As we close out 2022 and get ready to begin 2023, I just want to take a minute to thank God for our many blessings here in Central Texas. 2022 has been a year of exciting changes and celebrations and we are so blessed to continue those celebrations into the new year.

Did you know that the Diocese of Austin will have five new sanctuaries ready for worship in the next few months? The Eastern Ring Project, which includes St. Joseph Parish in Manor, Santa Barbara Parish in Hornsby Bend and San Francisco Javier Parish in Austin, will be complete and the three new churches will be dedicated soon. St. Mary Catholic Center in College Station and Visitation Parish in Westphalia will also complete construction and be dedicated this summer. How exciting! Stay tuned for details.

In 2023, we will continue celebrating the diocese’s 75th anniversary. Now is the time to purchase Treasures of the Diocese of Austin, the beautiful commemorative book that Bishop Vásquez commissioned for the 75th anniversary. It is also a great time to visit one of the five parishes designated as pilgrimage sites and gain a plenary indulgence. More details are here www.austindiocese75.org.

Let us give thanks for the goodness of God, and I pray that he will continue to guide all our efforts in the new year.