In the Diocese of Corpus Christi alone, about 300 lives and hearts were forever changed by attending three of 24 Steubenville Youth Conference this summer. Youth and chaperones from eleven parishes in the diocese traveled by bus to Irving, Texas, Alexandria, Louisiana or Houma, Louisiana. The conferences included speakers, Christian music, adoration with procession, liturgy and Mass. Youth attended workshops on dating, eternity and friendship. 

Fifty-seven honorees from parishes throughout the Diocese of Corpus Christi received recognition at the Fifth Annual Evangelii Gaudium Recognition Ceremony on July 18 at Corpus Christi Cathedral.

Brother Daniel Tozzi and Sister Maria of Merciful Love from the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) made their Perpetual Profession on July 16 and July 18, respectively. Bishop Michael Mulvey presided over the Masses of Religious Profession at Our Lady of Corpus Christi Perpetual Adoration Chapel. 

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. 

After giving as many as 50 years of ministering and caring for others in the Diocese of Corpus Christi, three priests are now retiring, Monsignors Michael Howell, Lawrence White and Marcos Martinez. They have baptized sons and daughters, celebrated the sacrament of Matrimony, presided at funeral Masses of loved ones and listened and absolved sins. They have brought Jesus to us in the Eucharist, and by their actions reflect the love Jesus has for his Church.