News - April 2020 RSS Feed

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.

Catholic Charities of Central Texas was given $1.6 million in funds from the city of Austin’s RISE (Relief in a State of Emergency) Fund. This funding is available to Austin/Travis County residents who are impacted by COVID-19 and are ineligible for CARES Act assistance. The funds will provide assistance with mortgages, rent, utilities and car payments for the most vulnerable Austin residents experiencing financial instability due to COVID-19. Since March 16, CCCTX has seen a 180% increase in demand for services. All CCCTX services continue to be provided remotely to protect the health and safety of the community. Visit www.ccctx.org for details on how to get help. (Photo courtesy CCCTX)

Mary Lou Gibson tells us about the lives of Sts. Roch and Sebastian, both of whom are known as patrons of pandemics.

Rev. Peter Joseph McCabe, III, a Catholic priest for 50 years, died on April 23, 2020 in Mexia at the age of 81. He was born on April 25, 1938 in Beacon, New York to Peter Joseph McCabe, Jr. and Julia Alesio McCabe. He attended St. Jerome’s College in Kitchener Ontario, Canada. He also attended St. Joseph’s Seminary and College in Yonkers, New York, Holy Ghost Seminary in Bridgeport, Connecticut and Immaculate Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri.

Rev. Gregory Romanski, a Catholic priest for 43 years, died on April 10, 2020 in Austin at the age of 71. He was born on February 10, 1949 in Alma, Michigan to Alex J. and Helen L. Romanski. Rev. Romanski attended Villanova University and Washington Theology University.