Editor: Bishop Vásquez, the Diocese of Austin has begun its annual Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). Tell us about this year’s theme.

Bishop Vásquez: Together, we make a difference is the theme for this year’s CSA, which kicked off at the end of October. I chose this theme in light of the National Eucharistic Congress (NEC). One of the central points of the NEC was to bring together the church in the United States for a specific moment in time. It was a great blessing for me to be part of that very special grace-filled moment, as we focused on the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

The Eucharist brings us together as the Body of Christ, and in Christ, we are united. So the theme of this year’s CSA reminds us that together as the Body of Christ we do make a difference in the lives of others.

Editor: Last year's appeal had remarkable success. What do you attribute that success to?

Bishop Vásquez: First, I give thanks to God. Every year, we turn to the people of God in the Diocese of Austin and invite you to help us take care of the 100 ministries that serve the people of God throughout Central Texas. From Catholic schools to retirement for our priests to the formation of our priests and deacons, we have these wonderful ministries that need our support. Therefore, I am also thankful to every participant who offered their prayers and donations to the appeal.

Our priests did a wonderful job of promoting the CSA in their parishes to make the people aware of the needs that we have in our diocese. We had a record number of participants in last year’s appeal, and we hope that this year we can stir the hearts of our people to contribute so that the work of Christ continues.

Editor: The diocese had a separate seminarian appeal this year, which was new. Why was it necessary knowing that part of the CSA goes to the formation of our future priests?

Bishop Vásquez: The diocese pays $70,000 per year for each seminarian, which covers their tuition, room and board, a monthly stipend for expenses and health insurance, if necessary. And it takes about eight years to become a priest. This year due to the diligent work of our Vocations Office, we have 60 men studying for the priesthood, which is 20 more than we had last year!

With this huge increase, we realized there would be a shortfall in the funds for our seminarians; therefore, we turned to the people and asked for their support. Our people have been extremely generous, and to date we have raised nearly $700,000. We are very blessed to have such generous support for these men, who are studying to be good, holy priests.

Editor: What do you see is the biggest challenge for the CSA this year?

Bishop Vásquez: I know families are struggling right now with the high cost of groceries, housing and healthcare. Therefore, I want to make sure that our people can meet their basic needs. And I ask that those who are able to step forward to join me in support of this year’s Catholic Services Appeal. Let us come together to provide for others, to share what God has given us so that we can continue the good work of Christ and the church.

As the Diocese of Austin, as 123 parishes and missions across Central Texas, we come together to support men discerning vocations to the priesthood and diaconate, priests currently serving and retired, to sustain Catholic schools, religious education, ministerial formation and initiatives for life, peace and justice. The beauty of our church is that together we do make a difference.

Editor: What is your prayer for the 2024-2025 CSA?

Bishop Vásquez: Good and gracious God, you have richly blessed the Diocese of Austin. Give us generous hearts to use your gifts for the good of all. Your Son Jesus Christ gave us his body and blood that makes us one, and may the Holy Spirit continue to bring us together as members of the mystical Body of Christ to help those in need. Together, we do make a difference. Amen.

Together in faith we are

60 Seminarians

171 Priests and

160 Deacons in Active Ministry

48 Retired Priests and 

90 Retired Deacons

82 Sisters

29 Brothers

19 Catholic Schools with

5,300 students

27,298 Students in Religious Education

1 Diocese of Austin

123 Parishes and Missions

25 counties covering 21,066 square miles

678,545 Catholics