Catholic East Texas
The Magazine of the Diocese of Tyler
Teach Your Children About the Saints
By Elizabeth Slaten – The saints have much to teach us, but we must know them first. Maria has become my life long friend because my mom introduced me to her story as a child. The saints want to be the lifelong companions of your children as well. As a parent, you are invited to introduce your children to the saints that will walk with them throughout their lives.
Over 160 Youth from the Diocese of Tyler Attend Steubenville Youth Conference
Diocesan News – This summer, over 160 high school youth from the Diocese of Tyler attended Steubenville Lone Star, a youth conference hosted by Life Teen in Irving, TX.
Called to Action: What Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati Teaches About Our Duty to Our Country
By Sonja Morin – Life might have been easier for Pier Giorgio, had he succumbed to the conditions of his community. He could have followed the same path as his fellow Italians, ignoring the real issues in favor of comfort found in like-minded people. His advantage as the son of a senator gave him all the more reason to do so, as most wouldn’t be willing to risk a prestigious social position. He could have used his wealth to promote his own views and standing. He chose the more difficult path, to the confusion of many others. Ultimately, he chose love every single day, love that would ensure real, positive change for countless people.
Four Things Every Catechist Should Read This Summer
By Elizabeth Slaten – For many catechists and faith formation volunteers, the summertime provides an opportunity to rest from pouring into the spiritual lives of others. Although it’s nice to have a little break, the summer months are not a time to neglect our own spiritual and intellectual formation as catechists. This summer, continue your spiritual formation by reading and praying with these books and Church documents.
Making the Summertime Fruitful
By Sonja Morin – God’s peace and love is too great to be kept to ourselves, however. Think of the people you are going to encounter this summer – coworkers, classmates, friends, loved ones, strangers, clients. How do you show God’s love to them? Grandiose gestures aren’t required; most often, it’s just in being caring when it is difficult, or going the extra mile to help someone with a minor task.
Learning from the Early Church: How to Form Your Conscience
By Elizabeth Slaten – We will inevitably find points in our lives when our conscience was wrong or ill informed, and we made mistakes. Do not let that discourage you. Ask God for forgiveness if you have sinned, thank him for the lessons learned, and praise him for guiding you to the truth. And with God’s grace, continue to strive to properly form your conscience as the early Christians did through the teachings of the Church, the sacraments, Christian community, and prayer.
Bishop Strickland Ordains Four New Priests in the Diocese of Tyler
By Elizabeth Slaten – In a special way, these new priests are called by our Lord to follow him, serve him and to care for his Church. As the lay faithful, we are called to love and support these priests in their mission to be servants of Christ and his Church. Let us be sure to constantly keep them in our prayers.
Following Truth Wherever He Leads Me: An Honest Conversation With Erin Mone, ICY Youth Minister
By Margaret Mone – “Lately, Joshua 1:9 has been in my heart: ‘Be strong and steadfast. Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ I look forward to getting to know the families and be part of the community,” Erin said with a smile on her face welcoming the next chapter of her life.
You Will Be My Witnesses: How Pentecost Helps Us Understand the Mission of Confirmation
By Elizabeth Slaten – I am always struck by the immediacy with which the apostles respond to the Holy Spirit by going out and preaching the Good News. There is no hesitation. The apostles receive the Holy Spirit and immediately they go out into Jerusalem and proclaim the Gospel. They go out and evangelize.
It’s Bigger Than Vaccines: Why You Should Care About Your Conscience
By Elizabeth Slaten – Our consciences can and should inform every single thing we do. It informs the morality of everything in our lives! From the things we say, to the TV shows we watch, to the people we choose to spend our time with, to the way we interact with our children or treat our spouse. Our consciences inform every action in our lives.
W(holy) Taking Care of You: Six Ways to Uplift Your Mental Health
By Sonja Morin – Believe it or not, there’s many. One of the go-tos is St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who likely struggled with depression and anxiety. St. Oscar Romero battled OCD his entire life. Some holy figures, like Venerable Matt Talbot and St. Mark Ji Tianxiang, battled addiction, even to their dying day. St. Dymphna (whose feast we celebrate May 15th) is considered one of the ultimate patrons of mental health.
East Texas Missionaries: Redemptorists Serve Vietnamese Communities in the Diocese
By Elizabeth Slaten – Fr. Dominic explained that their mission is “the continuation of the mission of Jesus. It is always in unity with the poor and with the most abandoned. So, wherever the poor or the most abandoned, especially in the spiritual sense, we want to reach out to them.”
