Catholic East Texas
The Magazine of the Diocese of Tyler
It was all worth it: The journey of one man who did not want to be a priest
“People have asked me, ‘What do you most look forward to in the priesthood?’ The sacraments are obviously, I think the first priority,” the new priest said. After a long pause, he continued, “But very close to that, in a mysterious, absurd, mystical way, when a person...
The prophetic mission of the baptized
When we think of prophets, we may think of people from Scripture like Moses, Isaiah, Elijah, or John the Baptist. These men were bold and fearless. Many miraculous deeds were accomplished by their hands, like the parting of the Red Sea, raising the dead to life,...
Catholic education supports family life in East Texas
“I like to kid with him sometimes,” Miguel Zamora said about his son Ezra, a student at St. Patrick School in Lufkin. “Ezra, do you want to go to another school? And he’s like, ‘No, I like St. Patrick’s,’” Miguel said with a smile. “We’re starting to see how strong he...
Father, my child is preparing for confirmation and first Communion, what can I do to help my child prepare to receive these sacraments?
This is a good question and one I wish I heard more! The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children.” (CCC 2223) This includes education in our faith. It is incumbent upon you, as ...
Go into the world and proclaim the Gospel: How one young man evangelizes in his community
“The Lord has never stopped thinking about you,” the young evangelist said with a gentle smile on his face. “I often say this when I'm evangelizing to people and telling people about the Lord’s love. From the beginning of time, God had you in mind. He has been...
The Common Priesthood of the Faithful
The role of priests is a well-established, biblical idea that precedes the advent of the Church. In the Book of Exodus, for instance, every family had its own priest, with the father taking on the role for his household. In this ancient understanding of...
Making the Lenten journey more transformative
Lent is a penitential season in the Church and a time of interior renewal and transformation. During Lent, the Church calls us to focus more intensely on repentance, conversion, and growing in holiness. It is a time to prepare for the Easter triduum when we recall...
Diocese Celebrates World Marriage Day With Wedding Anniversary Mass, Feb. 11, 2023
The Diocese of Tyler celebrated World Marriage Day with the annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler. All couples in the diocese celebrating their 5th, 15th, 25th, 40th, or...
Glee Emmite receives Herzig Award for 2022
The 2022 recipient of the Bishop Charles E. Herzig Humanitarian Award is Glee Emmite. Named in the memory of the first bishop of the Diocese of Tyler, this award is presented annually to individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions within the diocese...
Fear Not! Gabriel Project Ministers to Vulnerable Women in Crisis Pregnancy
In the depths of the abortion holocaust in 1980, a Protestant minister put a sign in front of his Church in Houston: “If you are pregnant and need help, call this number.” The sign promised “immediate and practical help.” That message rocked Texas, and...
What Do I Do When People I Love Leave the Church?
We all know someone who has left the Church and chosen to stop practicing the faith they were given in baptism. Whether it's a friend, child, grandchild, sibling, parent, niece or nephew, it can be a deeply painful thing for someone we love to leave the Church....
Baptism: The Gateway to the Life of Grace
Growing up Catholic, I had heard the word “grace” mentioned many times. I could repeat the definition of grace to anyone who asked. Grace is God’s free and unmerited favor given to a person to help him attain eternal life. But it wasn’t until a few years ago, while I...
