In July, Father Stephen Nesrsta, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish in Corn Hill, received the Memorial Medal from the Czech Bishops’ Conference for his many years of support to Czech and Moravian deacons and priests.

Since 1998, Father Nesrsta has welcomed 68 Czech and Moravian clergy to Texas to learn about the U.S. The men arrive in the summer and usually stay for a few weeks.

“The program helps the deacons improve their English-speaking skills, get an experience of the Catholic Church in the United States, to visit Czech/Moravian settlements in Texas and to learn their history, and to get a better view of the U.S.,” Father Nesrsta said.

He also helps priests in the Czech Republic as they continue their studies for advanced degrees by obtaining research materials that are not available in their country. Father Nesrsta proofreads letters written in English for the Czech priests.

He said he has enjoyed helping the priests and introducing them to Central Texas, and he plans to continue in the years to come.

“I am very appreciative of my Moravian heritage … I see this program as a way of giving back to the land and people from my family came,” he said.