men and women who risk it all in service of our country.

UPDATE: Catholic Charities drive-thru food pantry at 615 Oliver Ct. converted to a walk-up pantry through the Memorial Rose Garden entrance. The path is clearly marked with social distancing markers on the sidewalk. Clients can enter through the garden side gate and exit through the wooden garden gate in the courtyard. Persons needing ADA assistance will be assisted at the curbside. Continue to register by calling (361) 929-0987.

Many of us may feel a sense of deprivation and separation, without a community. Empty pews remind us there’s not much to do, but we should see this as a time of retreat – of getting away from all the noise of this world.

Betty Lou Rutherford was 55 years old when she decided to pursue a new career in nursing. She had just been laid off from her engineering job of 30 years and needed to make a last-minute shift in her plans for the future.

As we prepare to return to public celebration of Mass, here are some guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

The last two months have been very difficult, to say the least. For some of you, your livelihoods have been shaken, and your faith tested. The impact of the Coronavirus has spread terror across the world, bringing illness and death.  In the midst of this pandemic, however, the Paschal Mystery recently celebrated at Easter assures us that neither anguish nor death will have the last word. “Who can separate us from the Love of God…” (Rom 8:35-39).

Like a bullet, the COVID-19 pandemic shatters our world and brings us to a startling halt where fear and uncertainty know no boundaries. This health crisis has transformed how our children/youth are educated and formed throughout the world — near and far. The walls of the traditional safe and nurturing classroom, where teaching and learning commence, are replaced with a sprinting race for innovative solutions and new ways to educate those entrusted to our care.

May 4-8, our nation celebrates Teachers Appreciation Week. Catholic schoolteachers throughout the diocese have shown a remarkable aptitude and resiliency for continuing education through distance learning during the most unprecedented crisis of our time, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the beginning of March, Catholic school teachers in the Diocese of Corpus Christi continue to amaze. From mastering such platforms as Google Classroom and Zoom to providing workbook assignments and take-home projects, students continue to learn and teachers are available for questions through Google Voice. On Facebook, teachers and parents of students post loving messages, indicating just how much they are missed.

During the Angel Outreach Day of Service, Incarnate Word Academy’s first grade students prepared and sent care packages to U.S. troops in the Middle East. The soldiers received the care packages on April 15. First Lieutenant Lyn Srinual expressed gratitude in a video on behalf of the soldiers, who deeply appreciated the letters, snacks, and other gifts the Angels put together for them.

From making personal home visits to using social media, and posting photos of finished S.T.R.E.A.M. projects, to shout-out videos and photomontages, teachers and staff throughout the Diocese of Corpus Christi miss their students and are showing they care.

Incarnate Word Academy is working to find safe and creative ways to celebrate the Class of 2020 during this time of social distancing. To recognize the graduating Angels, each senior was given a custom yard sign to display at their home and share their success with our local community. The entire IWA Community is proud of each member of the Class of 2020 for reaching this important milestone.

During this difficult time of the pandemic the South Texas Catholic, in order to be good stewards of our resources, will not be printing the May, June and July issue of the magazine. Please enjoy the magazine in its entirety online at  www.southtexascatholic.com.