Messagefrom Bishop Joe Vasquez: At the heart of the mission of the Church is to carry out and continue the work of Jesus Christ on Earth.  Keeping the whole People of God safe, physically and spiritually, is a responsibility shared by each of us and rooted in Christian charity.
 
After more than an year, the pandemic remains part of our lives, with the Omicron variant ushering in this spike in infections.  In light of this reality, we continue to monitor data from both our healthcare and civic leadership and endeavor to make our communities as safe as possible while keeping the sacraments available for those who most need the comfort of God’s real presence at this time. We continue to ask pastors, administrators, and school principals to use their prudential judgment with the guidance of diocesan leadership in implementing proven protocols that best fit their particular communities and help mitigate the spread of the virus. The Church holds that receiving the vaccination for COVID-19 is not morally objectionable and encourages all who can safely receive the vaccine to do so. The Church also holds that reception of the COVID-19 vaccine is not morally obligatory and must be a free decision based on a well-formed conscience. 

We continue to ask the intercession of St. Joseph, universal patron of the Church and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the Diocese of Austin and of United States, that God will bring to an end this world wide pandemic. We also hold in our prayers those for whom this pandemic has caused such sadness, especially those who have lost loved ones as a result of COVID-19. Let us remain focused on Christ who unites all people in His infinite mercy, being assured that he will not leave us to face this pandemic alone.  

Mensaje de el Obispo Jose S. Vasquez: Con el reciente aumento de la propagación del COVID-19 en nuestra área, la Diócesis de Austin continúa monitoreando los datos de líderes cívicos y la retroalimentación de nuestros expertos en salud locales, en un esfuerzo por mantener a nuestras parroquias y escuelas seguras. Pedimos a cada persona que tome este último aumento en los casos seriamente y que trabajemos juntos para protegernos mutuamente. También pedimos a cada pastor y administrador que implemente salvaguardas que mejor se adapten a la realidad particular de su parroquia y escuela.
La iglesia continúa animando a todos los que son elegibles a que reciban la vacuna contra el COVID-19. Recibir la vacuna no es moralmente objetable y es un acto de caridad hacia los otros miembros de la comunidad, particularmente aquellos que son susceptibles a contraer el virus. Mientras que muchos protocolos ayudan, la vacunación y la auto evaluación permanecen siendo los medios más efectivos para detener la propagación del virus. Dicho esto, la Congregación de la Doctrina de la FE (CDF por sus siglas en inglés) también declara que la vacunación contra el COVID-19 no es una obligación moral y es la decisión de cada individuo.
El Obispo José Vásquez y la gente de la Diócesis de Austin mantienen en sus oraciones a aquellos a quienes esta pandemia les ha causado sufrimiento e incluso la pérdida de seres queridos. A través de la protección de San José, patrón universal de la iglesia, y de Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción, patrona de esta diócesis, pedimos la protección de Dios y el fin de la pandemia.
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• Por favor, utilice el desinfectante de manos, ubicado al la entrada de la iglesia, cuando usted entre a la iglesia. (Si usted puede traer su propio desinfectante de manos esto ayudaría mucho).
• Una caja para la colección se encuentra en la entrada de la iglesia para aquellos que quieren hacer su ofrenda en persona.  Las canastas no se pasaran durante la oferta. Le recomendamos que utilice la donación en línea para establecer un regalo financiero recurrente en línea.
• Santa Comunión - Un ujier los despedirá para la comunión en el momento apropiado. Si están sentados afuera, les traeremos la Santa Comunión afuera a usted en sus lugares.

 Gracias por su paciencia y su fidelidad durante este tiempo.

​A Letter from Bishop Joe Vasquez: Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ: Effective May 23, 2021, Pentecost Sunday, the temporary protocols for the celebration of the sacraments initiated during the Covid-19 pandemic will be rescinded and the temporary dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, which I granted because of the pandemic, will be lifted. I joyfully invite all Catholics back to in-person participation in the sacraments and the life of the parish. As the effects of Covid-19 vaccines evidence a decrease of infections and an increase of in-person activities, we continue to hold in prayer those to whom this pandemic has caused significant hardship, especially those who have died. In spite of this painful experience, we remain hopeful, knowing that we will emerge from this strengthened by the sacraments and renewed in the Gospel. Although the Covid-19 dispensation will no longer be in effect, the general teaching of the Church remains; that is, a serious reason excuses one from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, even without a dispensation (CCC 2181). Anyone for whom attending Sunday Mass would pose a serious health rish (including anyone who is positive for Covid-19 or needs to isolate because of Covid-19 symptoms) is excused from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Additionally, individuals may request a dispensation from Sunday obligation from their pastor for any type of serious illness or other serious reason.
I commend the clergy and lay leaders in each parish who have faithfully maintained the protocols throughout the pandemic. The diligence our diocese has displayed has made a signficant contribution to the common good of our communities. As we move forward and the protocols are rescinded, I ask that we continue to supprt one another in Christian charity, knowing that, for good reason, some will continue to observe precautions for their own health and the health of their families. We are called to be sensitive to and respectful of one another. Brothers and Sisters, I am grateful for your prayers, fidelity, and patience during this pandemic. In the midst of this challenging experience, God continues to walk with us. Let us never cease turning to God to strengthen our resolve and calm our fears. Also, please join me in supporting our priests and asking the intercession of St. John Vianney, that God will give them the grace and skill they need to lead our parishes well.
May the Holy Spirit infuse us with His grace this Pentecost, sending us out like the first disciples to fill the world with His wisdom and holiness.
Sincerely in Christ,            Bishop Joe S. Vasquez.


As we resume our normal weekday and weekend Mass schedule, here are a few guidelines and reminders to assist us in maintaining a safe environment for you to worship. Please be patient with the process as it develops to become safer and more efficient for you.

A collection box is located in the Narthex for those wanting to make their offering in person. There will not be a basket passed around during the offertory. We encourage you to use online giving to set up a recurring financial gift online.

You may, if you prefer to join us for the celebration of Mass by remaining outside. We will have the outdoor speakers as high as possible. Please bring your lawn chairs for this purpose.

Holy Communion - An usher will dismiss you for communion at the appropriate time. If you are seated outside, we will bring Holy Communion outside to you in your places.


 Thank you for your patience and your faithfulness during this time.