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2011 Lumen Gentium Recipients
Virgil Almogabar
Ascension Parish, Bastrop
Virgil effectively, pastorally and collaboratively organizes, leads and
participates in various parish and local area ministries. He is successfully
working on the Casitas Project aimed at funding and re-sourcing materials
needed to build homes for widows and abused women and their children in
Guatemala. He also participates in the annual medical missions. He motivates
others into Catholic stewardship raising awareness of everyone’s call to
authentically serve.
Roberto Amaya
St. Ignatius, Martyr Parish, Austin
Members of the parish for decades, Roberto and his family have enriched
the community. From the beginning he has been involved in one ministry
or another and very often many ministries at the same time. He has served
on various leadership councils and has helped to start many initiatives in
the parish, such as the Christ Renews His Parish and the Spanish Mass. He
has been an extraordinary minister of holy Communion for many years and
has served as a member of the RCIA team. He is an integral member of the
baptismal preparation team. He brings experience, compassion, knowledge,
a sense of humor and great faith to all he does in the parish.
Paul and Antonia Aragon
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Temple
Paul and Antonia have been active members of the parish for many years.
They are at every bereavement meal helping to prepare the food and serving
it to grieving families. They are also active every year in the Fall Festival, the
major annual fundraiser for the church. Every year they run the Country
Store. They get all the prizes and work the entire festival. Paul routinely sells
the most raffle tickets for the church. Antonia makes aprons to sell or use
at parish breakfasts. They are selfless and generous in their service to the
church.
Raymond Arias
St. Ann Parish, Somerville
Ray is a devoted and conscientious member of the parish who has given his
time and talent for almost 40 years. He served for 10 years as the primary
operator of the parish’s Sunday bingo and figured prominently in organizing
and executing the annual parish rodeo production. He is an active member of
the Knights of Columbus and serves as a hospitality minister. He volunteers
as an electrician, plumber, air conditioner repairman and carpenter for the
church and its facilities. He faithfully checks in each week to offer his services
wherever needed.
Josiah and Beverly Barrow
Holy Rosary Parish, Frenstat
Beverly is a member of the Altar Society and KJZT. She has been very active in the Pro-Life movement and the education of parishioners. Jay is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and has been at all of the March for Life marches at the Capitol. They both served on the Good Samaritan Gabriel Project Board in Bryan. They are involved in the Coalition for Life and 40 Days for Life. They sing in the choir and volunteer whenever needed.
Forest and Doris Beach
St. Ann Parish, Rosebud
Forest and Doris have been loyal parishioners for many years. They support the church and religious education. Doris is a lector and assists in counting the collection. She takes care of the vestments and serves as the secretary for the Parish Council and Finance Council. She has taught religious education and helped start the Ladies’ Guild, serving as its first president. Forest serves as an usher. The couple is always available to help the church and pastor. They often host visiting priests in their home.
Joe and Vera Bloomer
St. John Vianney Parish, Round Rock
Joe, 90, and Vera, 87, celebrated the 65th anniversary of their sacramental marriage in 2010. Their fidelity to each other and to Christ, the evidence of Christian values in their family, the joy and generosity in their life of sacrifice are a great influence and inspiration for a happy, healthy, holy family life. They have been strong supporters of the church, clergy and seminarians with prayer, tokens of appreciation and encouragement. Joe became a Knight of Columbus in 1950 and has been a member of the St. William, St. Helen and St. John Vianney councils. He served as a District Deputy in 1979 and founded councils in Elgin and Cedar Park. Vera worked with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Round Rock for many years and was a member of the Catholic Daughters. Together, they helped create the Round Rock Area Servicing Center, an ecumenical and charitable organization of service in Round Rock.
Danny and Kathy Borski
St. Joseph Parish, Bryan
Danny and Kathy are life-long members of the parish. While in high school, they started a folk choir for Mass and have maintained the choir for 30 years, enhancing liturgies on Sundays, feast days, at funerals and various parish and local celebrations. They are a couple of great faith, treating everyone with love, kindness and charity. They have the gift of listening and offer empathy to everyone they encounter.
Brent and Frances Brown
Holy Cross Parish, Austin
Brent is the current chair of the Pastoral Council, a member of the collection count team, the Men’s ministry and an usher. He also serves on the parish
75th anniversary committee. Frances is an office volunteer. She is a member of the Altar Rosary Society, which cares for the sacristy, decorates the altar and maintains the linens and vessels. She also makes rosaries. They have been married for 50 years.
Kristofer and Melissa Buchan
St. Mary Catholic Center, College Station
Kristofer and Melissa have modeled a servant’s heart to the parish
community. She is a certified practicioner of the Creighton Model of Natural
Family Planning. The couple led a team of parishioners who established a
Creighton Model Fertility Care Center at St. Mary Catholic Center. The effect
of this, now with six practitioners, will be felt in hundreds of families now
and in the future.
Berna Buenker
St. Mary Parish, Lampasas
Berna has been a member of the parish since 1998. During this time, she has
taught RCIA, religious education, confirmation and First Communion classes.
She has been a lector and an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. She
also volunteers in the office whenever needed.
Richard and Barbara Burke
St. Paul Chong Hasang Parish, Harker Heights
For 20 years, Richard and Barbara have directed the RCIA program. He is
a Knight of Columbus and she is a Lady of Charity. They have organized
support for Cambodia Children Orphanage, the local Killeen Food Care Center,
Families in Crisis and assisted Catholic school students with scholarships.
They recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary.
Mary Campos
St. Anthony Marie de Claret Parish, Kyle
Mary has served at St. Anthony’s since 1979. She started the parish
bereavement ministry and has served as sacristan and an extraordinary
minister of holy Communion for more than 20 years.
Maria Cantu
Sta. Julia Parish, Austin
Maria has been a member of the parish for more than 30 years. She has
volunteered in the breakfast ministry for more than 17 years. She has
held numerous leadership positions with the Guadalupanas. She runs the
rehearsals for quinceañeras and weddings. She coordinates the rosaries and
vigil celebration for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. During Lent, she
coordinates the living Stations of the Cross. She also prepares the flowers
for Mother’s Day. She recently began serving as an extraordinary minister of
holy Communion.
Tyler Carlson and Ana Rodriguez
St. John the Evangelist Parish, San Marcos
Tyler has always made himself available, even without being asked to serve.
It takes a considerable amount of effort and time for musical practices to be
able to stand and minister in the special way he does. Ana is committed to
the parish.
Judy Comeaux
St. Anthony Parish, Bryan
Judy is a life-long member of the parish. She helps direct the contemporary
choir. She is also the coordinator for the extraordinary ministers of holy
Communion and a catechist. She is the volunteer core leader of the Junior
High Youth Group.
Michael and Georgina Cruz
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Martindale
With support from Michael, Georgina has been the parish director of
religious education since 2004. She has shown great leadership, dedication
and passion to her position. She is a member of the Guadalupanas. Michael
is currently producing the weekly bulletin and has shown great leadership.
Victor and Gloria Cruz
San José Parish, Austin
Gloria oversees the Parish Hall kitchen and does all the purchasing for the
kitchen. Victor is an acolyte and extraordinary minister of holy Communion.
Together they started a Spanish choir for special occasions and they are on
the Steering Committee for the parish Jamaica. They are a key couple for the
Movimiento Familiar Cristiano (MFC) for the parish and beyond.
Rebecca Lynn Diaz
St. William Parish, Round Rock
Rebecca is currently the president of the Association of Guadalupanas and
is on the parish Spring Fiesta Committee. She has been active in Amistad, a
community organization that raises funds for scholarships.
Marie Therese Dominguez
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Gatesville
Marie is very active in nearly all areas of parish life. She is consistently eager
to see what she can do to uplift the parish. She is always prompt in getting
things done.
David Eckelkamp
St. Patrick Parish, Hutto
David is energetic and enthusiastic about his faith. He serves as a core team
member for the high school teens. He lives and shares his faith with great joy.
He is also an outstanding example of a husband and father as he balances his
commitment to work, family and church.
Loris Edwards
St. Mary Parish, Temple
In 1974, Loris became principal of St. Mary’s Catholic School. Through her
leadership for 26 years, the school achieved excellent accreditations. In
2000, she retired as school principal and became the director of religious
education for the parish. She is also an extraordinary minister of holy
Communion, a lector, Altar Society member and the deanery representative
for religious education. She has served on many boards, has taught adult
formation classes, has developed teaching materials and has led numerous
retreats. She has also written articles for publication. Her humility belies her
many accomplishments. She has always credited her mother and father for
instilling in her a great love of the Catholic faith.
Katherine Finn
St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Kingsland
Katherine is a long-time parishioner. She has been involved with the Ladies’
Club. Now, over 80 years young, she still volunteers to be in charge of the
social outreach committee. She receives calls from the needy and goes out to
meet them and to provide help.
Patricia Flathouse
St. John Neumann Parish, Austin
Patricia is a founding member of the parish and the former director of religious education. She is a member of the Pastoral Advisory Council, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and a lector. She chaired the parish’s 25th anniversary committee and is the co-chair for the dedication of the new sanctuary.
Renée French
St. Thomas Parish, Hamilton
Renée has excelled in her responsibility as the volunteer coordinator of religious education. She has won the confidence of the parents and the children love her. The parish community holds her in high esteem.
Tony Galindo
Sacred Heart Parish, Waco
Tony has freely given his time and musical talents to the church by serving as the choir director for the last 20 years.
Bryan García
University Catholic Center, Austin
Bryan jokes that he is "minoring in UCC" while earning a degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. During the last academic year, he served as president of the high school retreat team, the leader of the social justice team, on the staff of Longhorn Awakening and was a member of the National Catholic Student Coalition. He is serving as co-coordinator of Longhorn Awakening this fall.
John and Joan Gillette
Christ the King Parish, Belton
John and Joan have served the parish for more than 20 years. She is co-president of the Parish Council of Catholic Women. Under her leadership, the women take care of the sacristy, purchase hosts and sacramental wine and clean and care for the sacred linens and vestments. She also organized the parish’s first Fit & Fun Run. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, parish hospitality team member, bereavement committee member, Meals on Wheels team member and Belton Literacy Volunteer. John is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, the parish liaison to the Helping Hands Food Ministry, a core team member for Mary Hardin Baylor Catholics, parish landscape engineer and a choir member. The couple has taken single mothers into their home, fed homeless people at Christmas and they regularly attend daily Mass.
Gustavo González
St. Joseph Parish, Manor
Gustavo has worked hard to transform the parish into an evangelizing community. He has served as a leader in evangelization retreats and has also coordinated the parish Fiesta for two consecutive years. He helps maintain the parish grounds, and with his family works fundraisers for the parish almost every week.
Carol Graves
St. Peter Parish, Goldthwaite
Carol has been a parishioner for more than 40 years. She served as president of the Pastoral Council. She was a member of the Diocese’s Second Synod’s Commission that established the Pastoral and Finance Council Norms. She is a lector and has trained and scheduled the lectors. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and coordinates the music ministry. She assisted in the planning and construction of the new sanctuary completed in 2003.
Benito and Teresa Guerrero
Santa Teresa Parish, Bryan
Benito and Teresa are active in the Movimiento Familiar Cristiano (MFC). They prepare Spanish-speaking couples for marriage. They are always willing to help at the parish breakfast and during church bazaars.
Barbara Hoelscher
St. Stephen Parish, Salado
Barbara is the president of the Women’s Society and served as membership director for many years. She has chaired the Parish Clerical Endowment Fund, aided in hospitality dinners, is on the Pastoral Council and has written the parish yearbook for many years. She is very organized and knows how to get things done; she has a wonderful sense of humor.
Rosemarie Hotaling
Holy Family Parish, Copperas Cove
Rosemarie has served the parish as a member of the Holy Family Ladies’ Society, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and sacristan. She works behind the scenes and is always available to assist at weddings, funerals and weekend liturgies. She eases the work of others by her continual attention to detail.
Geraldine Jones
St. Joseph Parish, Killeen
Geraldine has been a parishioner for more than 30 years. She organizes, schedules and trains the lectors. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and takes the Eucharist to the homebound. She co-chairs the Liturgy Commission and is part of the Focolare movement. She has been a catechist and has sponsored RCIA candidates. She is the facilitator of the black community and organizes the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, Gospel Mass and Black Catholic History Month.
Gladys Kaderka
St. Joseph Parish, Mason
Gladys has served as a catechist for more than 20 years, teaching First Communion and Confirmation classes. She is active in the Ladies’ Altar Society and serves as a lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion. She serves on the Pastoral Council and is a sacristan. She has been preparing and printing the parish bulletin for 10 years. She is a member of the Western Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. She is reliable, dedicated and is a Christian role model with strong family values.
J. Dominic Karow †
St. Mary Cathedral Parish, Austin
Dominic distinguished himself with unending service to the parish for more than two decades. He was a lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion. Despite suffering from cancer, he took on duties to organize and serve as sacristan.
Richard and Karen Klabzuba
St. Paul Parish, Austin
As extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, Richard and Karen spend one day a week visiting nursing homes and making home visits. They serve as sacristans for daily Mass and are active spiritual leaders in the Legion of Mary. They are members of the hospitality committee and are always willing to give their time and talent to the parish.
Elizabeth Koch
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Kovar
"Liz" cleans the church and helps landscape the grounds and schedules other volunteers to assist. As a Pastoral Council member, she was involved in the restoration of the mission church. She is a catechist, RCIA instructor, choir member and takes Communion to the homebound. She is always available to help with fundraisers and the annual bazaar.
George Koehler
St. Albert the Great Parish, Austin
George is one of the founding members of the parish. He served on the original Pastoral Council. He is Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, where he previously served as secretary for 15 years. He has volunteered at numerous barbecues and Lenten fish frys. He is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and lead sacristan. He is a one-man audio-visual committee. No event would be complete without George in the background making sure everything goes off with the grace and beauty meant for the occasion. He is the parish’s go-to guy.
Ronald and Carolyn Kostelecky
St. Thomas More Parish, Austin
Ron and Carolyn have been involved in the parish for more than 25 years. Carolyn directed the RCIA program for many years and has served on the Finance Committee and Pastoral Advisory Council. She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer and serves on the diocesan Liturgical Commission. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and lector. Ron is a long- term member of the Finance Committee and a catechist for the Bible studies offered by the Adult Faith Formation ministry. He is a hospitality minister. Together they serve in the Art and Environment ministry.
John S. Kubin
St. Ferdinand Parish, Blanco
John is an active member who is always ready to help in any capacity. He is chair of the Pastoral Council. He was instrumental in establishing a choir for the Saturday vigil Mass and serves on the Building Committee and music ministry. His leadership inspires others.
Dorothy Kucera
Church of the Assumption Parish, West
Dorothy is a life-long member of the parish and has served as organist for 58
years. She has played at hundreds of funerals, weddings and Sunday Masses.
She gives freely of her time, talent and gift of music. She is a member of the
Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the KJZT and the St. Mary’s Cemetery
Board. She has been married for 52 years and has five children and many
grandchildren.
Kenneth and Anabel Kuhr
Sacred Heart Parish, Austin
Kenneth was a catechist, member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,
president of the Parish Council, chair of the Church Renovation Committee
and supervised the renovations of the Adoration Chapel. He is the volunteer
handyman doing repair work on the air conditioning, heating, electrical and
plumbing. Anabel is a catechist and volunteer director of religious education.
They have been married for 30 years.
Gus Lindemann
Sacred Heart Parish, La Grange
Gus has been a parishioner for 58 years. He was an extraordinary minister
of holy Communion for many years. He serves as a hospitality minister and
is a member of the Parish Finance Council. He was a member of the Pastoral
Council, serving during the planning and building of the present church. He
was president and secretary of the Holy Name Society. He is also very active
in the Knights of Columbus. He played trumpet with the parish choir. He is a
member of the La Grange Area Chamber of Commerce and Lion’s Club.
Daniel Lochman
H.L. Grant Catholic Student Center, San Marcos
"Dan" has been a vital, contributing member of the permanent community
of the Center for more than 25 years. He organizes the annual Common
Experience event, presented in conjunction with Texas State University. He
is also a longtime member of the Center’s Advisory Board. He has helped
prepare many late night breakfasts for college students and recently acted
as the Catholic faculty representative at a Welcome Back Mass. In 2009, he
was elected Catholic Faculty Member of the Year by the student community.
Maximino and Josefina Luna
St. Margaret Parish, Giddings
Maximino and Josefina are involved in various parish ministries. They help
each other in their work as members of the Sacred Heart and Guadalupana
Societies. He serves as an usher. They have a large family and their children
are involved in parish ministries.
Mark and Lisa Matocha
St. Mary Parish, Ellinger/Hostyn Hill
Mark and Lisa have been active members for many years. Mark is an usher
and member of the Knights of Columbus. Lisa is active with the Catholic
Daughters of America and works part time doing data entry for the parish
office. They serve on the parish Festival Committee. They have two grown
children and have tried to set a good example as faithful Catholics to their
family and other parishioners. They have also assisted retired priests in
various ways.
Brian McCann
St. Louis Parish, Waco
Brian is a daily communicant and sacristan for daily Mass. He helps at all
the Sunday Masses. He serves as a lector and extraordinary minister of holy
Communion when he is needed. He is active in the Knights of Columbus
and is head of the Pro-Life Committee. He also ministers at the Texas Youth
Commission detention center. He is serving as a sponsor to one of the boys
who wants to be baptized.
Sister M. Guadalupe Medina, FMA Cristo Rey Parish, Austin
Sister Guadalupe has tirelessly served the community for more than 10 years. Known for her great love of children, adolescents and young adults, she has served as the parish’s director of religious education and youth ministry. She is known throughout the diocese and has helped to form and lead youth movements, such as the Juventud Misionera and the Jornada Juvenil de Cristiandad.
John P. Meehan
St. John the Baptist Parish, Fayetteville
John spent his adult career as an educator, primarily in parochial schools.
Since joining the parish, he has been devoted to spreading the Gospel. He has
taught high school religious education classes, adult Bible studies and assisted
the pastor with adult formation classes. He is a lector and extraordinary
minister of holy Communion at weekend Masses. He is also involved with the
Knights of Columbus.
Stanley and Mary Jane Mehringer
St. Mary Parish, Mexia
"Stan" and Mary Jane are examples of consistency and dedication in Christian
living. They hold in their hearts the love for God by their active participation
of faith lived out in the parish and community. They teach religious education,
volunteer at the annual barbecue with the children’s games and they support
every activity. They raised their children wonderfully.
Miriam Mellon
St. Austin Parish, Austin
A parishioner since 2000, Miriam is an energetic and willing volunteer in
many vital ministries of the parish, including Christ Renews His Parish,
Parish Holiday Fair, Lenten Soup Suppers and many other events. In 2003,
she founded the parish Prayer Blanket Ministry. Since that time, more than
2,500 blankets have been handmade and sent all over the world, free of
charge, to give comfort through prayer to anyone who requests them. She
continues to inspire and lead that dynamic ministry.
Patrick Merry
St. Martin de Porres Parish, Dripping Springs
Patrick is an active, longtime parishioner who has served as a lector and RCIA
catechist. He served several terms on the Pastoral Council. More recently, he
has taken on the task of organizing and providing refreshments for post-
Mass hospitality on Sundays. He is a gifted woodworker with a specialty of
making crosses out of cedar.
Gene and Lois Miller
St. Luke Parish, Temple
Gene serves as a lector and is actively involved with the Knights of Columbus.
He has coordinated the annual Christmas Presence, which assists needy
families in the community. He also organizes the annual Good Friday Way
of the Cross Walk in Temple. Lois is involved with the Women’s Society and
Altar Care. They both serve as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion
and volunteer for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Mary Moody
Holy Trinity Parish, Llano
Mary is responsible for the yard maintenance and provides the church
grounds with beautiful gardens. She actively participates with fundraisers
and has regularly served on committees. She participates in the rosary, is a
member of the Ladies’ Altar Society and is a member of the Western Diocesan
Council of Catholic Women. She gives generously and supports charitable
projects.
Michael Nappo
Santa Rosa de Lima Parish, Andice
"Mike" is a member of the choir and takes care of the parish website. He is the
man the parish can call on at any time day or night. He is a volunteer for many
organizations in Georgetown.
Da Vu Nguyen
Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Parish, Austin
Da is a longtime parishioner. He has served faithfully and effectively on the
Parish Council. He is a caring and loving person to all he meets. He is active
in all parish events.
Jeff and Marilyn Oliver
St. Mary Parish, Waco
Jeff has been the director of the Folk Choir for 32 years. He has also been an
active member of the Men’s Club, helping to cook breakfast, and served on
the Liturgy Committee. He plays an active part in providing music for the
Children’s Mass at Christmas and Easter. Marilyn has been an extraordinary
minister of holy Communion for many years and is an active member of the
Women’s Guild.
Alfredo and Veronica Palacios
St. Joseph Parish, Rockdale
Alfredo and Veronica are very active members of the parish. They are
deeply involved in several ministries. Their regular attendance at Mass with
their entire family and their unique sense of devotion and commitment to
serving the community are very inspiring and exemplary. Their readiness
and willingness to give of themselves in service to the parish family bears
eloquent testimony to their lively faith.
Dorothy Rackel
St. Joseph Parish, Dime Box
Dorothy came forward when the parish was in dire need of a bookkeeper
and accountant. She took the position as a volunteer to show her love and
commitment to the parish. She often says, "I was born and raised here. I will
surely die here. This is my church!" She inherited this selfless dedication to
the parish from her mother who was also a Lumen Gentium recipient.
Ciro and Denise Ramirez
St. Helen Parish, Georgetown
Ciro played violin and Denise played guitar in the Catholic Campus Ministry at Rice University. They fell in love and have served the Lord together ever since. In their young married life, they continued music ministry at St. Louis, King of France Parish in Austin. Both sing beautifully and lead choirs today at St. Helen Parish. She has served on the Pastoral Council and is a member of the Liturgical Life Committee. She has written many pieces of music for the parish including psalms, antiphons and a bilingual Mass setting. They lead one of the Mass choirs and are members of Coro Mariachi de Santa Elena. They attend to their spiritual growth as active members of the CEW retreat team.
Louis† and Rita Ramirez
St. Francis on the Brazos Parish, Waco
Louis and Rita have been longtime members of the parish. Their service and dedication throughout the years has inspired others. They are a living example of a faithful couple committed to God’s work.
Donnie and Janice Reinders
St. Michael Parish, Burlington
Donnie is on the Pastoral Council and currently serves as secretary. He is a hospitality minister at Mass and helps at all work projects. He is always ready to help with any emergencies at the church and is willing to help parishioners or anyone in need. Janice is eager to help whenever she can be of assistance to the parish or her neighbors. They have been loyal, lifelong parishioners.
Mary Rodriguez
St. Eugene Parish, McGregor
Mary ensures that all of the needs of the priest are met. She coordinates the use and rental of the parish hall. She is a lector, catechist and assists any child in religious education in need of help. She also coordinates the breakfast sales after Mass.
Natalie Rose Rodriguez
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Austin
Natalie is the full-time paid parish administrator. She attends the parish with her family. She met the demands of the parish during the last year in a professional and spiritual manner. She has shown a great deal of care for the people of God and care for the priests who serve the parish. She has personally worked above and beyond the usual standards of an employee in order to provide this active and diverse parish with sound guidance and moral wisdom.
Henry Ruiz
St. Michael Parish, Uhland
Henry is one of the usher coordinators. He is also facility coordinator for the annual Jamaica and oversees all the booths being set up, the grass being cut, the delivery of ice and other necessities. He gives his time and commitment to the parish with a generous heart.
Charles and Ann Sadler
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Sunrise Beach
Charles has been the administrator of the parish for more than 10 years.
He has taken excellent care of the needs of this small parish. Ann has been
alongside her husband in his ministry to the parish. She is also an organist
and music minister for Mass.
Raymond and Emily Salazar
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Taylor
Raymond and Emily have been lifelong members of the parish. He serves as
head usher, is a member of the Guadalupanos, the Pastoral Council, the Prayer
Group, and Men’s Christ Renews His Parish. She serves as an extraordinary
minister of holy Communion, a member of Women’s Christ Renews His
Parish, the Altar Society and the Prayer Group. She is also the president of
the Pastoral Council and the Sociedad Guadalupana. Together, they volunteer
for the parish festival. They are truly committed to the parish and can always
be counted on for their support.
Daniel Schiller †
St. Mary, Immaculate Conception Parish, Brenham
"Dan" was a parishioner for 40 years. A professor at Blinn College, he
volunteered his time to work with the Blinn Catholic Student Union (formerly
called the Newman Club). The Catholic students were close to his heart. He
was a catechist for the parish and was a member of the Perpetual Adoration
program and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was elected a member of
the Pastoral Council.
Joanne Selucky
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Granger
Joanne is the parish secretary. She helps plans weddings, funerals and
baptisms. She keeps the church records up to date. She handles the "social
services" for the parish and the Ministerial Alliance of all the churches in
Granger. She is the chair of the Altar Society, the leader of the Guitar Group,
head of this year’s pictorial directory and a member of the Repair Our
Aging Roof Campaign. In the past she was the youth minister, coordinator of
religious education and a catechist and a pre-K teacher at the Catholic school.
She attends all meetings of the Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Liturgy
Planning Committee, picnic and bazaar meetings to stay informed.
Mari Silva
St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Austin
Mari is admired by many parishioners for the way she handles herself as a
servant-leader. Her leadership and guidance for the extraordinary ministers
of holy Communion, daily Mass ministry, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament,
Liturgy Committee and the Building Committee are examples of the ways she
constantly serves.
Joe Slagh
Church of the Visitation Parish, Westphalia
Joe works for the church, parish and community anytime he is needed. He
helps to maintain the church with repairs inside and out. Even with a full-
time job, he helps with every church function and is ready to help cook at
the pit or in the kitchen. He is active in the VFW and helps anyone in the
community who needs help. He takes care of his mother and brings her to
Mass every weekend.
Paul and Mickie Smith
St. Mary Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Lago Vista
Paul and Mickie have been parishioners since 1987. He is the head usher and
is responsible for coordinating all the ushers. He is also an extraordinary
minister of holy Communion and an active member of the Knights of
Columbus. He serves on the Parish Council and the city’s Planning and
Zoning Commission. Mickie is the director of music and plays the organ at
all Masses, funerals, special services and many weddings. She is a member
of the Women’s Guild and has served in various capacities. She has chaired
many dinners, including the St. Patrick’s dinner and served on numerous
committees such as the Building Committee and Parish Council.
Mikie Taylor
St. Philip Parish, China Spring
Mikie finds any information that is needed. She oversees facilities maintenance
and researches any materials needed to keep the parish going. She assists the
Finance and Pastoral councils with the materials and information they need.
She assists the pastor as needed.
Monica Treviño
Our Lady of San Juan Mission, Moody
Monica is a high school senior who is a choir leader, musician, catechist,
lector and young children’s program coordinator. She is a role model for all
of the youth.
Ernesto Valenzuela
St. Mary Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Caldwell
Ernesto helps coordinate the English and Spanish liturgies. He has been
instrumental in helping to build commitment and participation in the
Spanish-speaking community. He has taken the time and initiative to train
and mentor parishioners to assist at Mass. For the last few years, he has
served as the volunteer coordinator and primary teacher for the English and
Spanish RCIA programs. As a licensed electrician, he has volunteered many
work hours to the parish.
Margie Vasquez
Good Shepherd Parish, Johnson City
Margie has been a parishioner for 20 years. She served as the director of
religious education for 13 years. She has also served as sacristan, a member
of the Pastoral Council, on the RCIA team, in youth ministry and on the
Building Committee. She prepares the altar servers, First Communicants and
Confirmands. She lives her faith and is an example to all she encounters.
Juan and Cynthia Villarreal
St. Margaret Mary Parish, Cedar Park
Parishioners since 2007, this couple has been active in many ministries. For
three years, Cynthia has volunteered to answer the phone in the parish office
on Friday afternoons. They are both involved in the Divine Mercy group and
Christ Renews His Parish, each serving as renewal director for men’s and
women’s retreats. They both attend daily Mass where Cynthia also serves as
a lector. Juan is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is dedicated to
caring for his elderly parents who live with them. They are proud of their five
children and 10 grandchildren.
Connie Vinklarek
St. Paul Parish, Smithville
Connie is a life-long member of the parish. She volunteers her time leading daily prayer and then prepares the altar for Mass. She leads the rosary during Adoration and the Divine Mercy Chaplet on Fridays. She leads the Women’s Bible Study, serves as an usher and extraordinary minister of holy Communion and prepares the monthly schedules for ushers and extraordinary ministers. She helps with the annual bazaar and has helped with Vacation Bible School and served on the Pastoral Council. She is a Pro-Life advocate and is a member of the Altar Society and KJZT, Cistern.
Alfred and Bernice Vrazel
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Marak
Married for 49 years, Alfred and Bernice have been lifelong members of the parish. Alfred served for 20 years on the Pastoral Council. He managed the renovation of the church and as a member of the Cemetery Board, he made significant improvements to the cemetery. He was on the board to build the new parish center. As a member of the Vrazels’ Polka Band, he has played for the annual parish picnic for 50 years. He is also a lector. Bernice has served on the Pastoral Council for many years. She organizes the lectors and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. She has also served on the board of the Parish Center.
Don and Elizabeth Walden
Emmaus Parish, Lakeway
Don can be counted upon to be present with his mobile barbecue smoker in support of food needs for various parish activities. Don has also served as chair of the Parish Building Committee. He led the parish through a dynamic and successful effort to build a new parish life center. Together with Elizabeth, he can be counted on to serve in whatever capacity is needed.
Sr. Alice Warrick, OSF †
St. Joseph Health System, Bryan
For more than 10 years, Sister Alice served as Vice President for Mission Integration to hundreds of employees at multiple St. Joseph healthcare facilities in the diocese. Her leadership influenced many governing boards where she served as a voice of the congregation and as the voice of the church’s healing ministry. Many people were touched through her years of dedicated service as a nurse, administrator and follower of St. Francis.
Martha Werchan
Sacred Heart Parish, Elgin
"Martie" has been the director of religious education for three years and oversees classes for about 600 students. She also works with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and works on fundraisers for religious education. Compassion and patience are her greatest assets. She is always willing and ready to serve in any capacity. She has a great rapport with the students, teachers, staff and parents; everyone knows they can count on her to help them.
Kelly Wichert
St. Peter Catholic Student Center, Waco
Kelly was a member of the Center while studying law at Baylor University.
He graduated in February 2011. He was a great inspiration to the community
in organizing meals and getting students to interact. He was always at the
Center giving of his time, talent and treasure to students who needed help. He
was also head of the Music Ministry and attended all three Masses.
Jeanette Zarosky
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Franklin
Jeanette has been a parishioner since 1997. Serving as parish historian, she
compiled pictures of the church’s construction, parish activities and liturgical
celebrations. She is a member of the Ladies of St. Francis and is a member
of the Sunday choir. She supports the active work of the parish Prayer Line
Network. A widow, she was married for 49 years to Cyril Robert "Bobby"
Zarosky. She attends civic events and volunteers at the parish’s Franciscan
Summer Camp.