Since the moment of your conception, you are accompanied by a great spiritual being known as a guardian angel. Their mission is to guide and protect you and do everything they can to guide you to heaven. They are the faithful companions that have never left our side. It feels almost too incredible to be… [Read More]
About Cristóbal Almanza
Masculine Spirituality Thrives in Brotherhood
Adult men often have a difficult time making friends. It’s easy to have passive relationships with coworkers, guys at the gym, or even at church, but intentional friendship takes work. This is true for both men and women, but my focus here will be particular to men. Deep Connections Aren’t Accidental It’s easy to feel… [Read More]
Diversity in Ministry Part III – Financial
In the first two posts of this series, I explored how diversity in Gifts and Age can provide a richer experience of the faith and allow parishes to better minister to the community. Christians of all denominations today tend to look for communities where they feel like they can belong to the larger group. Sometimes the neighborhoods have similarities… [Read More]
2017 Catholic Men’s Conference – Feb 18
Calling All Men – 5th Annual 2017 CTFCM Men’s Conference – February 18, 2017 Hundreds of Catholic men will be gathering at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in North Austin for the annual Men’s Conference for the Diocese of Austin. This year’s gathering features Gus Lloyd, Robert Rodgers, and Harold Burke-Sivers (A.K.A The Dynamic… [Read More]
Christians Cannot Rely on the Law to Evangelize
There is a strange sentiment among American Christians that makes us think that we are somehow God’s favored ones in the world. This vision imagines the American Constitution as a perfect document almost equal to the Gospels. Our nation’s capitol is a physical embodiment of this idea, like a great temple in honor of the… [Read More]
Drink like a Catholic (Professional)
Let me begin by clarifying – I don’t mean drink like it’s your job. Unless of course, you’re a sommelier. The past two years, I have published posts about the relationship between our faith and drinking. I still get some interesting questions and discussions about the topic. If you haven’t, I recommend reading Drink like… [Read More]
Diversity in Ministry Part II – Age
In part 1 of this series, I began a conversation about the need for intentional diversity in ministry. I explored the ways in which we could encourage people of different gifts and talents to join forces to more effectively serve the Lord. Diversity is a word that is being used often today in various contexts,… [Read More]
8th Annual Diocesan Men’s Fellowship Mass – July 23
Post Update July 25, 2016: The event was a great success, and you can see photos from the Mass below. Full photo gallery by Raphael Riojas. For the 8th year in a row, there will be a Holy Mass celebrated as an encouragement to men. It’s easy to feel discouraged in a world that is… [Read More]
Sunday Says – July 10, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 105 Reading 1 Deuteronomy 30:10-14 This week’s first reading from the book of Deuteronomy is a quick recap of the heart of the law of Moses. Namely, God wants us to love Him without reserve. The Lord is often referred to as somehow being separate from us and in the… [Read More]
Sunday Says – June 12, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary:93 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 2 Samuel 12:7-10;13 This week’s first reading is from Samuel we hear Nathaniel appear to David to chastise him in the name of the Lord. The Lord reminds David that everything great that he has received has been a direct blessing from Him. It… [Read More]
Sunday Says – June 26, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 99 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 1 Kings 19:16B, 19-21 This week’s first reading from the first book of Kings in a story from the end of Elijah’s retirement when the Lord has asked him to appoint his successor. This is a perspective that reminds us what it means to… [Read More]
Diversity in Ministry Part 1 – Gifts and Talents
We all have a tendency to surround ourselves with people that are similar to ourselves. There are plenty of reasons this facilitates relationships and can be beneficial. In fact, searching for things in common is often how many friendships begin. This is a normal part of the process of getting to know new people, but… [Read More]
Sunday Says – May 15, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
May 15, 2016 – Pentecost Sunday – Mass During The Day Pentecost Sunday (Mass during the Day) Lectionary: 63 (NAB Translation) This is a Sunday that provides choices for the readings that are not just shorter or longer versions from the same section. It is likely that your mass differs in at least… [Read More]
Forming Teens Into Evangelical Catholics
Youth ministry is a unique challenge for the Church, and by challenge, I mean opportunity. A decade ago, I started to dabble in youth ministry, but I have spent the last 7 years working with great people in the Church to develop a program that can form young Evangelical Catholics. An understandably lofty goal, but one… [Read More]
Sunday Says – May 22, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Lectionary: 166 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 Proverbs 8:22-31 This week we celebrate the the Mystery of the Holy Trinity, and this first reading is a unique perspective from a personified wisdom. The book of proverbs is part of a greater collection of the wisdom of the Jewish people…. [Read More]
ATX Catholic Meetup and Day of Reflection April 30
Join us for a day of reflection at Our Lady of Schoenstatt Shrine on Saturday, April 30, 2016. We are hosting a meetup at the beautiful grounds of the Schoenstatt to take a day to come together in community. There will be presentations, time for reflection, prayer, optional Holy Mass, think tanks, snacks, and networking opportunities with… [Read More]
Sunday Says – April 17, 2016 Mass Readings and Refletion
Fourth Sunday of Easter Lectionary: 51 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 ACTS 13:14, 43-52 This week’s first reading from the book of Acts of the Apostles picks up in an exciting time for the Church. Paul and Barnabas bring almost an entire population of Gentiles to hear the Gospel, but it strikes anger and jealousy into… [Read More]
Sunday Says – April 3, 2-2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy) Lectionary: 45 (NAB Translation) Happy Easter! Divine Mercy Sunday is the Octave of Easter, and this is a special celebration in which it falls in the Jubilee of Mercy. Reading 1 Acts 5:12-16 The first reading from the book of Acts is the first in… [Read More]
Interview with The Ministry Institute of Christ the Servant
The Ministry Institute of Christ the Servant is a group dedicated to serving and forming those that work in ministry. Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Brandon Harvey, the founder and director, a few questions about the work that they do. Brandon is a husband and father. He has served the Church as a Director… [Read More]
Sunday Says – March 6, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
March 6, 2016 Fourth Sunday of Lent Lectionary: 33 (NAB Translation) The fourth Sunday of Lent is known at Laetare Sunday when we lighten the violet just a little to the shade of rose and celebrate that we are now only 3 weeks away from Easter. We are past the halfway mark, and we… [Read More]
Sunday Says February 23, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
Second Sunday of Lent Lectionary: 27 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 This week’s first reading from the first book of the Bible is the story how God speaks to Abram to offer him descendants as numerous as the stars. In the second paragraph it becomes a little strange to our generation to hear… [Read More]
Iron Sharpens Iron – 2016 Catholic Men’s Conference
Calling all Catholic men. We have a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a movement of men that want to make a real difference in the Church and in the world. We know how difficult it is to live out an authentic Christian witness in our world, and there is a true crisis of… [Read More]
Sunday Says February 6, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 75 (NAB Translation) This was a short season, and it is the last time we celebrate Ordinary Time on a Sunday for several months ahead. Reading 1 Isaiah 6:1-2A, 3-8 This week’s first reading is a mystical experience shared by the prophet Isaiah. He witnesses a vision of the… [Read More]
Introducing ATX Catholic
We are pleased to announce that we are changing our name from Austin Catholic New Media to ATX Catholic. Over the past several years, our group has undergone changes from its beginning as a social group of Catholic techies. While we still strive to unite the Catholic content creators of the diocese, creating content as… [Read More]
Sunday Says – Jan 24, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 69 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 Nehemiah 8:2-4A, 5-6, 8-10 This week’s first reading from the prophet Nehemiah focuses on the celebration of the Lord’s day. At this time, the Hebrews has recently returned to Jerusalem from the many years in exile and were in the process of rebuilding. They had… [Read More]
Sunday Says January 17, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 66 After a long season of purple and white, we’re back to the green ordinary time this week. Reading 1 Isaiah 62:1-5 This week’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah is beautiful imagery of God espousing His people. No longer would the people of God be discarded or treated… [Read More]
Sunday Says January 10, 2016 Mass Readings and Reflection
The Baptism of the Lord Sunday January 10, 2016 Lectionary: 21 (NAB Translation) We celebrate the official end to the great season of Christmas with this week’s Solemnity. Reading 1 Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 The first reading from the prophet Isaiah returns to a period where we placed a lot of our focus for first readings… [Read More]
Sunday Says January 3, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Lectionary: 20 (NAB Translation) (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Merry Christmas! It’s been a beautiful season of Christmas so far. Now we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord a few days early from the traditional date on the 6th. Reading 1 Isaiah 60:1-6 In this week’s first… [Read More]
Sunday Says – December 27, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
Sunday December 27, 2015 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Lectionary: 17 The Sunday in between Christmas and Epiphany is traditionally celebrated in honor of the Holy Family. We continue in the Octave of Christmas. Reading 1 Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 In this week’s first reading, we hear from the wise book of Sirach…. [Read More]
5 Ways to Celebrate a Christmas of Mercy
I’m always amazed at the way most people in society are able to recognize the beauty of the celebration of Christmas, regardless of their religious perspectives. People are more open to discussions of morality and even of God. It seems appropriate for the season. This Christmas is unique among our lifetime because it falls within… [Read More]
Sunday Says – December 13, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
December 13, 2015 Third Sunday of Advent Lectionary: 9 (NAB Translation) The Third Sunday of Advent is unique among the four and marked with the rose colored candle and vestments. We know it as Gaudete Sunday, meaning rejoice. Reading 1 Zephaniah 3:14-18A This week’s first reading from the Prophet Zephaniah is balanced combination of the… [Read More]
Sunday Says – November 29, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
Sunday, November 29, 2015 First Sunday of Advent Lectionary: 3 (NAB Translation) This is the first week of the season of Advent when the liturgical color is purple and we anticipate the season of Christmas that begins on December 25th. We also officially begin a new liturgical year. Reading 1 Jeremiah 33:14-16 This week’s… [Read More]
Sunday Says – November 22, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
The Solemnity Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Lectionary: 161 This week we celebrate the end of the liturgical year with the great solemnity of Christ the King. Reading 1 Daniel 7:13-14 Last week and this week, we hear from the prophet Daniel as he proclaims the prophecies of the coming King. This… [Read More]
Saint Maria Goretti in Texas and Basics on Relics
Texas has been blessed to get a unique saintly visitor this week. The Pilgrimage of Mercy has been traveling the country in preparation for the Jubilee of Mercy, and the bones of St Maria Goretti are traveling for the faithful to venerate and ask for her intercession. I went to visit her in Dallas, but… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – November 1, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
November 1, 2015 Solemnity of All Saints Lectionary: 667 (NAB Translation) We celebrate the great Solemnity of All Saints this Sunday. Reading 1 Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 In this week’s first reading we hear an apocalyptic passage of the great witnesses that have gone before us. We hear of how the ones that are near the… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – October 25, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
October 25, 2015 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 149 (Jerusalem Bible Translation)(NAB Translation) Reading 1 Jeremiah 31:7-9 This week’s first reading from the prophet Jeremiah is a unique visual in the Old Testament. We hear of a mixing of the lame and blind with the normal people. At this time, all those that were… [Read More]
Vincent Van Gogh: A Self-Portrait – Nov 5
Vincent van Gogh is a definitive artist that is often only remembered for his brushstrokes and Starry Night. Like many other great artists, his story and personality is often over-simplified and forgotten. At one point in his life, van Gogh had tried a life as a preacher, but the Dutch Reformed Church didn’t find him suitable… [Read More]
Sunday Says – October 11, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
October 11, 2015 Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 143 (NAB Translation) Reading 1 Wisdom 7:7-11 In this week’s first reading from the book of Wisdom, we hear a section of praises for Sophia (Wisdom), but her name is never mentioned. The writer is promoting a continued adherence to the traditions of their faith when… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – October 4, 2015 Mass Readings and Reflection
October 4, 2015 Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 140 (NAB Translation) (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Reading 1 Genesis 2:18-24 This week’s first reading comes to us from the well known reading from Genesis. This is the origin story of Eve in Adam’s search for a companion. This reading can be so familiar that it’s easy… [Read More]
Build a Relationship with Your Guardian Angel [Audio]
Angels are one of my favorite topics, and I have been giving various presentations on angelology for the last 5 years. People are often surprised by how much they didn’t know about their angel. I have taken a short segment of some of those presentations and put it in audio format to share in honor… [Read More]
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