In a time of economic hardship, Consumer Bureau goes to bat for predatory lenders AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Fair Lending Alliance, an alliance of more than 60 nonprofit organizations across Texas, and Texas Faith Leaders 4 Fair Lending, a coalition of hundreds of faith leaders led by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops and the…

AUSTIN — The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, supporting the First Amendment rights of Ruben Gutierrez, who has been given a death sentence but was granted a stay of execution June 9 by the Federal District Court in Brownsville. The brief reiterates the Catholic Church’s…

Bishop-elect David Toups WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Curtis J. Guillory, SVD, 76, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Beaumont and has named Monsignor David L. Toups, a priest of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg as Bishop-elect of Beaumont. The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on June 9, 2020…

In this issue of the Texas Catholic Voice: Executive Director Jennifer Carr Allmon discusses TCCB work during the pandemic… Director of Education Lisette Allen shares message to Catholic schools… Texas Catholic Historical Society participates in annual meeting A Message from Jennifer Allmon, Executive Director I sincerely hope and pray our TCV readers and their loved…

A math teacher in an Austin-area Catholic high school and a fifth grade teacher in El Paso have been recognized as the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops 2020 HIgh School Teacher of the Year and Elementary Teacher of the Year, respectively. The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops recognizes Katie Artzt as the 2020 High School…

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops welcomes the preliminary injunction issued by a federal judge, making moot the refugee consent decision to deny Texans the ability to welcome refugees to Texas as a preliminary place of refuge, at least until the court makes a final decision or unless the injunction is overturned by a higher…

EL PASO — The Diocese of El Paso is seeking a superintendent for its Catholic schools system and a principal of the Cathedral high school. The superintendent serves more than 2, 700 students enrolled in 11 schools, three high schools and eight elementary schools. Cathedral is a Catholic high school for young men rooted in…

Inaugural year for award taps teachers with deep roots in Catholic education   AUSTIN – Vivian Conway of Austin and Jerrilynn Miller of Beaumont have been honored as the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops 2019 Elementary Teacher of the Year and High School Teacher of the Year, respectively. “Both Mrs. Conway and Mrs. Miller exemplify…

There are several opportunities for Catholics working in and near the Texas state Capitol to participate in Catholic life in downtown Austin. Every week, more than 50 Masses are celebrated within one mile of the Capitol. Special faith events hosted at the Capitol include: Weekly Rosary On Wednesdays at 8 a.m., Sen. Lucio hosts the…

Election season is in full swing, and many voters are discerning the best candidates to represent them on the local, state, and federal level. For Catholics, voting is not only a civil right, but also a sacred duty and another way we fulfill our responsibilities as citizens of the United States. As the Catechism of…

Statement from Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, of San Antonio and Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin (Spanish immediately follows English) “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the families and friends of all those affected by the package explosions which have taken place this month in Austin and San Antonio, the latest of…

The Society of St. Vincent DePaul is a faith-based, grassroots nonprofit organization that offers person-to-person service to individuals in need. This is a mission driven organization. We are currently searching for a vibrant, enthusiastic, optimistic Client Services Coordinator  who will serve as an active and collaborative member of the staff in our Austin Council office.…

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has changed its Public Assistance Policy and Program Guide to add as eligible “activities of community centers or houses of worship open to the general public, without regard to their secular or religious nature,” effect for any major disaster declared on or after Aug. 23, 2017. Thanks for your prayers…

Pope Francis has named Oratorian Father Mario Alberto Avilés, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Hidalgo, as auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of Brownsville, a first for the diocese of about one million Catholics. MORE

AUSTIN — The Catholic bishops of Texas express their deep sadness for the loss of life at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Sunday. Their full statement follows: Our hearts ache for those suffering from the terrible loss of life at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs on Nov. 5. We open our…

Courts encouraged to overturn unconstitutional law, SB4 AUSTIN — As major cities and smaller communities throughout Texas join together in a lawsuit in federal court to oppose state legislation targeting “sanctuary cities,” the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops reiterates its opposition to Senate Bill 4, the law which threatens to drive a wedge between law…

Se anima a los tribunales a revocar la inconstitucional ley SB4 AUSTIN — Mientras las principales ciudades y comunidades más pequeñas de Texas se unen en una demanda en una corte federal para oponerse a la legislación estatal dirigida a las “ciudades santuario”, la Conferencia Católica de Obispos de Texas reitera su oposición al Proyecto…

Forcing government and immigration service providers to facilitate abortions will diminish services for immigrants AUSTIN – The Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops (TCCB) praises U.S. and Texas government officials for their defense of life in a recent case involving an unaccompanied pregnant minor in immigration custody in Brownsville, Texas, and criticizes the American Civil Liberties…

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has written both Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardon and Parole to stay the execution of Robert Pruett, scheduled for this evening. The scheduled execution comes only a day after Pope Francis explicitly stated the death penalty is “contrary to the Gospel.”

Federal agency takes significant step to counter payday and auto title loans. AUSTIN – The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) has worked for years to assist borrowers trapped in the cycle of debt that payday and auto-title loans create. The establishment of rules by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) marks an important step…

Discriminating against houses of worship for relief aid violates both the constitution and law AUSTIN — The Catholic bishops of Texas support a recent suit filed in federal district court by three churches that alleges unconstitutional discrimination against them by FEMA in the allocation of Hurricane Harvey relief aid. The three churches – Harvest Family…

Rachana Chhin joins TCCB as public policy outreach coordinator AUSTIN — Jennifer Carr Allmon, executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, announced today the appointment of Rachana Chhin as the Public Policy Outreach Coordinator for the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB). Prior to joining the TCCB, Chhin served as the Murphy Legal…

Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston (Cristo Rey Jesuit) is seeking a Principal (Director of Academics). Selected candidate will begin work on July 1, 2018. Priority will be given to resumes received before October 1, 2017. MORE >>>

Al amparo de DACA, más de 110,000 jóvenes contribuyen a la sociedad y al bienestar de Texas AUSTIN – Los Obispos católicos de Texas han emitido la siguiente declaración en respuesta a la decisión de poner fin a la Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA por sus siglas en inglés). En primer…

HOUSTON (CNS) — As the waters from Hurricane Harvey rose and fell, prayers uttered in Texas ranged from pleas for protection to asking God for the courage to live with charity and great patience, said Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria. MORE

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis offered his prayers for the people of Texas and Louisiana struggling to cope with the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey and he praised all those engaged in rescuing and caring for the thousands of people forced out of their homes. In a message to Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of…

Many news outlets are reporting that, based on a new law taking effect on Sept. 1, insurance claims must be filled by Thursday to be paid. This is false. While most news articles have been corrected in the body of the article, the headlines remain misleading which causes unnecessary fears for families whose homes are…

Alexandria, Va. — Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is accepting donations via text and online. To donate, text CCUSADISASTER to 71777 or visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.  

By Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) — Catholic dioceses and charities are quickly organizing to help in the aftermath of a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall with winds of 130 miles per hour late on Aug. 25 into the Rockport, Texas area, northeast of Corpus Christi. MORE

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of the dioceses of Corpus Christi and Victoria, as well as the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, as they cope with the damaging effects of Hurricane Harvey. The people of San Antonio have opened their arms to welcome evacuees of this historic hurricane, and Catholic Charities of the archdiocese…

Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville has issued the following statement: We continue to pray for everyone affected by the hurricane and those who are at risk as the storms continue. Our diocese will be taking a second collection at our local churches. Pastors may take up this collection as soon as this weekend. We will…

Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast this weekend. The powerful winds and considerable rainfall from this storm are impacting many lives and homes throughout the region.   The southern counties of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston have already suffered substantial property damage and losses. Numerous homes in these communities are currently without power.…

The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is seeking applications for the position of Public Policy Outreach Coordinator. Inquiries should email resumes to [email protected]. The Public Policy Outreach Coordinator assists the Executive Director and Associate Director of Public Policy in the public policy analysis and outreach of the TCCB. This is a full-time position located in Austin…

The TCCB supports parental choice and we applaud Senator Taylor and Representative Simmons for honoring a parents’ right to choose the best education for their children. Their bills, SB 2 and HB 253, both recognize that parents are the primary educators of a child, and provide opportunities for special education children who have the greatest…

The Catholic Bishops of Texas join Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, in offering their sincerest condolences to the families of the migrants who were tragically killed as human smuggling or trafficking victims from heat exhaustion and suffocation in San Antonio overnight. In addition to prayers for the repose of those souls, the bishops also offer prayers for healing for…

In comments filed with the Texas Attorney General, the Texas Faith Leaders for Fair Lending Coalition describes the effects of payday and auto title lending practices and regulations on the consumers of those products. “These lenders trap Texans in a cycle of debt which leaves borrowers worse off than before they applied for the loan,”…

Gov. Abbott’s agenda addresses 20 items, including pro-life issues and parental choice AUSTIN — Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s issues to be addressed in the one-month special session include many of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops’ priorities, especially pro-life legislation and parental choice for special needs students. The Governor mandated the special session’s first priority…

Holy Cross Father William Wack, currently pastor of St. Ignatius Parish in Austin, has been tapped by Pope Francis to serve as the sixth bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida. The announcement was made Monday, May 29, by the apostolic nuncio for the United States. MORE

Passage of House bill 3859, authored by Rep. James Frank and Sen. Charles Perry, provides conscience protection for organizations and individuals wishing to serve in Texas’ foster care system AUSTIN — The Texas Legislature has passed a bill providing people motivated by their religious beliefs the freedom to serve children in Texas’ foster care system.…

Bill authored by Rep. James Frank provides conscience protection for organizations and individuals wishing to serve in Texas’ foster care system AUSTIN — Catholic organizations in Texas welcomed the progress of a bill providing people motivated by their religious beliefs the freedom to serve children in Texas’ foster care system. House bill 3859, authored by…

“Anti-sanctuary cities” law will have negative impact on Texans AUSTIN — The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has issued the following statement, calling for Governor Greg Abbott to veto Senate Bill 4: The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is disappointed with the 85th Texas Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 4.  As passed, the bill does…

If you are an experienced educator who would like to work at an all boys high school, we would like to hear from you.  Cathedral High School is a Catholic Lasallian college preparatory conducted in the three-century old Lasallian tradition begun by Saint John Baptist De Lasalle to give a human and Christian education to…

La ley impactará negativamente a los migrantes en Texas AUSTIN — La Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Texas está decepcionada por el voto de la Cámara de Representantes de Texas para aprobar la iniciativa SB 4, que castiga a los oficiales de policía locales si no cooperan plenamente con las solicitudes de detención emitidas por…

Law will have negative impact on migrants in Texas AUSTIN — The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) is disappointed by the Texas House’s vote to pass SB 4, which will punish local police officers if they do not fully cooperate with detainer requests issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). SB 4 would also…

Pro-life groups applaud bill authors for a thoughtful package of pro-life legislation Press conference on Facebook Live AUSTIN — Four major pro-life organizations representing more than 10 million Texans have announced support of key bills before the House chamber of the 85th Texas Legislature. “The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is pleased to support this…

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued a statement in response to explosions on Palm Sunday at two Coptic Christian churches in Egypt that have killed at least 40 and injured at least 100. MORE

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, as president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, joined Bishop Oscar Cantú, chair of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace, in a joint statement calling for renewed peace efforts in Syria. “We once again make our own the earlier call of our Holy Father, Pope Francis: ‘I exhort the…

President Donald J. Trump issued an Executive Order on March 28, 2017 that rescinds and weakens numerous environmental protections, and effectively dismantles the Clean Power Plan (CPP). The chair of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development noted the bishops’ opposition to the order. MORE

New bill prevents “wrongful birth” lawsuits and respects all human life AUSTIN — The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops is encouraged by passage of Senate Bill 25 from the Senate today. “The Texas Senate’s passage of SB 25 is a great step toward the State of Texas ensuring that parents can no longer file a…

If you are an experienced educator who has qualities to be a Superintendent – or who is one now – the Diocese of El Paso offers an exceptional opportunity and challenge. The Diocese is located in the far west city of El Paso, Texas, which has been named the Safest City in the US. The Superintendent…

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Bishop of Austin and Chair of the USCCB Committee on Migration, says that President Trump’s latest Executive Order still puts vulnerable populations around the world at risk. In a statement issued after today’s announcement of travel suspension, Bishop Vásquez says that while we seek to maintain our values and safety, we must also exercise…

Current law requires judges to lie to juries; causes unnecessary death penalty decisions AUSTIN — The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops (TCCB) commends Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., for filing Senate Bill 1065, which will improve the rights of jurors serving in death penalty sentencing trials. Texas law is intentionally misleading as it requires judges and…

WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a joint statement, Catholic bishops whose dioceses are along the U.S.-Mexico border spoke of the “pain, the fear, and the anguish” they’re seeing in immigrants and vowed to follow the example of the pope in building “bridges, rather than the walls of exclusion and exploitation.” MORE

Bishop Joe Vásquez, as chair of the USCCB Committee on Migration, issued a statement welcoming the decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a lower court’s order blocking several key provisions of President Trump’s executive order regarding refugees. The bishop also said the Church remains in solidarity with those fleeing persecution. MORE

Last week Catholic schools in Texas and across the nation celebrated Catholic Schools Week (CSW) 2017. Representative Drew Springer offered a Texas House Resolution honoring all Catholic Schools in Texas. Cardinal DiNardo was recognized on the Texas House floor and presented with the resolution. All members of the Texas House of Representatives requested that their names…

AUSTIN — A coalition of faith-based organizations, including the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission, Austin Interfaith and the Texas Industrial Areas Foundation, are stepping up the pressure for the Texas Legislature to reject so-called “anti-sanctuary city” bills. In testimony today against Senate Bill 4, which Governor Greg Abbott has…

AUSTIN, Texas – Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of the Diocese of Austin issued the following statement on Jan. 30, 2017, regarding President Trump’s Executive Order “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States”: I strongly disagree with the executive order on refugee resettlement. Today, with more than 65 million people forcibly displaced from…

WASHINGTON— Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, vice president of the USCCB, have called on Catholics to join the bishops in defense of human dignity. MORE

WASHINGTON—President Donald J. Trump issued today an Executive Order addressing the U.S. refugee admissions program and migration to the United States, generally. The executive order virtually shuts down the refugee admissions program for 120 days, reduces the number of refugees to be admitted to the United States this year from 110,000 to 50,000 individuals, and…

Bishop Joe Vasquez, bishop of the Austin DIocese and chair of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, said he was “disheartened” that President Donald Trump has prioritized building a wall on the US/Mexico border. “This action will put immigrant lives needlessly in harm’s way,” he said in a statement released today. “Construction of…

Msgr. Michael J. Boulette, a priest of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, has been appointed an auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese. MORE

WASHINGTON—On January 12, 2017, the Obama Administration announced the end of the Wet Foot/Dry Foot policy towards Cuban arrivals, which allows Cubans who arrive onto American soil to stay in the U.S. and apply to become legal residents while returning those Cubans intercepted at sea back to Cuba. Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin, Texas, chairman…

WASHINGTON—The follow statement has been issued by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), in support of Pope Francis’ video message issued today during National Migration Week. National Migration Week is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of immigrants, refugees, migrants and survivors of human trafficking in…

Handout: The Church’s principles on immigration enforcement Any enforcement measures must be targeted, proportional, and humane AUSTIN — National Migration Week, which has been observed for more than a quarter of a century, carries renewed importance this year. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, and Archbishop José H. Gomez of the Archdiocese of…

A joint statement from Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, Vice President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops  addresses National Migration Week, taking place January 8-14, 2017.

A modern adaptation of an ancient Catholic prayer allows people to prepare spiritually for the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States, Roe v. Wade. The nine day prayer, titled “9 Days for Life,” is organized by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Texas Catholic Pro-Life Day falls…

Celebrate life and join other Texas Catholics at the Capitol on Saturday, January 28.

Pope Francis has named the Most Reverend Edward J. Burns to serve as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dallas. Bishop Burns, the new Chief Shepherd of the 1.3 million Catholics in the Dallas diocese, succeeds Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who left Dallas for Rome on October 1 after the Pope appointed him the Prefect…

Charitable service expands longtime practice of many Catholic cemeteries for children lost to miscarriages   AUSTIN — Catholic cemeteries are stepping forward, working with the Catholic bishops in Texas, in response to ongoing efforts to provide a proper burial for children lost to abortion. New state regulations issued by the Department of State Health Services…