The Corpus Christi Area Chapter of the Knights of Columbus (KOC) honored clergy and religious at the 28th Annual Clergy and Religious Appreciation Banquet at Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown. Twelve councils of Knights were represented at the Oct. 7 event. And some 200 people enjoyed a delicious meal as guest speakers, Father Richard Gutierrez, parochial vicar for Corpus Christi Cathedral and Sister Mary Aloysius Kim from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, shared their vocation stories.

The Corpus Christi International Seamen’s Center held their traditional St. Patrick’s Day celebration while celebrating 45 years of service to foreign and domestic merchant seamen. 

At the corner of Saratoga Boulevard and Kostoryz Road, there is a group of well-appointed and understated buildings that draws minimal attention to itself. Surrounded by a black iron fence, the entrance gate is usually open along the driveway that leads to the most significant building at the center of the property. These buildings make up the St. John Vianney Residence for Priests, and it is home to several familiar faces who, despite being nominally retired, remain very active as they continue to serve various parishes in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

In seeing what is happening all around us, we may wonder where God is. There have been moments throughout history that make that question even more present. In 1956, Pope Pius XXII invoked the name of God crying out: “God, God, God! as he witnessed the invasion of Hungary. That cry for God then mobilized many Catholics to commit themselves to live the Gospel wherever they were, thus offering God the possibility to “return” into society. To strive to live like the first Christians, witnessing the living presence of God.

Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, Inc. is partnering with Men’s Wearhouse to launch its 12th annual Suit Drive, a month-long initiative that collects gently-used professional clothing for Americans transitioning back into the workforce.

Msgr. Michael Howell, 70, is full of joy, life and love. You can hear him singing long before he enters a room. This native of the Corpus Christi Westside says his vocation to the priesthood has been very rewarding. “Sometimes you end up closer to parishioners than your own family,” he said. In fact, the most challenging part of his priesthood was being reassigned to a different parish.