Our Ministries
18 Nov

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Joan Patricia Bohl

December 26, 1930-November 13, 2019

Joan Patricia Bohl was born on December 26, 1930 on the family ranch in Whitsett, Texas to John and Ruth McCowen. She passed from the arms of her loving family to the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on November 13, 2019. Joan graduated from The University of the Incarnate Word in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Joan was a servant-hearted professional, starting her career with the San Antonio Health Department, followed by a nearly 40-year career as the Head Nurse for the Harlandale Independent School District, which allowed her flexibility to spend time with her family and passion to work with children. Joan and her husband cherished their association with many friends, especially the St. Luke’s Catholic Church “Holy Spirit Family Guild” that was founded in 1961. Joan will always be remembered for her unconditional love for her family, kindness, strong work ethic, and seeing the best in everyone.

Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roy, of 45 years, and her parents, John and Ruth McCowen. She is survived by her children, Mark Bohl (Darla), Cathy Scales (Steve), Patricia McLeod (Doug), and Ann Bohl Deacon (Charlie). She is also survived by her grandchildren whom she adored, Troy Bohl, Brittany Smith, Tina Haden, John Housman, Samantha Mooty and Michael Karpienski, and her treasured great-grandchildren, Noel Bohl, Camden Bohl, Crew Bohl, Chapman Bohl, Gwen Smith, Emma Haden, Elijah Haden and Carter Haden. She is also survived by her two loving sisters, Marjorie MacMurdo and Lucy Krouskop.

MEMORIAL MASS

10:30 AM ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 AT ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH (4201 DE ZAVALA ROAD)

The family would like to invite friends and family to a celebration of life reception in St. Francis of Assisi’s Henke Hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UTHSCSA Mays Cancer Clinic (Family Services).

 

18 Nov

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Jose “Joe” D. Castillo

January 5, 1934-November 10, 2019

Joe went to his eternal rest on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the age of 85.

He is preceded by his son, Joseph Douglas. Joe will be greatly missed by his wife, Irene Meneses Castillo, sons David, Michael, Richard, and five granddaughters.

Visitation at 5:00 pm and Rosary at 6:00 pm on November 24, 2019
Mission Park Funeral Chapels North at 3401 Cherry Ridge, San Antonio, Texas.

Mass at 1:00 pm on November 25, 2019
St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78249

Internment at 2:30 pm on November 25, 2019
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Reception at Fort Sam Golf Course Club House

15 Nov

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Stubble or Healing Rays

Stubble is the leftover stalks in a field that has just been harvested, painful to step on, especially if you are bare-footed. Stubble is also what male facial hairs are in between being clean-shaven and growing a full beard. I’m told that this in-between time is pretty scratchy, itchy, and generally uncomfortable.

None of us would choose to be stubble, but Malachi tells us that the proud and evildoers will be stubble. How then do we rid ourselves of pride and evil-doing? Malachi tells us, “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays.”

To fear the Lord’s name is to be filled with awe and praise at the works of God. As for justice and healing, we are all wounded in some ways, and justice can help us heal. What would the “sun of justice with its healing rays” look like in our lives? For what work of justice-making do we have a passion? What will bring about healing? Healing, health, wholeness, and holiness are all related.

Let’s listen to the words and actions suggested in our Eucharistic liturgy this weekend. May they be “healing rays” for all of us, for our families, our parish community, our country, and our world.

13 Nov

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Albert C. Esquivel, Sr.

April 8, 1933-November 11, 2019

Albert C. Esquivel, Sr., age 86, went to be with the Lord on November 11, 2019 surrounded by his family. Albert was born on April 8, 1933 in San Antonio, TX to Lauro Esquivel and Alvesia Cuellar Esquivel. Albert graduated from San Antonio College and went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree from St. Mary’s University. Albert received his Master’s Degree from Trinity University where he learned the skills to prepare him for a long career in law enforcement. Albert retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections after 32 years of service as a warden. Albert married the love of his life. He and Lydia shared 60 beautiful years together as a loving couple. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family and will be remembered by the many lives that he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Bill and Frank Esquivel and Minerva Guerrero. Albert is survived by his wife, Lydia L. Esquivel; daughter, Lydia Ann Bauer (Donald) and son, Albert (ACE) Jr., (Sally); grandchildren, Donnie and Drew Bauer and Fawn Ann Esquivel; three great-grandsons; brother, George Esquivel and sister, Rosalinda Esquivel.

ROSARY: Monday, November 18 at 6:30 pm at Porter Loring (1101 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212)

MASS: Tuesday, November 19 at 10:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi

INTERMENT: San Fernando Cemetery No. II

RECEPTION: St. Francis of Assisi’s Henke Hall

08 Nov

To Celebrate a Life of Love: William “Bill” Schuh

William “Bill” Schuh, 87, passed away peacefully at his home, November 5, 2019. He was born in San Antonio, TX to August and Alvina Schuh. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and St. Mary’s University. He had a long career as a CPA. He was a partner for many years at Ernst & Young. In his spare time, he loved to hunt, fish, and travel with his wife, Jerry. He loved spending time with his family at the lake, the coast, and especially Garner State Park, where he met his wife. In his later years, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jerry Ann Vetters Schuh, and his sister, Evelyn Jordan. William is survived by his children, Sharon Schuh, Martin Schuh (Jodie), and Becky Moe (Doug); his grandchildren, Kimberly (Allen), Stephen (Liesl), Scott, Meagan, Madison and Mallory; and great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Sawyer, and Piper. The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 11, 2019, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

ROSARY
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2019
7:00 P.M.
PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

FUNERAL MASS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2019
11:00 A.M.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

8 Nov

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Hope in the Resurrection

Throughout history, some people have been willing to die rather than betray their faith. Why and how do they do that? One example is the Algerian martyrs portrayed in the movie Of Gods and Men. In the midst of the civil war in the late 1990s, these men and women knew how dangerous it was to remain in their ministry. Inspired by the courage of Jesus, even when they were given the choice to leave and thus escape the danger of death, they chose to remain.

Theirs is a difficult decision. But once they choose to die for the faith, the incredible joy of belief in the resurrection is evident in their last gathering together—a meal and a total giving of self. In their faces, their gestures and their presence to each other, we get a glimpse of new life, a heavenly feast. Their embrace of death is the living of the Creed that we profess when we say “I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.”

Martyrdom means witnessing, not choose to die, but being so strong in faith that you are willing to risk death. Who are the “resurrection people” for you? Who are some ordinary persons who chose to remain with the people they served? Bishop Oscar Romero, Sister Dorothy Stang in the Amazon, and the four women in El Salvador are contemporary examples for me. They sought justice for the people.

Besides martyrdom, what are some difficult earthly trials, heavy burdens that persons are able to endure because of their hope in the resurrection?

05 Nov

To Celebrate a Life of Love: James L. “Pete” Allen

January 23, 1938-November 3, 2019

James L. “Pete” Allen was born January 23, 1938, in Houston, Texas. He left this world to explore paradise with his Lord and Savior early Sunday morning, November 3, 2019, at the age of 81. Pete attended Allen Academy in Bryan, Texas and the University of Texas in Austin. Pete was married to his loving wife Adele J. “Judy” (Lyle) Allen for 57 years and was a devoted father to his three children from their conception until he left us.

Pete served in the United States Army at a missile site near Austin, Texas during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After an Honorable Discharge from the service in the Spring of 1963, Pete went to work for Coastal States Gas and later Valero Energy from the company’s inception in 1980 until his retirement in 1997.

He was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and a respected member of the community, completing many hours of volunteer service with the Knights of Columbus, Valero Vanguard, Habitat for Humanity, and St. Francis of Assisi Men’s Club. He was a lover of the Texas Hill Country’s great outdoors and enjoyed hunting, traveling, and exploring God’s Creation. He lived a long and full life and cherished time spent with his large and loving family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William “Alec” and Eva (Blackmon) Allen, and his only sister, Nancy (Allen) Burford. He is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Judy; their eldest son Bill and daughter-in-law Tami of Austin, Texas, son Tom and daughter-in-law Mary Frances of Austin, Texas, daughter Kathy and son-in-law Dan Stephens of Plymouth, Minnesota; and their seven grandchildren Travis Allen, Savannah Allen, Cody Allen, Forest Allen and his wife Jessica, Maria (Allen) Arthun and her husband Brock, Maggie Stephens, and Rachel Stephens. He had the joy of holding his first great-granddaughter Elisa Jewel Allen while he was with us and learned of and loved his newest great-granddaughter Ivy James Arthun, who came into the world just three days before he left us.

Pete will be dearly missed by all who had the honor and pleasure of knowing and loving him.

VIGIL & ROSARY
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2019
7:00 P.M.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

MEMORIAL MASS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2019
10:00 A.M.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, St. Vincent de Paul, Living Waters International, Knights of Columbus, or the charity of your choice.

1 Nov

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Up a Tree

To be “up a tree” is to be in a difficult situation without escape, cornered! Zacchaeus was in just such a situation. Or was he? In the Gospel we read that he was “seeking to see who Jesus was.” And he climbed a tree in order “to see Jesus.”

Zacchaeus was indeed in a difficult situation. He was the hated main tax collector, scorned by this huge crowd. And he was “short.” He could easily have been lost in the crowd. He was probably filled with fear! Imagine then how it felt when Jesus picked him out and Jesus invited himself to dine with Zacchaeus. And Zacchaeus said YES! Coming down and out of the tree changed Zacchaeus! Imagine Jesus and Zacchaeus walking arm in arm, eating and drinking—sharing a meal—and rejoicing in how easily Jesus can love someone who is lost back into life.

In what ways do we find ourselves climbing a tree, like Zacchaeus, so we can have a better view of Jesus? What are we seeking in our relationship with Jesus? And once we can see him, what happens to us, in us?

God hungers for lost souls. God sent Jesus to seek and to save what was lost. Let’s pray to discover how we too are lost and in need of saving!

 

Bonus reflection: Watch Kenneth’s video reflection on our St. Francis of Assisi YouTube channel by clicking here.

25 Oct

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Who Am I in Prayer?

How do I present myself to God when I pray? Do I express my utter dependence on God alone with humility, admitting my sinfulness? Do I try to impress God with a focus on what I am doing for the poor, for the widow and the orphan, for the refugee?

When in my life do I find myself saying “Thank God I am not like the others?” How do we know when perhaps we are complicit in social sin?

I found this reflection very helpful in understanding the lessons of this parable for me today.

https://liturgy.slu.edu/30OrdC102719/reflections_justice.html

16 Oct

Beware of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams have been growing more and more lately in parish communities. Whether it’s an email request from someone at the parish, or a text message sent to a parishioner asking for gift cards or money, scammers are getting savvier in tricking people into giving them money. What can you do to avoid all this? Think before you click!

If you ever get a text message from someone claiming to be the pastor of your parish, or a hastily written email from a prominent member of your parish staff, with a strange request — you need to train yourself to step back and think: is this normal?

Usually the request is for iTunes or GooglePlay gift cards to be purchased, the back scratched off to reveal the PIN number, and then both sides photographed and texted back to the person asking for them. Rather unusual for a pastor or someone else on staff to ask for, right? Nine times out of ten, you’d be right, and the best thing to do is delete the text message or email ASAP. But if you still have doubts, you can always connect with that person through other means — like calling the parish office directly, in order to be sure.

Every day, you hear of a new internet scam. The best way to not fall for these scams is to remain vigilant, always verify, and always think before you click. For more ways to protect yourself, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information website for some great tips.