Accompanying our brothers and sisters in prayer and generosity

Dear Friends in Christ, 
 
This summer has proven to be filled with great sadness and great joys. We have witnessed the heartbreak of the July 4^th floods and loss of life, and we rejoice in the news that we have a new bishop.

We continue to seek God’s consoling presence with each passing day since the floods, especially for those whose hearts have been broken by the loss of loved ones. Pope Leo remembered our Central Texas communities expressing “… sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States. We pray for them!”
 
We know though that prayer is only one aspect of compassion. We are called to accompany one another in a concrete way. With so many church and secular organizations locally and across the country walking with those who have been so severely affected, our Catholic Charities of Central Texas (CCCTX) also continues to stand ready to put your generosity into action. As of last week, financial donations in excess of $300,000 have been received, allowing CCCTX to serve hundreds of individuals with gift cards, essential hygiene items, and household supplies. Thank you for your prayers and generous support for our brothers and sisters in need!
 
Still, amid the pain and sadness of this difficult situation, we also rejoice in God’s good providence. With Pope Leo’s thoughtful care for our diocese, we welcome the appointment of the 6th Bishop of the Diocese of Austin, Most Reverend Daniel E. Garcia.  Serving since 2019 as the Bishop of Monterey, California, Bishop Garcia now returns to his home diocese where he was ordained a priest. With the heart of a pastor, Bishop Garcia brings a pastoral sensitivity that will serve this Local Church by his kindly zeal for truth and goodness. We look forward to Bishop Garcia’s Mass of Installation on Thursday, September 18.  
 
God bless you this summer and know that I will not forget you in my daily prayers and ask that you remember me in yours!
 
 Very Reverend James A. Misko, Diocesan Administrator