Camino de Fe

One of the biggest issues that we face, among many, is the issue of immigration.   It seems that the topic of immigration has become a heated topic and there are many who speak of immigrants in sometimes hateful ways.   This past summer, I lead a group of teens from my parish in Bastrop on a mission trip to McAllen Texas.   There we were given the opportunity to work with Catholic Charities who has made it their mission to provide assistance for immigrant families who have run away from dangerous situations in their countries of origin.   The people who come there are people who struggled, spent every cent they had to flee in order to protect their children and their own lives.   But, they came and instead of sneaking into the country, they turned themselves into the authorities since they would have a better chance of getting an opportunity to stay in the US.   As we met with them, we heard their heart wrenching stories.   At the end of our time ...

It is with great joy and thanksgiving to God that I announce to you that I have been called to Holy Orders.  I want to thank you all for your many years of support through your prayers and encouragement.  I will be ordained by the Most Reverend Daniel E. Garcia, Auxiliary Bishop of Austin, along with my brothers Andrew Dung Dinh and Paul Michael Piega. (Please keep us all in your prayers) Es con gran gozo y acción de gracias a Dios que les anuncio que he sido llamado a Ordenes Sagradas. Quiero agradecerles a todos por sus muchos años de apoyo a través de sus oraciones y aliento. Seré ordenado por el Reverendísimo Daniel E. García, Obispo Auxiliar de Austin, junto con mis hermanos Andrew Dung Dinh y Paul Michael Piega. (Por favor, mantenga a todos nosotros en sus oraciones) I pray that you all will be able to join in this wonderful celebration.  Ojala que puedan unirse a esta gran celebración.  Mass of Ordination /  Misa de Ordena...

A reflection on the Gospel of St. Luke 12: 1-7 Gospel according to St. Luke (Luke 12: 1-7) At that time: So many people were crowding together  that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees. “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are wort...

a reflection on Mark 10: 17-27 (From the USCCB Website) As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"  Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good?  No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments:  You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother ." He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth." Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing.  Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!...

My CPE Team SMCA Call Group This summer I was given the opportunity to participate in the CPE program at Seton. When I first arrived for orientation I had mixed thoughts and expectations. Previous participants informed me that it was going to be difficult and from others that it would be the best experience during formation. So, I entered the experience having heard from both sides. What would my experience be? How would I experience CPE and how would it help me? These were the questions that I pondered as I sat through a weeklong orientation and as the information flooded our minds, I thought to myself, “Oh my goodness! This is going to be intense.” I left the week of orientation feeling overwhelmed, nervous and anxious about what was to come. My initial anxiety came from the idea that I was not “in control of the situation”, meaning that I would not be able to plan who I would encounter and when I would encounter them. The other part of my anxiety was the idea that the...