|
Cardinal to launch new parish
By Rick Cousins
Contributor
Published September 12, 2009
GALVESTON — The new Holy Family Parish, which combines the Catholics of Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula, will celebrate its launch with a Mass led by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and the Rev. John Bok at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Galveston Convention Center. Bok is pastor of the new parish.
Eight Catholic congregations have been folded into the new parish: Holy Rosary, Reina de La Paz, Sacred Heart, St. Patrick and St. Peter the Apostle in Galveston; Mary Star of the Sea in Jamaica Beach; and Our Mother of Mercy and St. Theresa of Liseaux on the Bolivar Peninsula.
“Daniel Cardinal DiNardo is looking forward to celebrating this upcoming Sunday’s Mass with the people of Holy Family Parish,” said Jenny Faber, communications director for the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese. “This liturgy will mark the unity of the Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula communities into one family of faith. We hope this Mass will truly be a celebration of hope and joy for all those who are part of Holy Family. By coming together as one community, Holy Family parishioners are experiencing the grace of each others’ diversity and the support of each others’ prayers.”
The event is expected to fill the meeting room and will include a combined choir with members from all Galveston, Jamaica Beach, Port Bolivar and Crystal Beach churches, as well as the presentation of a proclamation by Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas and Mayor Pro Tem Danny Weber.
“Tomorrow’s Mass celebration represents a new beginning for Galveston Island and Port Bolivar Catholics brought on both by Hurricane Ike and the shortage of priests,” Doug Matthews, a deacon who has long served at Holy Rosary, said. “We have become one Holy Family Parish, and our consolidation can be used as a model for other Catholic dioceses facing shortage in priests.
“There have been moments when the transition for me since Hurricane Ike has been painful, emotional and sad. ... It is our goal to preserve the eight Catholic Churches’ history and contributions made in the past, as we look forward to our new beginning.”
+++
At a glance
WHAT: Holy Family Parish opening mass celebration
WHEN: 4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Galveston Island Convention Center, 56th and Seawall
DETAILS: A reception with light refreshments is scheduled after the mass.
INFORMATION: 409-762-9646
+++
Assisting the Cardinal
Priests: Michael Earthman, John Paul Flajole, Eugene J. Stein and Nils Thompson
Deacons: Sam Dell’Olio, Henry Herrera, Doug Matthews, Deacon John Pistone, Robert Standridge and Henry Becker.
Share |
Save |
Mail |
Print |
Letter |
Comment
|
|
|
