Bishop's Message: Labor Day

My Dear Brothers and Sisters:
 
As the bishop of our beloved Diocese of Austin, there are many joyous occasions that I am privileged to celebrate.  Last Sunday was one of those moments when I celebrated the dedication of the Church of the Visitation in Westphalia. As many of you may recall, the sanctuary was tragically destroyed by a fire in 2019. I remember that day vividly, arriving to smoldering ashes and sharing the sorrows that befell that community – a community that was planning to commemorate its 125th anniversary. Yet, the sadness of that fateful day was almost a forgotten memory last Sunday. After celebrating Mass in the gym for the past four years, parishioners filled the new church to capacity. There is no doubt that the faith community of Westphalia joined together with resolve and determination to see this new sanctuary rise from the ashes.
 
The Church in Westphalia marks the fifth new sanctuary built this year in the Diocese of Austin. God has been generous to our diocese and as stewards of the many gifts received from our diocesan family, we have been able to respond to the growing number of faithful who call Central Texas home. This local church is growing, and I am forever grateful to those who generously supported the Encountering Christ Campaign creating a legacy to serve future generations.
 
On this Labor Day weekend, as many of us take a break from work, we are invited to honor those who labor. Let us pray and give thanks for construction workers, farmers, service workers, police, those in the service industry, professionals, teachers and so many others who enrich our lives by their very presence. And let us pray for our brothers and sisters who seek dignified employment that all their needs are met through the kindness and compassion of others.
 
As Catholic social teaching underscores, our collective gifts must be shared in order to build up the common good. Each of us has a responsibility to carry forth Christ’s mission through our vocations, relationships and in our service to one another.  May we accept with joy the roles we are given to continue the mission of Christ in our world.
 
I ask the intercession of our Blessed Mother, under her title of the Immaculate Conception, patron of our diocese, to intercede for us with her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.