Do you love music? Sunday May 18, 2013, there will be a free concert at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda, TX. Tony Melendez is a world-renowned musician that brings the love of Jesus through his music ministry. He was born in Nicaragua, but has lived in Texas most of his life. Come support a… [Read More]
Sunday Says – May 11, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
May 11, 2014 – Fourth Sunday of Easter Lectionary: 267 (NAB Readings) Reading 1 ACTS 2:14A, 36-41 This week’s first reading pick’s up again where we left off last Sunday in St Peter’s sermon that converted the 3,000. In fact you might feel like you’ve heard this before. The first verse is the exact same last… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – May 4, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
Third Sunday of Easter Sunday May 4, 2014 Lectionary: 46 Reading 1 ACTS 2:14, 22-33 We continue in the book of the Acts of the Apostles in this week’s first reading. This is one of those readings that is hard to with justice to the content. This is part of the famous speech given by… [Read More]
John Paul II – Our Digital Patron
It’s almost strange to think that a Polish priest became one of the main intercessors and patron saints of a group of group of people in Texas on their computers. Yes, John Paul II was pope when the internet was coming of age, but he was born in the 1920s and he barely ever even… [Read More]
Questions About Veiling the Cross in Passiontide
Lent is a slow build. With each passing week, we go deeper into the heart of the desert and seek a deeper dependence upon the Lord. We all know that the week leading up to the Paschal Triduum is Holy Week, but fewer know that the week before Holy Week is known as Passiontide. As… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – April 6, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
Sunday April 6, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflection [powerpress] Fifth Sunday of Lent Lectionary: 34 This is Fifth Sunday of Lent, the last purple Sunday of this liturgical year. We are now only a week away from Holy Week, and the anticipation is growing. Reading 1 Ezekiel 37:12-14 This week’s first reading from the prophet… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – March 30, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
Sunday March 30, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflection [powerpress] Sunday Says March 30, 2014 Fourth Sunday of Lent (NAB Readings)(Jerusalem Bible Translation) Lectionary: 31 This Sunday is a little different from the other Sundays in Lent. The liturgical color changes from purple to pink. It is a Laetare Sunday – a reason for some celebration…. [Read More]
The IKEA Effect in Spiritual Growth
Have you ever bought a piece of furniture from IKEA? It takes hours to construct based off the cryptic, graphic-only instructions. After all the blood, sweat, and tears, you have bonded with your furniture and it starts to distort your perspective. Suddenly, you’re perfectly accept, proud in fact, of the piece of furniture that has… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – March 23, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
Sunday March 23, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflection [powerpress] Third Sunday of Lent (NAB Readings) (Jerusalem Bible Readings) Lectionary: 28 We’re now in the third week of Lent, almost half way there. This week, the tone of the readings signal a constant reminder of the opportunities that God provides for us. Reading 1 EX 17:3-7… [Read More]
Slipping Up in Lent – Questions about Lenten Sacrifices
When we start Lent with a day like Ash Wednesday, it sets a somewhat somber tone for the season. This is a season of sacrifice, penance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Definitely sounds like a no-fun zone. Thinking about doing something that makes you happy? Save it for Easter! This is at least how many Catholics look… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – March 9, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
March 9, 2014 Readings and Reflection [powerpress] First Sunday of Lent (NAB Readings) (Jerusalem Bible Readings) Lectionary: 22 We’re now in the season of Lent, our spiritual time in the desert as we prepare for the great season of Easter. It’s a time of penitential season, a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Reading 1… [Read More]
A Husband in Good Times and in Bad
There’s a real beauty to the cycle of life. Some are at the point where their friends are retiring, others, where they’re reaching the peaks of their professional careers. I’m in the time in my life when all my friends are getting married and having kids. It’s so common, that sometimes the excitement can be… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – Feb 23, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
February 23, 2014 [powerpress] Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (NAB Version) (Jerusalem Bible) Lectionary: 79 Reading 1 LV 19:1-2, 17-18 This week’s first reading from Leviticus is very short, but shows us part of the central identity of God. He is Holy. Unlink the pagans that worshiped false gods, God reveals Himself as set apart and… [Read More]
Last Call for the Catholic Men’s Conference
This weekend, the Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men is hosting their 2nd Annual Men’s Conference. I was blessed to attend the first one last year featuring Matthew Kelly, and it was an amazing event. This year, the event will feature presentations by Fr. Larry Richards. It’s sure to be a blessed and rejuvenating time…. [Read More]
Pastoral Plan Listening Sessions
Bishop Joe Vásquez is leading the way for a new Pastoral Plan for the diocese. Our diocese is in planning stages of forming a new pastoral plan, and they want to hear from all of us. This is a good opportunity to share some ideas and bring light to some areas that are in need… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – Jan 26, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
January 26, 2014 [powerpress] Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year A (NAB Translation) (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Lectionary: 67 Reading 1 IS 8:23-9:3 This week’s first reading we hear from Isaiah and a familiar passage that is often associated with Christmas. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” This week we hear more… [Read More]
Jeans or a Suit? 4 Things a Man Should Wear to Mass
Going to Mass requires some effort. You have to schedule it in your calendar, make sure that nothing else will prevent you from going, and even do a little prep for the readings (insert plug) by listening to the Sunday Says Podcast. With our our busy lives today, that can be a really big feat… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – January 12, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] Feast of the Baptism of the Lord January 12, 2014 Lectionary: 21 Reading 1 IS 42:1-4, 6-7 In this week’s first reading, we return to the prophet Isaiah for the first time since Advent. After such a long time of being in exile, the Lord shows his deliberate favor upon the Jews. God is… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – January 5, 2014 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] 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. Reading 1 IS 60:1-6 In this week’s first reading from Isaiah, we see beautiful imagery of the use… [Read More]
Most Read Austin CNM Posts of 2013
Happy New Year! We’re excited to see the many great ways in which God will work in His local Church here in the Diocese of Austin. Our wonderful contributors shared their gifts through some great blogs. With so much great content that came out in the past year, we would like to take some time… [Read More]
Merry Christmas from Austin CNM
We’ve journeyed through all of the season of Advent in a preparation for the season of Christmas. While many think that the Christmas season is passing, we have just started today on December 25th. From all of us at Austin CNM, we wish you a very blessed and merry Christmas season. Suggested Listening: What is… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – December 22, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflections
Sunday December 22, 2013 Fourth Sunday of Advent (NAB translation) Lectionary: 10 We are now in the fourth Sunday of Advent, and Christ is near. In this week of Advent we focus less on the second coming of Jesus and more on the preparation of Christmas. Both require that we prepare our hearts to… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – December 15, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] Third Sunday of Advent December 15, 2013 (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Lectionary: 7 (New American Bible Translation) Gaudete! – Rejoice! Rejoice! This is Gaudete Sunday,the Sunday of rejoicing of God’s people. This is the day we start to light the rose or pink candle on the Advent wreath. The tone of the season of… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – December 8, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflections
[powerpress] Second Sunday of Advent – Year A (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Sunday December 8, 2013 (NAB Translation) Lectionary: 4 We are now in the second Sunday of Advent, and this week we hear some more of the warnings of the coming of the Lord, but this time, the readings focus more on hope. Reading 1… [Read More]
I Need Advent Because I am a Sinner
On the outside, sometimes it can look like I have it all together. The truth is that my life would fall apart if it wasn’t for Jesus. Even if all the external and material things were the same, I would be missing part of the only part of my life that really gives me peace…. [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – November 17, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 159 November 17, 2013 (Jerusalem Bible Translation) We are now deep in the setting sun of the liturgical year. We’re only one week away from the celebration of Christ the King, the official end of the liturgical year, and the tone of the readings shows that we are preparing… [Read More]
Fall 2013 Austin CNM Meetup
One of my favorite elements of our organization is that we have time to come together in person and spend time with each other as a community. All our efforts go in vain if they never extend to a life beyond the screen. Whether you’re a current or former contributor or just want to share… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – November 3, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time November 3, 2013 Lectionary: 153 Reading 1 WIS 11:22-12:2 Today’s first reading comes again from a very Catholic book of the Old Testament not typically found in Protestant bibles. I find a lot of beauty in this reading that places its focus on God’s intention for all creation and… [Read More]
Local Catholic Halloween Event for Families Oct 26
This place is really into Halloween. It’s growing in popularity across our culture as a source for revenue for business, but also a cultural fascination with death, zombies, gore, and many other dark things. Catholics have a much different approach. I recommend a post from Catholic Lane titled Holiday Hysteria: A Christian Approach to Halloween…. [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – October 20, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time October 20, 2013 Liturgy of the Word (NAB Translation) Lectionary: 147 Reading 1 EX 17:8-13 This week’s first reading from Exodus is famous battle story of Moses. This is one of those stories that the future generations of Hebrews probably enjoyed telling over and over again in memory of… [Read More]
Oct 20 XLT for Austin Diocese Youth
This weekend there is great event for the high school youth of our diocese. There will be hundreds of teens gathered from across the area to come together for mass, a meal, and Eucharistic Adoration. Visit the AustinXLT site for more info. The event will include a keynote presentation by Matt Regitz from Prince of Peace… [Read More]
Central Texas is Booming
Texas in general is booming. We native Texans already knew how much God blessed the Lone Star State, but the past years showed that a lot of people have been convinced of it enough to move here too. The numbers are staggering. Here in the Austin metro area, there are approximately 150 people that move… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – October 6, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Liturgy of the Word for October 6, 2013 (NAB Translations) Lectionary: 141 The liturgy of the word is fairly straight forward this week, but they serve as a great reminder of the call of our lives as disciples of Jesus. Reading 1 HB 1:2-3; 2:2-4… [Read More]
Mary of Nazareth Movie in Austin and Ticket Giveaway
One of my favorites subjects is the relationship of art and the faith. I’m absolutely convinced that the Church is in need of improving the quantity and quality of art it produces, and film is one of the areas where we are lacking the most. There is a new film about our Blessed Mother Mary,… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – September 22, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Liturgy of the Word for September 22, 2013 (NAB Translations) Lectionary: 135 Reflection begins at 3:30 minute mark. Reading 1 AM 8:4-7 This first reading from Amos is short and to the point. We haven’t heard from this prophet in over a year and half at Sunday… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – September 15, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Liturgy of the Word for September 15, 2013 (NAB Translations) Lectionary: 132 Reflection begins at 4:40 minute mark. Reading 1 EX 32:7-11, 13-14 This first reading features a conversation between Moses and God, showing an angrier side of the Father than we are used to hearing about…. [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – September 1, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Jerusalem Bible Translation) Liturgy of the Word for September 1, 2013 (USCCB NAB Readings) Lectionary: 126 Reflection begins at the 4:00 minute mark. Reading 1 SIR 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 The book of Sirach, also referred to as the book of Ecclesiasticus in some translations, is a collection of wisdom of the… [Read More]
Questions about the #ExploreGod Campaign
It’s been almost impossible to avoid running into the intriguing billboards and marketing for the #ExploreGod campaign in Austin. Some information has indicated that it is the largest billboard campaign ever to be run in the Austin area, which is a very impressive feat. Over 30 different billboards promoting an exploration of faith around the… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – August 25, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings for August 25, 2013 – Lectionary: 120 Reflection starts at 4 minute mark. Reading 1 IS 66:18-21 The week’s first reading from Isaiah doesn’t sound very new to us, but to the Jewish people, this was almost too hard to comprehend. The Jewish people rightfully thought of themselves as the… [Read More]
Sunday Says Podcast – August 18, 2013 Mass Readings and Reflection
[powerpress] Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings for August 18, 2013 – Lectionary: 120 Reflection starts at 3:30 minute mark. Reading 1 JER 38:4-6, 8-10 This first reading sounds like it comes straight from the storyline of a dama. Jeremiah is caught up in a messy scandal of politics in 7th century B.C. Jerusalem. Unfortunately, we miss… [Read More]
