June 27, 2016 AUSTIN — The US Supreme Court has decided, in a 5-3 decision, to strike down Texas HB2, a law that protects women’s safety while seeking an abortion. The Texas Bishops are highly concerned that this ruling puts women at grave risk. The Texas State Legislature overwhelmingly approved HB2. Its main purpose is to secure surgical center, health and safety standards for women seeking an abortion. Their lives are just as precious as those of their children.

Saturday, June 25, at Saint Mary Cathedral, 9:00am-4:30pm, sponsored by the Focolare Movement. Program includes presentations, witness talks, Mass, and games for the whole family (programs for children and youth provided). Spanish translation available

The eighth annual diocesan Men's Fellowship Mass will be held July 23 at 10 a.m. at Saint Mary Cathedral in Austin. All men -- sons, brothers, fathers and friends -- are invited to attend. A reception will follow the Mass in the Bishop's Hall. The Mass is sponsored by the Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men. For more information, visit www.CTFCatholicMen.org.

Discernment Weekend for Young Men, June 25-26.

Bishop-elect Konderla will be ordained and installed June 29 at 2 p.m. in Tulsa.

Sign-Up Today!

We encourage you to make time to go to Bishops Hall after Saturday and Sunday Masses to sign the book on the weekends of May 15, 22, and 29.

Cathedral School, in collaboration with the University of Texas, is gathering data to update the school's marketing plan. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey.

Today the Holy Father released his Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, “The Joy of Love: On Love in the Family.” We are grateful to Pope Francis for the wisdom he offers in this pastoral teaching. I encourage our priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, and lay faithful to read this important document which will help provide pastoral care and strengthen families in the Diocese of Austin. The exhortation is also available in Spanish.

View and order photographs from Holy Week 2016 at Saint Mary Cathedral.

Many thanks to a generous benefactor who has provided copies of Beautiful Mercy for Cathedral parishioners and visitors on Easter Sunday. Pick up your copy after Mass.

Help us adorn the Cathedral for Easter Liturgies by making a donation in honor or memory of a friend or loved one. Click the title to donate.

NEW LOCATION! Spring 2016 Session Dates Mondays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the School Library. Come through the San Jacinto Entrance.

The fourth annual Diocesan Men’s Conference will be held Feb. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at San José Parish in Austin. The conference features Mass as well as keynote speakers, Catholic apologists/evangelists Tim Staples and Trent Horn. It is sponsored by Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men and the Knights of Columbus. For more information and to register, visit www.centexcatholic.com.

Adult Confirmation is offered for Catholic adults who have been baptized and have received the Sacraments of First Communion and First Reconciliation. Confirmation, together with Baptism and Eucharist, form the Sacraments of Initiation that are all intimately connected. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is "sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.

Together in God’s Love is a 4-part series, presenting an overview of the Church’s teachings on the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. The 4 weekly classes—Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 21—include a talk on faith, communication, sexuality, and stewardship within the context of Catholic matrimony. Couples should have taken the PMI (Pre-Marital Inventories), FOCCUS or PREPARE/ENRICH assessments prior to registering. Classes are from 6:45-8:45pm, in Bishops Hall. Registration fee: $95/couple. Couples must attend all 4 sessions to obtain certificate of completion. Register with Lydia at weddings@smcaustin.org.

The annual Heart of Jesus Men’s Discernment Retreat will be held Dec. 18-20 at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center in Belton.

Saturday, December 5 at St. Anthony Marie Claret, Kyle, Texas.