Our Ministries
20 Jul

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Dennis O. Dooley

September 1, 1936-July 13, 2021

Dennis O. Dooley was born September 1, 1936 in McAllen, Texas to Olwyn Dooley and Kathleen Walsh Dooley.  He passed away peacefully on July 13, 2021.

Dennis left McAllen to attend St. Anthony’s Junior Seminary in San Antonio where he graduated in 1954.  He continued his studies with the Oblates of Mary Immaculate where he received his Master of Divinity from Oblate School of Theology and was ordained in 1966.  As a priest, he served as a Vocational Director for the Oblates visiting parish schools throughout the United States and as a parish priest at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colorado Springs, CO.

Dennis moved to Houston in the early 1970s where he worked in the real estate field after obtaining his sales and broker licenses.  During this time he met and married Nancy Henkel, his wife of 45 years.

He then moved to San Antonio where he earned his Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University and went to work for the Bexar County Probation Department where he worked in the Intensive Supervision Program, a new program to help rehabilitate felons to avoid prison and remain in society.

After retiring from the probation department, he worked for South Texas Psychological Services where he tested and interviewed people applying for Medicare and Medicaid services.  Throughout his life he gave of his time to be of service through many volunteer activities.

Dennis lived a life of faith and never lost his passion for helping others whatever the situation; he always knew the perfect thing to say.  He had so much knowledge of church and family history to share as he was a lifelong learner with an inquisitive mind.   He was always able to relate scripture to our daily lives and was a counselor and mentor to so many.

Dennis had a love for the Spanish language.  As a child he heard Spanish in his home and community; he then continued to take courses and classes to learn and understand more about the culture through language.  He took every opportunity he had to use his Spanish.  He spent time in Mexico and with a family in Costa Rica as he enriched his understanding.

Dennis enjoyed sports.  He played baseball (beginning with his father and brother in the Valley) and basketball in his younger years, then golf throughout his adult life.  Dennis had a beautiful Irish tenor voice and loved to sing Irish songs (as he did at home for his mother), Spanish songs, or any favorite song at every opportunity to the joy of all around him.

He never met a stranger either for conversation or willingness to help.  He always loved to tell a good story, and his sense of humor, pleasant smile and charming personality made it all the more enjoyable.  His favorite trips were spending time with family, and his tours of San Antonio were a favorite with all generations of family and friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters: Virginia Nowatnick and Mary Ruth Strangeways, and 2 brothers:  Jack Dooley and Donald Dooley.  He is survived by his wife, Nancy; sister-in-law, Antoinette Dooley, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

MEMORIAL SERVICES

 

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00 P.M.

The Angelus Funeral Home Chapel

1119 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78215

Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 7:00 P.M.

 

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 P.M. at the Immaculate Conception Chapel at the Oblate School of Theology

285 Oblate Dr., San Antonio, TX 78216

 

INTERMENT

Resurrection Cemetery at Cordi-Marian

Private Service at a later date

 

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Memorial contributions may be made in Dennis’ name to the Oblate Madonna Residence.

16 Jul

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Shepherd’s Voice

Jesus has compassion for the crowds that bombard him. He claims them all with a commitment to teach them many things because they appear to be sheep without a shepherd. I think that many of us can identify with this scenario in Mark’s gospel. Sheep learn to recognize the voice of their shepherd, the one most responsible for their care. Ron Rolheiser presents us with ways to discern the voice of the Good Shepherd. After reading the quote below reflect on these questions: Which voice of God is prominent in your life, is most easily recognizable? Which voice is most challenging? Which voice will I listen to more intentionally?

Among all the voices that surround and beckon us, how do we discern the unique cadence of God’s voice? Which one is the voice of the Good Shepherd?

There’s no easy answer and sometimes the best we can do is to trust our gut-feeling about right and wrong.

But we have a number of principles that come to us from Jesus, from scripture, and from the deep wells of our Christian tradition that can help us.

What follows is a series of principles to help us discern God’s voice among the multitude of voices that beckon us. What is the unique cadence of the voice of the Good Shepherd?

    • The voice of God is recognized both in whispers and in soft tones, even as it is recognized in thunder and in storm.
    • The voice of God is recognized wherever one sees life, joy, health, color, and humor, even as it is recognized wherever one sees dying, suffering, conscriptive poverty, and a beaten-down spirit.
    • The voice of God is recognized in what calls us to what’s higher, sets us apart, and invites us to holiness, even as it is recognized in what calls us to humility, submergence into humanity, and in that which refuses to denigrate our humanity.
    • The voice of God is recognized in what appears in our lives as “foreign,” as other, as “stranger,” even as it is recognized in the voice that beckons us home.
    • The voice of God is the one that most challenges and stretches us, even as it the only voice that ultimately soothes and comforts us.
    • The voice of God enters our lives as the greatest of all powers, even as it forever lies in vulnerability, like a helpless baby in the straw.
    • The voice of God is always heard in privileged way in the poor, even as it beckons us through the voice of the artist and the intellectual.
    • The voice of God always invites us to live beyond all fear, even as it inspires holy fear.
    • The voice of God is heard inside the gifts of the Holy Spirit, even as it invites us never to deny the complexities of our world and our own lives.
    • The voice of God is always heard wherever there is genuine enjoyment and gratitude, even as it asks us to deny ourselves, die to ourselves, and freely relativize all the things of this world.

The voice of God, it would seem, is forever found in paradox.

Ron Rolheiser

The entire reflection can be found here:

In Exile | Saint Louis University Sunday Web Site (slu.edu)

08 Jul

Life Teen and EDGE Member Recruitment

Life Teen and EDGE need you in our mission to lead teens closer to Christ. Over the past 21 years, adults at St. Francis have responded to their baptismal call and served our teens and middle school youth as Core Members. They are the heart of our ministry.

Very simply, a Core Member’s job is to share Jesus Christ with the teens and youth they encounter. You do not need to know everything about the Bible, and you do not need to have the answers to every question. Your responsibility is to love teens where they are at and show them that they are loved by God by building Christ-centered relationships with them.

As we prepare to kick-off a new season of ministry in a couple of months, we are looking for new recruits to join both of our Core Teams. Life Teen meets on Sunday evenings at 6:15 pm after the 5:00 pm Mass. This includes most Sundays during the summer. EDGE meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm and is currently on break until the new school year begins.

Interested adults in joining our Life Teen Core Team should be 20 years old and up. Teens in their junior or senior year of high school are welcome additions to our EDGE Core Team as well adults that are 19 years old and up.

If you would like more information about becoming a Core Member, please contact Monica Harness at mharness@sfasat.org or (210) 492-4600 x216.

9 Jul

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Walking Sticks in Our Lives

Jesus instructed the Twelve to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick. For now, let’s just stay with that image of a walking stick. That “assistive device” is never on my list of travel items to pack. Yet it is the only thing that Jesus instructed his followers to take with them. What did Jesus mean by that? No food, clothing, credit card, reservations for a place to stay, transportation?

Every time we participate at Mass, the last words of the liturgy are a message of sending forth. “Go and preach the Gospel.” “Go forth and serve the Lord and each other.” “Go and BE the Good News to others.” We pick up that stick and begin walking where Jesus walked. All that we need is Jesus—the Jesus we just encountered in the Mass and in each other. Yes, Jesus is our walking stick, and we are walking sticks for each other.

As I reflected on the image I chose for “the walking stick,” I began to wonder. I see walking sticks in both person’s hands. Who is leading and who is following? Is the child merely imitating the adult? As the child looks at the adult, is the child urging the adult on? Is the adult taking the child along for the journey?

Walking sticks are important in hiking, especially for maintaining balance on rocky or uneven terrain. Where is the balance that we need in our faith journeys? What terrain that we are encountering requires assistive devices? In addition to Jesus, who are the persons in our lives who serve as “walking sticks” for us? Walking sticks, companions on the journey, and sensible shoes! See the reflection from Diana Macalintal here.

 

08 Jul

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Jack O’Hagan Mondin

February 4, 1945-June 19, 2021

Jack (Jacob to some) O’Hagan Mondin was granted his wings for final flight on June 19, 2021 at the age of 76. He was a long-time cancer survivor and was very proud of the fact that Doctors Mark Riddoch and Michael Sarodsy identified the problem and took the appropriate steps to resolve the issue. He just got old and worn out like so many of us do.

He was born in Seguin, TX on February 4, 1945, and proud to be a native Texan and grateful to his parents who preceded him, Peter (Pete) Charles and Marcella Julia Frances Mary Catherine O’ Hagan Mondin, for bringing him into this world and giving him the tool kit to be successful in life. He is also predeceased by Rita Baer Ferguson, a cousin who was like a sister and her husband, Larry. He is survived by his partner and spouse, Mikel Shawn Chamblee, and many fraternal cousins. There are no maternal cousins as he is the last in line on that side of the family.

He attended St Josephs Catholic School (now St. James) and graduated from Seguin High School and went on to Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University at San Marcos) graduating with a BBA degree. While there he was a founding member of a local fraternity which later colonized with the national fraternity Of Phi Kappa Tau and became the Gamma Psi chapter and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of installation. He was a charter member.

As he thought about what he might do with this new degree he was encouraged to take a look at USAA. He interviewed and before he got back home to Seguin (in those days no cell phones) he had received a telephone call with job offer which he would take after some negotiations. This would begin a 35-year successful career. There would be multiple jobs in the Property and Casualty Company to include special correspondent, presidential complaint correspondent, and numerous positions in the Training department. The last 20 years of his career would be spent putting all the Publishing functions under one roof and leading that group to unprecedented successes but only because of the people that were willing to work at it hard and make it happen—as he always said as we moved into the era of technology—”without great people technology can make no magic” and with the support of management we began to do things unthought-of in the publishing world and were a leader in the private industry. It was the team of people that became like business family that made it happen. We worked hard but we had fun. Eventually, we were named the Best In-house Publishing group by the International Publishing Management Association (IPMA) based upon production volume and cost. The mailing portion of USAA would also receive the same award some time later based upon the same criteria. He was published in industry magazines at least four times for his work in the field and appeared on the covers of all.

He eventually would be a regional director, board member, Senior Vice President and President of the Board of IPMA leading them through some tumultuous times. Upon the end of his term, one board director wrote, “It was like pulling eye teeth but your leadership saved the organization.” At the end of his leadership as executive in charge of Print and Mail the ultimate decision was made to dissolve the organization and so be it but a year later he learned that the numbers used to justify that decision never supported that decision so all of you know you were doing the right thing.

There is life after the corporate world and he became a licensed Texas Realtor at the encouragement of a good friend. He had lots of fun helping people, but the best part was helping thru charity and the real estate firm he associated with. There the individuals had a passion for helping not only agents but others in the community. We established a nonprofit to do both and gave back to both individuals and community sources millions of dollars in both real dollars and volunteer time, all of them exceptional people. It was during that time that he got a spiritual calling to reclaim his faith and his team leader gave him a ring with a cross and said “may this guide you on your journey.” With consultation with some great individuals on the east coast, his journey would lead him to St. Francis of Assisi, which was under the direction of Father Larry Christan at the time when he would get involved—a member of the discipleship council, later pastoral council member and the president as well as serving as a Eucharistic Minister and also a Lector and Commentator.

While he was proud of many things of course his staff first the one other one thing was being selected to work with a nationwide group to define the criteria for the printing press of the future one that would involve direct to press technology and color. After two years that machine came into fruition and would be called “NexPress”. It is still marketed today, very successfully.

The recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Private interment will be held at St. James Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hearts and Hands Keller Williams Heritage Realty, 18402 US Hwy 281, Ste. 285, San Antonio, Texas, 78259 or to the charity of one’s choice.

To all he has known and loved he bids farewell and hopes to see you on the other side—Be safe!

07 Jul

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Herbert Lee Weldon

April 28, 1968-June 24, 2021

Herbert Lee Weldon, resident of San Antonio, TX and former resident of Kansas City, MO, died unexpectedly on June 24, 2021, at the age of 53.

Lee is survived by his mother, Nadine L. Weldon of Grandview, MO; his wife, Anne Marie Hotard Weldon, his children Cameron R. Weldon and Ana Maria S. Weldon of San Antonio, TX, his brother, Kyle B. Weldon of Lee’s Summit, MO and his sister, Dawn R. Thornton of Pella, IA. He is predeceased by his father, Herbert Wayne Weldon, of Grandview, MO.

Lee was born in Dalhart, TX on April 28, 1968 to Herb and Nadine Weldon. He attended school in Grandview, MO, and graduated high school in 1986. Lee attended college and then moved into retail sales with stores such as Sears, Eddie Bauer, The Disney Store, Blockbuster, and Lowes. He transitioned to a regional sales manager position with Valspar Paints, which was his primary career for many years. Lee met his wife, Anne Marie, in Kansas City, MO in October of 2000. They were married on October 26, 2002, in San Antonio, TX. His son, Cameron, was born on September 12, 2007, followed by his daughter, Ana, who was born on June 7, 2009.

Lee was a fully devoted family man, who deeply loved his wife, children, extended family, and friends. His love of music started in grade school, and he had a superfan dedication to the band, Rush. Growing up in Grandview, MO, Lee also enjoyed riding dirt bikes, going on family camping and fishing trips and spending time with his pets. Yoda, Jedi, Max, and Leia were his most cherished and loved big dogs. He developed a taste for cooking over the years and truly enjoyed his mom’s home cooking. You could say that Lee was a bit of a nut-ball fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as the Kansas City Royals. He and his family would spend hours texting and even watching live Chiefs games while on the phone together. Lee also enjoyed NASCAR, hunting, family trips to KC, dad jokes and just having fun in life.

Lee was always the first to jump in and help anyone in need. His dedication to serve was foremost on his mind. He genuinely loved God and loved others. Lee enjoyed serving meals to the homeless on Thanksgiving Day with Pilgrim’s Pantry and he had a huge passion for the re|engage marriage ministry. Mental health awareness causes, and suicide prevention organizations had a special place in his heart and life. Lee will be deeply missed by his family, close friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing such a kind and caring man.

In lieu of flowers for the Celebration of Life, please consider donating to one of the following organizations:

National Alliance of Mental Illness – Central Texas (https://namicentraltx.org). Donations can be made in Lee’s honor by selecting donate on their website and selecting “dedicate my donation in honor or memory of someone”. Honoree Name is Lee Weldon. Recipient Name is Anne Marie Weldon. Recipient Address email is annemarie@aweldonlife.com.

Pilgrim’s Pantry – (https://www.pilgrimspantry.org) Donations can be made online via PayPal thru the Pilgrim’s Pantry website.

A service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi at 6 pm on Friday, July 16. This will be live streamed. Those attending in person do not need to wear a mask if they have been fully vaccinated; those who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should wear a mask.

30 Jun

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Adam Cavazos, IV

October 4, 1992-June 24, 2021

Adam Cavazos, IV was born at Misawa Air Base, Japan to Cecilia & Adam Cavazos, III. He passed away on June 24, 2021. He is survived by his parents, sister, Clarissa, and family pet, Callie.

He graduated from Churchill High School in 2011, and although never would admit it, was naturally smart. Some academics came quite easy for him. He was a natural athlete, focusing his attention on weight-lifting, becoming very skilled, and, through determination, always used the proper technique. He was extremely strong and had tremendous willpower and dedication to the gym. Adam loved watching superhero movies, SpongeBob, and listened to all kinds of music. He was independent, introverted, but knew how to make you laugh, and was just a chill dude. He traveled from time to time as a youngster and spent time on the road with his family, visiting family and friends from coast to coast. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and loved talking business. Adam was loved dearly by his immediate and extended family and close friends.

Adam, you will be missed. Love Callie

The visitation and vigil service are at Mission Park North at 7 pm on Thursday, July 1. Fr. Tony Vilano will celebrate the funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 11 am on Friday, July 2. The burial will follow at Mission Park North Burial Cemetery.

2 Jul

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

See and Hear with Open Hearts

A carpenter’s son? A neighbor’s child? Sometimes the familiar gets in the way of our seeing God’s work in our lives. We have preconceived ideas about what we can expect from the people we think we know so well. Our expectations can limit the possibilities for them to reveal God at work in them. I often hear parents say that their kids behave so much better, are much more willing to help or lend a hand, are more courteous and respectful to other parents or other adults than they are to them. Actually, they said that about me too when I was growing up. I think all of us have blind spots about so many people in our lives. We don’t seem to be able to see and to hear God’s deeds, God’s creation in our family, our friends, our bosses and co-workers, the people we sit next to in the pews, the workers in stores. Today we have come to use the words “I see you” to indicate that someone is not invisible to us. We say “I hear you” to indicate that we have listened deeply, have listened for understanding rather than argument or attempts to get them to agree with the way we think.

Our scripture readings are all about being sent to places and to people who are “hard of face and obstinate of heart.” Jesus was not able to do much in his hometown. What they believed about his upbringing kept them from believing in his wisdom and power, especially to heal.

Where in our own lives do we recognize our tendency to be “hard of face and obstinate of heart? How to we work to “listen” for what God might be saying and to “see” how God might be trying to get our attention? When we reflect on our experience of the pandemic, do we see and hear people that we think we know or knew, differently? Who do I choose to hear and see differently as a result of my reflection and prayer? In response to the Gospels we read? In response to the pleadings of prophets today?

We pray for the gift of faith that continues to recognize the goodness in all of God’s creation—even those we seek to avoid, to not see, and not hear or even talk to. Pope Francis reminds us to encounter others with love, compassion, and empathy that leads to MERCY.

Jesse Manibusan writes and sings that with open eyes and ears and hearts, “we’ll speak in new ways and we’ll see God’s face in places we’ve never known.”  Listen here:

28 Jun

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Maria Luisa Escobedo Aguirre

August 25, 1940-June 17, 2021

Maria Luisa Escobedo Aguirre went home to the loving arms of our Lord on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at the age of 80.

Maria Luisa was born in Las Esperanzas, Coahuila, Mexico, on August 25, 1940 to Manuel and Zapopan Escobedo. In 1967, she and her loving husband, Ernesto Aguirre, and four daughters migrated from Nueva Rosita, Coahuila, Mexico to San Antonio, Texas. In 1970, they welcomed their twin girls and the family was now complete.

Licha, as she was lovingly known, is survived by her daughters, Dinhora Aguirre Garcia, husband Jorge; Rosa Maria Aguirre; Flor Aguirre Olivares, husband Ricardo; Anabell Aguirre Rodriguez, husband Joseph; Rocio Aguirre Sands, husband Brian; and Leticia Aguirre Briseño, husband John; her grandchildren, Michelle Aguirre Garcia, Ricardo Ernesto Olivares, Joaquin Aguirre Olivares, Matthew Thomas Rodriguez, Edward John Briseño and Andrew John Briseño; her four-legged grandkids, Nacho, Teddy, and Ollie; her brother, José Ernesto Escobedo, wife Genobeba; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Maria Luisa was preceded in death by the love her life, Ernesto Aguirre; her parents, Manuel and Zapopan Escobedo; her siblings, Enrique Escobedo, Consuelo Valadez, Manuela Flores, Elena Barron, Amalia Ruiz, Dora Gomez, Hortencia Escobedo, Guadalupe Escobedo and Enedelia Escobedo.

Licha’s greatest satisfaction and pride in life was raising her six daughters to be strong, faith-filled and courageous women. Her family was everything to her and she was extremely proud that she had the opportunity to have an active and important role in her grandchildren’s lives.

Maria Luisa was more than a mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She worked at La Poblanita Bakery for many years and loved interacting with people. She attended cosmetology school and went on to open her own beauty salon. She was a mentor, counselor, friend and mother figure to so many whose lives she touched. She loved cooking, baking, doing arts and crafts, watching her telenovelas, and tending to her garden.

Maria Luisa will be missed every day and will forever live in our hearts.

MEMORIAL SERVICES

Vigil/Rosary Service: Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at 7:00 pm. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd., San Antonio, TX 78249. Family will receive visitors from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

Celebration Mass: Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 11:30 am. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd., San Antonio, TX 78249.

Interment: San Fernando Cemetery #2, 746 Castroville Rd, San Antonio, TX 78237

LIVE STREAM:

25 Jun

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

To Be Made Well

The need for healings, the need for so much of God’s creation to be made well, is huge. Think of all the persons in your life who are in need of healing from illnesses, from abuse, addictions, shunning, fractured relationships, and exclusion. If I (or anyone) were being shunned today, if I were in need of healing, what is the closest thing to Jesus that I could touch and be healed? What is it about Jesus that made him notice, become aware, and do something about it when people of all kinds asked, in words and in actions, for life, for restoration to wholeness, for acceptance in the community?

Many of us remember June as being the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our Scripture readings give us evidence of what stirs Jesus’ heart and how he responds with compassion and grants fullness of life to all who have faith and boldly ask to be made well. How will we, the community professing faith during our worship this weekend, participate in the healing work of Jesus, bringing all of God’s creation to wholeness and fullness of life?