new Communications to the Faithful

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of the Diocese of Austin, issued the following pastoral message to the Catholic faithful on December 4, 2020: I am grateful for the recent news from Governor Abbott that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has earmarked over 1.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for the state of Texas to start arriving in mid-December. While this is wonderful news, we know that vaccinating an entire country will take several months and our precautions to stop the spread of the virus remain as important as ever.

I express my gratitude to Pope Francis for releasing the report regarding former cardinal Theodore McCarrick.   The report is a meaningful step for the Church in continuing to acknowledge those who were hurt by McCarrick and other ministers in the Church.  It also reflects the Holy Father’s commitment to end abuse in the Church and in our communities.  

the Diocese of Austin released the following statement: “In light of the recent documentary, Francesco, in which Pope Francis reportedly mentions civil unions, the Diocese of Austin affirms the Church’s teaching that marriage is an indissoluble bond between one man and one woman.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of the Diocese of Austin, issued the following pastoral message to the Catholic faithful on September 8, 2020: I wish to inform you of wonderful news in the world of vaccines. Recently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the request of pharmaceutical provider Sanofi Pasteur to stop using the aborted fetal cell line known as MRC-5 and begin using an ethical animal cell line in producing its polio vaccines.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of the Diocese of Austin, issued the following pastoral message to the Catholic faithful on August 18, 2020: I am deeply concerned and disappointed that the Austin City Council allocated $250,000 in its budget to provide logistical support for those seeking abortions. This decision shows a severe disregard and exploitation of the unborn that could have serious consequences throughout our community.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, of the Diocese of Austin, issued the following pastoral message to the Catholic faithful on July 21, 2020: Today, the Diocese of Austin learned that a lawsuit was filed against the Schoenstatt Fathers due to alleged misconduct by one of their priests, Fr. Gerold Langsch, ISP.

Over the last few months, our communities have experienced frustration and disappointment attributed not only to the COVID-19 pandemic, but also to the social unrest associated with the recent deaths of Black men and women by law enforcement.

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez releases a pastoral message about the death of Mr. Michael Hickson

Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin issued the following pastoral message in response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:

On May 30, 2020, Bishop Joe Vásquez of the Diocese of Austin issued this pastoral message in regard to the death of George Floyd:

Following Gov. Greg Abbott's recent executive order on the phased reopening of the state of Texas, the Diocese of Austin, under the leadership of Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, notified parishes today they may resume the public celebration of Mass on May 5. As they open, Bishop Vásquez has asked parishes to follow protocols that are consistent with the governor’s and attorney general’s recommendations.

from Bishop Vásquez: "Out of pastoral concern for the people of central Texas, I am suspending all public Masses and liturgies throughout the diocese, effective immediately. While I hoped we would be able to continue to celebrate public Mass, I made this decision after prayerful discernment and in light of recent recommendations from public health officials. "

Following an order by the City of Austin and Travis County, as of 2 a.m. March 15, parish gatherings are restricted to 250 people. The order goes through May 1. The limit applies only to parishes within the City of Austin and Travis County.

With situations and circumstances constantly changing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have curated the latest information from Bishop Vásquez and various diocesan departments to help you stay up to date.