Recently in Church Category

When I was a student at UT, I had a meeting with then-Bishop Gregory Aymond of Austin in his office at the Chancery. I met with him there a few times for a few different things and I couldn't tell you which of those applied in this case. I can't remember much from the conversation except one story that has stuck with me all of these years.

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, the Cardinal-Archbishop of Galveston/Houston recently spoke at the Houston Baptist University. A great reflection heading into the ending weeks of Lent.

Rocco can knock out the words faster and with a nicer flare than I can, so I'm going to throw you over to him to read the skinny on our new bishop.

Bishop Vasquez is the fifth bishop of Austin, three of whom were priests of Galveston(/Houston), of which two of them were Auxiliary Bishop at the time they were appointed to Austin. The third had already been named Bishop of Beaumont before being appointed to the Lone Star State.

Of our five bishops, four of them were already bishops. Our first bishop, Bishop Louis Reicher, was the first to be ordained after his appointment.

Bishop Vasquez, 52, is the second-youngest bishop of Austin, following his immediate predecessor, now-Archbishop Greg Aymond who was 51 when he succeeded Bishop. John McCarthy.

I've personally participated in a couple of Masses celebrated by our new bishop; both in Spanish at St. Stephen's Parish in Central Houston. If I remember correctly, their parish priest was either deported or couldn't get a visa to enter the U.S. from Mexico, so he celebrated all of their Sunday Masses until the paperwork cleared up.

Congrats to Bishop Vasquez. He will be in our prayers!

[Ed. Note: The series of posts that were started last night regarding the shifting direction of my life will continue tonight with additional posts tomorrow and Thursday. They'll each go online around 6:00 p.m. Central.]

This is just a quick response to a story that I heard last week on NPR regarding how political and activist the Catholic Bishops were with the health care bill and the Stupak Amendment.

Many Americans have an extremely hard time understanding, or at least accepting, the role that the United States Bishops played in the health care reform debate. The question of the separation of church and state is thrown into the conversation and the amount of shock is incredible when people found out that bishops were talking with the Speaker of the House about the bill.

There's a fundamental point that I think many people don't think about in regards to this topic. Yes, religion and spiritual life are matters of the individual; however, there are not held exclusively by the individual. The article seemed to imply that the Catholic Bishops were lobbying on behalf of Catholics and that since many Catholics, so they claim, are not as pro-life as the USCCB, the Bishops are lobbying without actually having any followers.

First, our faith compels us to make things right in the world. From the Catholic perspective, life begins at the moment of conception--with all rights of personhood from that moment. The Catholic faith also proclaims the dignity of the human person and the fundamental right to natural life. Life should not be taken away whether it be by abortion, by murder, by suicide, by capital punishment, by denying food or water.

Making things right in the world includes ensuring access to reasonable health care to all people. Truly, it doesn't matter your age, income level, employement status, immigration status. Everyone should have access to and ability to receive reasonable health care. (It also includes rights of workers, environmental stewardship, respect for natural law, etc, but those are different posts).

That being said, what about the point of the bishops speaking without followers. I think more Catholics are more pro-life than what the NPR article implied. I'll digress by asking why quote someone from "Catholics for Choice" without any other Catholic opinion? Ignoring the internal church question regarding folks who are advocating for access to abortion, how many people belong to that organization compared to the number of Catholics involved in pro-life organizations? I do not have numbers to back me up, but I don't think the Choice organizations are as big as implied.

But, okay, let's give NPR the benefit of the doubt. BIshops are speaking to politicians without a single member of the faithful agreeing with their position. (Not the case in reality, but let's go to the extreme). Even if that was the case, bishops have the duty to be teachers. They are not democratically-elected leaders paid to represent their flocks. Bishops are shepherds charged with the duty of leading their flock toward Christ through the faith handed down to us from Scripture and Tradition. Bishops are human; some do this better than others, but their mission is not to represent anyone besides Christ.

I think that's what non-Catholic America can't quite grasp about Catholicism. We're Americans who love the democratic governance of our great land, but our bishops are here both to challenge and lead Catholics toward a deeper understanding of God--and how to live that out in our lives--and to live out that faith themselves, which leads them to doing whatever they can, individually and with their fellow bishops, to make this world a better place for the common good of all.

Pope Benedict XVI last week promoted the practice of spiritual direction. Spiritual direction, basically, is having a coach to help you progress on your spiritual journey. As much as living the Christian life seems simple and easy enough at first glance, when the rubber hits the road, the journey has plenty of pitfalls, tribulations, challenges and moments of losing focus.

A spiritual director, many times a priest but by no means limited to the priestly type, has a goal to remind you of your committment to growing closer to God and your call to respond to the grace given to you through your actions in the world. Direction usually takes place in an hour-long session that has elements of prayer, faith and life-event sharing, listening, laughing and, often enough, those moments of being completely stuck upside the head with a 2x4. The direction should challenge you, motivate you, but most importantly, help you remain faithful to the commitment that we undertake as believers.

Personally, spiritual direction is an exercise that I do not take on often enough--much like physical exercise-- I know I need to do it more, but always seem to have "something better" to do. Sometimes that legitimate, but more often than not, it's just an excuse. One of the first things that many hear in spiritual direction is that you won't "fall into" a better relationship with God. You must be intentional about it. You have to make time for God. God is there for you always, ready to give you as much time as needed, but He can't give you something you won't accept. Funny how free will works, eh?

I encourage everyone to look into a spiritual director. Ask your local priest if your diocese has a list of qualified directors (the Diocese of Austin does) or if there's a priest/deacon/lay minister that you would like to try out, ask them. Not every director is right for every person. If it doesn't work for you, there's absolutely nothing wrong with parting ways and finding a director that is a better fit for you... it took me a few times to get it right.

You don't have to go it alone; get a coach.

VATICAN CITY, 5 JUL 2009 (VIS) - At midday today, before praying the Angelus, Benedict XVI recalled how the first Sunday of July was once dedicated to devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Christ, a tradition confirmed "by Blessed John XXIII who, in his Apostolic Letter 'Inde a primis' of 30 June 1960, explained its significance and approved its litanies".

 

  Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope pointed out that "the theme of blood, associated with that of the Pascal Lamb, is of primary importance in Sacred Scripture", and he recalled Christ's words at the Last Supper: "this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins".

 

  "It is written in Genesis that the blood of Abel killed by his brother Cain calls to God from the earth. Unfortunately, today as yesterday, this cry has not ceased as human blood continues to flow because of violence, injustice and hatred. When will men learn that life is sacred and belongs only to God? When will they understand that we are all brothers? To the cry for spilt blood which rises from so many parts of the earth, God responds with the blood of His Son Who gave His life for us. Christ did not respond to evil with evil, but with good, with His infinite love.

 

  "The Blood of Christ is the pledge of God's faithful love for humankind. By gazing at the wounds of the crucified Christ each man, even in conditions of abject moral poverty, can say: 'God has not abandoned me, He loves me, He gave his life for me', and thus rediscover hope".

VATICAN CITY, 4 JUL 2009 (VIS) - The 63rd meeting of the Council of Cardinals for the Study of Organisational and Economic Problems of the Holy See was held in the Vatican from 1 to 3 July, under the presidency of Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B.

 

  A communique published this afternoon explains that the Holy See consolidated financial statements for 2008, presented to the cardinals during the meeting by Archbishop Velasio De Paolis C.S., president of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, show a deficit of 911,514 euro, the difference between an income of 253,953,869 euro and outgoings of 254,865,383 euro.

 

  The outgoings are due above all to the ordinary and extraordinary expenses of the dicasteries and offices of the Holy See, which employ 2,732 people of whom 761 are ecclesiastics, 334 religious and 1,637 lay people.

 

  The meeting also examined the consolidated financial statements of the Governorate of Vatican City State for 2008, which show a deficit of slightly more than 15 million euro. A total of 1,894 people work under the jurisdiction of the Governorate.

 

  The communique explains how, during the period in question, the Governorate began to study an integrated communications infrastructure including telephone and internet services, and installed photoelectric panels on the roof of the Paul VI Hall. It also mentions the "notable economic and financial burden of protecting, evaluating and restoring the artistic heritage of the Holy See (restoration of the Pauline Chapel and work on the papal basilicas of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls and St. Mary Major)".

 

  Finally the consolidated financial statements of Peter's Pence were also presented. This fund consists of offers made to the Holy Father by the particular Churches, especially for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, and contributions by institutes of consecrated life, societies of apostolic life, foundations and various members of the faithful. In 2008 a total of 54,387,714 euro was raised and, although the number of donations went up, the total fell slightly due to the general economic situation.

OP/FINANCES HOLY SEE/DE PAOLIS                                               VIS 090706 (350)

So, we no longer have Bishop Aymond. Archbishop-Elect Aymond is the new archbishop, but he isn't installed until August 20th? Who's in charge? What's going on.

Canon law is here to help.

From today until August 20th (or probably August 19th, since the action of taking canonical possession typically happens during a Vespers the night before), Archbishop-Elect Aymond will officially be the "diocesan administrator" of Austin (as opposed to "bishop") and the office of Vicar General ceases. Currently, that role is held by Msgr. Mulvey, but he was stepping down from that position next month as he's moving on to help with formation at the seminary in Houston.

I'm not certain, but my assumption is Archbishop-Elect's Aymond's appointment of Vicars General that were to be effective next month are now void.

The Diocese of Austin will not be officially "vacant" until takes possession of New Orleans.

When that occurs, the College of Consultors, within eight days of the vacancy, elects a Diocesan Administrator until a new bishop can be appointed. If they cannot (for whatever reason) elect someone in that time, then the Metropolitan, in this case, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston names the Diocesan Administrator.

The Diocesan Administrator must be a priest who is 35 years old or older "who is outstanding in doctrine and prudence".

The Diocesan Administrator has the power of Bishop, except in those matters where the law reserves it to an actual sitting bishop or by their nature (i.e. Sacrament of Holy Orders).

Canon Law is quite clear that this is a stewardship position, that is, one where nothing should be changed or amended that would inhibit the incoming bishop from carrying out his new role. For example, if there is a punishment due to sin (i.e. excommunication) that is within the power of the bishop to life, the Diocesan Administrator can do so. The Diocesan Administrator should not, on the other hand, merge all of the parishes of the diocese into two megaparishes.

Once the new bishop takes possession of the vacant see, the role of the Diocesan Administrator ends.

More later, as always.

The first statements have been released, with more at a 4 p.m. press conference here in Austin.

First, the Archbishop-Elect wrote a letter to the Diocese of Austin:

Dear Brother Priests, Friends and Co-workers in Ministry:

This letter is very difficult to write. I wish I could communicate this message personally, but that is not possible.

I have been informed by Archbishop Sambi, the Apostolic Nuncio, that our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has named me Archbishop of New Orleans.

Needless to say, this appointment creates in me very mixed feelings. I have been privileged to serve as the Bishop of Austin for the last nine years. Central Texas has become home. I have worked with a great group of priests who have become my brothers. The deacons, religious, diocesan and parish staffs have been most supportive and genuine co-workers in ministry. I have enjoyed our ministry together and being a part of this vibrant, fast-growing diocese. I am very grateful to God and to each of you.

I also feel humbled that the Holy Father has asked me to serve as Archbishop of New Orleans. In recent years, the city has gone through many changes and I am aware of the challenges ahead.

Today I write primarily to thank you for your ministry and to request your prayers for me in this time of transition.

This morning I will be in New Orleans for a news conference at 10:30 a.m. and return to Austin for a conference at 4 p.m.

In the near future, I will schedule a "Mass of Thanksgiving" in four areas of the Diocese to express my gratitude to God and to you for the privilege of serving as the Bishop of Austin.

I will be in Rome to receive the pallium, a symbol of the ministry of the Archbishop, on June 29, the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.

The installation in New Orleans is on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009 at 2 p.m.

I hold you and all the people of this diocese in my heart and in prayer. Please lift me to God in your prayers.

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Bishop of Austin

In the Archdiocese, with an new appended title, Archbishop Emeritus and Apostolic Administrator Hughes shared a few words about Abp-Elect Aymond as part of his farewell letter:

I rejoice at the announcement in Rome today that Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Archbishop-designate Gregory Aymond the fourteenth Archbishop of New Orleans. Welcome home, Archbishop Aymond. You are no stranger to us all. You are the first native son to be called to shepherd this wonderful Archdiocese. Archbishop Aymond will be installed on August 20 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Louis Cathedral.

Archbishop Aymond was born in New Orleans on November 12, 1949. He attended St. Joseph Seminary College and completed his theological studies at Notre Dame Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1975. From the beginning Archbishop Hannan recognized Father Aymond=s special gifts. He appointed him to teach at St. John Vianney Prep Seminary where he not only taught but then became its rector. Archbishop Schulte missioned Father Aymond to Notre Dame Seminary in 1981. He served first as Director of Pastoral Formation and then Rector of Notre Dame Seminary from 1986-2000. In 1997 Pope John Paul II appointed Monsignor Aymond Auxiliary Bishop in New Orleans. Then in 2000 he appointed him to serve the Diocese of Austin, Texas.

Archbishop Aymond brings a rich background in Catholic education. While simultaneously serving as Rector of Notre Dame Seminary, he held the post of Executive Director of Christian Formation. In that role, he oversaw the Catholic Schools, Religious Education, Campus Ministry, the Youth Office and the Office for the Pontifical Mission Societies. On the national scene he has been recognized as a leader in Catholic education and serves now as the Chairman of the Board of the National Catholic Education Association.

In Austin, Texas, Bishop Aymond presided over significant growth in parishes and schools. The campus ministry in the Diocese of Austin is a model for outreach to young adults of college age. Archbishop Aymond brings a lively faith, a keen intelligence and

I will now serve as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese until the installation on August 20. As I prepare to conclude my service as Archbishop of New Orleans I want to acknowledge the extraordinary sacrifices which people around me have had to make. I came in May 2001. These eight years have been rather turbulent. Extraordinary people in leadership around me have given of themselves unstintingly to address a series of challenges. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 rocked our nation. The clergy sex abuse crisis rocked our Church. Hurricane Katrina rocked New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf Coast area. Reconfiguration of the parishes and schools has rocked this Archdiocese. Now the economic downturn has rocked the global economy. In each case, faith-filled, competent men and women have stepped forward to lead our Church response.

The difficult decisions that I have been called upon to make have been made after careful consultation and prayerful discernment. Inevitably there will be those who differ with me. I want to express my sorrow for the pain that has been experienced and ask forgiveness where hurt has angered some. We are one Church, with one Father, one Lord and Savior, in one Holy Spirit. God grant the understanding and the healing that will enable us fully to be the vibrant, evangelizing and Eucharistic Church he calls us to be.

May God bless Archbishop Aymond. May God bless us all.

Lastly, Archbishop-Elect Aymond addressed his new flock:

Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

I have been informed by Archbishop Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio, that our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has named me Archbishop of New Orleans. This news humbles me and I renew my gratitude to God for calling me to serve as a bishop of the Catholic Church. I also express gratitude to Pope Benedict XVI for his faith in me and for entrusting to me the pastoral care of you, the people of God in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. I promise to pray for you daily and to strive to be for you a good shepherd, reflecting to the best of my ability the mind and heart of Jesus.

I regret that my visit to New Orleans for this announcement has to be very brief. I must return to the Diocese of Austin for a 4 p.m. news conference. In the near future, we will have many opportunities to share more relaxed time together. I look forward to my "home coming" in August.

Though I have been away from New Orleans for the past nine years, I have often recalled very fond memories and have prayed for the people of the Archdiocese of New Orleans every day. Returning as your Archbishop will give us the opportunity to renew memories of the past and to journey together in new ways as God's pilgrim people in the future. I particularly remember the very dedicated priests, many of whom I had the opportunity to teach during my years at Notre Dame Seminary. The priests, deacons, religious and laity in New Orleans form a lively, vibrant family of faith. I look forward to being a part of this family again.

I will be traveling to Rome for the Feast of Sts. Peter & Paul, June 29, to receive the pallium from our Holy Father, a symbol of the pastoral responsibility of an archbishop. The people of God in the Diocese of Austin and the Archdiocese of New Orleans will remain in my prayers and heart as I kneel before the Holy Father to receive the pallium.

As I pray for the local Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, I ask that you please lift me in prayer, especially during this time of transition. I look forward to the Installation Mass on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009 at 2 p.m. at St. Louis Cathedral. Until then, God's peace be with you.

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Bishop of Austin

Not being one to disappoint, he traveled back to Austin not only for the 4 p.m. press conference, but additionally, he has a Confirmation to celebrate tonight.

Photocredit: Diocese of Austin

News broke this morning that Most. Rev. Gregory Aymond, Bishop of Austin, has been announced as the 14th Archbishop of New Orleans.

This is a rumor that has been floating around for some time. I found an e-mail thread between myself and Rocco of Whispers mentioning the rumor in April 2007.

The official release from the Vatican
Press release from New Orelans
Rocco's story from Whispers

I have a number of stories I could share about Archbishop-Elect Aymond, but that'll come in due time. I'm on a flight in a few hours to El Paso for a baby shower.

In his eight years as Bishop of Austin, he was a great influence on this diocese, the student community at the University Catholic Center and me personally. He has had a dinner each semester with the guys of Lambda Omega Alpha and visiting the UCC on a regular basis.

Congrats to the Archbishop-Elect! What a loss for Austin.

UPDATE: More statements and whatnot.
Photocredit: Diocese of Austin