Around The Diocese

New Mass Schedule
Amarillo—St. Laurence Church has implemented a new weekend Mass Schedule. On Saturdays, Mass will be celebrated in Spanish at 5:30pm. On Sundays, Masses will be celebrated at 8:30am in English and at 10:00am and Noon in Spanish.
 
New Office Hours
Amarillo—St. Mary’s Cathedral has announced new church office hours. The parish office is open Mondays and Fridays from 9:00am to 1:00pm and Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9:30am to 5:30pm, with the office closed for lunch from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.
 

Pilgrimage Of Hope Locations
Amarillo—Have you visited the four additional Pilgrimage of Hope locations for the 2025 Jubilee Year?
They are:
• St. Laurence Church, 2300 North Spring, Amarillo, representing the Central Deanery;
• Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 411 Ware Ave., Groom, representing the East Deanery;
• Church of the Holy Spirit, 511 South Austin, Tulia, representing the South Deanery; and,
• Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 915 Maddox, Dumas, representing the North Deanery.
These parishes are in addition to the Divine Mercy Chapel at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1200 South Washington, Amarillo.

Natural Family Planning Calendar
Amarillo—One Natural Family Planning course is scheduled for 2025.
A Marquette Method session in English is set for Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1:00pm at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 4512 NE 24^th Ave., Amarillo. For more details or to register, please contact Dr. Faye Usala at 806-683-5561 or via email, [email protected].
An online, Sympto-Thermal self-paced NFP class in either English or Spanish can be accessed at ccli.org. Cost of the class is $170, plus shipping. The class lasts approximately two months, according to Jennifer Wagner. Learn more about the course by calling Wagner at 806-433-9561.
 
Wanted: Runners For 14^th Annual Dalhart Brawt Trot 
Dalhart—Runners are being sought for the 14^th annual Brawt Trot 5K and One Mile Fun Run, sponsored by the Youth Group at St. Anthony of Padua Church. This year’s event takes place Saturday, Oct. 18, beginning at 9:00am in the south parking lot of People’s Church at 1929 Apache Drive.
Registration is $30 per person, or two for $50. Participants can register online at stanthony-dalhart.org; by picking up a registration form in the parish office at St. Anthony of Padua Church,1306 Oak Ave.; or, through the Brawt Trot Event Page on Facebook.
Trophies will be awarded to the top male and female winners in the 5K. Medals will be awarded to the first and second place finishers in each age category. All first-place winners will also receive a pair of sausage-themed socks. Age categories include under 13, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and over.
Sponsors are also being sought for this year’s event. Sponsorship levels are available for $100, $250, $500 and less than $500. Sponsorship checks can be mailed to:
St. Anthony of Padua Church
 P.O. Box 1029
 Dalhart, TX 79022
 Please stub checks Brawt Trot. Sponsors of $100 or more will receive one free registration.
Proceeds raised from Brawt Trot will assist St. Anthony of Padua youth in attending events such as youth conferences, camps, retreats, mission trips and to deepen and grow their Faith. These activities allow the youth to fellowship with their peers, serve those around them and be a visible sign of their Faith. For more information, please call St. Anthony of Padua Youth Director Jared Alamo at 806-244-4128.
 
Franciscan Festival And Prayer For Peace
Amarillo—The Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate invite the public to the first Franciscan Festival and Prayer for Peace on Sunday from noon to 8:00pm at St. Francis Convent, 4301 NE 18th Ave.
The day will include activities for the family, including games for the kids, a variety of food, cultural dances and musical groups and poetry for peace. There will also be Franciscan jewelry, a Franciscan lottery and a Franciscan auction, plus Franciscan Prayer for Peace.
For more information or to offer to assist at the festival, please call the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate at 806-383-5769.
 

Worship Prayer Movie Night

Panhandle—Catholics and non-Catholics are invited to the next Worship Prayer Movie Night for teens and young adults. The evening, hosted by the Franciscan Sisters of Christ the Light, is scheduled Friday, Oct. 17. The evening begins at 6:00 in the St. Francis House of Prayer at 125 John Paul Circle with a Holy Hour of Praise and Worship music, prayer and a brief time of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There is also a simple meal served during a movie chosen for its relativity for Faith and the modern world, according to Sister Mary Michael Huseman. The evening is scheduled to conclude at 9:30. For more details, please call Sancta Maria Convent at 806-537-3182.
 
Canadian Fall Foliage Festival 
Canadian—Parishioners at Sacred Heart Church will be participating in the annual Canadian Fall Foliage Festival this year with two meals at Canadian Elementary School, 500 Dogwood.
On Saturday, Oct. 18, the parish youth will sell Breakfast Burritos, beginning at 6:30am. The youth will also offer a meal from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
On Sunday, Oct. 19, Breakfast Burritos will be sold once again, beginning at 6:30am. The annual Mexican Pile-On Dinner begins at 11:00am. Learn more by calling the parish office at 806-323-6608.

ACTS Retreats
Amarillo—A Women's ACTS (Adoration, Community, Theology and Service) Retreat will be offered Thursday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center, 2100 North Spring. Registration forms are available at parish offices or through the ACTS Community website, actsamarillo.org.  For additional information about ACTS in the Diocese of Amarillo, please contact Jimmy Hund at 806-344-4842.
 
Volunteers Needed For Mailing Project
Amarillo—The Sisters of Prayer Town are in need of volunteers to help process the Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ Mailing Project, set for Thursday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 26.  
 As in year’s past, the project will take place at the Columbus Home Association, formerly known as Knights of Columbus Council #4621 headquarters at 5818 South Western, according to Sister Juana Teresa Chung, DLJC.
 “We invite anyone who lives in Amarillo or the surrounding area who can give of some of their time to help us,” said Sister Juana Teresa. “We have something for everyone to do, such as sorting, stapling and stuffing envelopes. All volunteers will be appreciated.”
 The project hours are 9:00am to 9:00pm all four days, with a light lunch, dinner and snacks provided. There will be prayer breaks at noon for the Angelus and at 3:00 for the Divine Mercy Chaplet. There will also be a gift table, with religious items for the taking.
 For more details or to volunteer, please contact Sister Juana Teresa Chung at 806-679-7855.
 
Marriage Retreat In Pampa
Pampa—The Marriage, Life and Family Group at St. Vincent de Paul Church will host a Marriage Retreat for the East Deanery Saturday, Oct. 25 from 1:00pm to 8:30pm in the parish hall, 810 West 23rd Ave.
The retreat, which will be offered in English and Spanish, is for all couples married in the Catholic Church.
“While we are focusing on those in the East Deanery, this retreat is open for Catholic Couples in the Diocese of Amarillo,” said Amy Foster, a member of the Marriage, Life and Family Group. “Please join us to learn about our vocation: marriage.”
No childcare will be offered. Cost of the retreat is a good will offering. For more information or to register, please call Foster at 806-664-1979.
 
Clarendon Enchilada Dinner
Clarendon—St. Mary’s Church invites everyone to an Enchilada Dinner Sunday, Oct. 26 from 11:30am to 1:00pm in the parish hall at 815 South Montgomery.
Adult plates are $15.00 each, children ages six to twelve are served for $7.00 each and children under five eat free, according to parish spokesperson Jacob Fangman. The meal is all-you-can-eat and will be dine-in and carryout.
The parish will also sell enchiladas from the freezer, with a plate of three enchiladas for $4.00 or a family pan of enchiladas for $15.00. A dozen pork, hot pork or spinach pork tamales will also be on sale for $15.00.
All proceeds from the day will go toward the Building Fund for the parish. For additional information about the dinner, please call the parish office at 806-874-3910.
 
Honoring Your Grief Series
Amarillo—St. Mary’s Cathedral will offer a four-week Honoring Your Grief series on Tuesday evenings, beginning Oct. 28 through Nov. 18 from 6:00 to 7:30.
The course, which is open to anyone who has experienced a death prior to the past August,  will be offered in Classroom #3. Facilitators for the course are Davlyn Duesterhaus and Angela Keller.
For further information and to register, please contact Angela Keller at 830-998-4076.
 
Engaged Encounter
Amarillo—Couples in the Diocese of Amarillo planning to get married within the next three to six months are encouraged to attend the final Engaged Encounter weekend of the 2025 Saturday, Nov. 1 and Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center, 2100 North Spring. For more details about the Engaged Encounter weekend or to sign up, please contact Ana Mendoza in the Family Life Office at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 806-410-3839.
 
Christmas In November 
Amarillo—The Corte Guadalupana Society at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church will host Christmas in November Sunday, Nov. 2 in the Parish Family Center at 1210
SE 11th St. Mexican food, baked goods, arts and crafts and religious items will be on sale, beginning at 9:00am. The Guadalupanas will also serve a menudo and gordita plate. The parish gift shop will be open during the fundraiser. For additional information, please call Gloria Betancourt at 806-584-3947.
 
Bovina Turkey Dinner Nov. 2
Bovina—The annual St. Ann’s Turkey Dinner will take place Sunday, Nov. 2 from 11:30am to 2:00pm in the parish hall at 401 3rd Street.
Turkey and dressing with creamed potatoes and gravy, green beans, homemade bread, cranberry sauce, relish plate and dessert will be served to adults for a $15.00 donation and for a $6.00 donation to children under six. Take out plates will be available at no additional charge.
For more information, please call the parish office at 806-251-1511.
 
Dimmitt Thanksgiving Dinner
Dimmitt—The Ladies Group at Immaculate Conception Church will serve its 21^st annual Thanksgiving Dinner Sunday, Nov. 2 from 11:00am to 1:30pm in the parish hall at 1001 West Halsell. A donation of $15.00 per plate is suggested. The menu includes turkey and dressing with green beans, cranberry sauce, a roll, dessert and tea. For more information, call the parish office at 806-647-4219 or Guila Barrios at 806-240-4594.
 
19^th Annual Vega German Sausage Dinner
Vega—The 19^th annual Sausage Dinner, served by parishioners at Immaculate Conception Church, takes place Sunday, Nov. 2 from 11:00am to 2:00pm in the parish hall, behind the church at the intersection of I-40 and Highway 385.
The dinner will feature homemade sauerkraut from St. Mary’s Church, Umbarger and a Country Store with baked goods and crafts. Cost of the dinner is by donation.
There will also be a raffle, with four prizes. Tickets for the drawing are $20 each, or six for $100. Tickets can be purchased from any Immaculate Conception parishioner. The winning tickets will be drawn during the dinner and winners need not be present.
All funds raised from the dinner will benefit the parish hall building fund. Find out more about the dinner or the drawing by contacting Paige Robin at 806-346-6645 or Grace Brorman at 806-683-3627.
 

16^th Fall FunRaiser Nov. 8
Amarillo—The 16^th Fall FunRaiser to benefit St. Francis of Assisi Church will take place Saturday, Nov. 8 from 6:00pm to midnight at the parish hall, one mile east of Tyson on Highway 60.
Only 300 tickets are being sold for the annual event, at $125 per couple. The ticket includes a steak dinner for two, which will be served until 8:00pm, dancing to live music from Chad Miller and the Good Fortunes and complimentary beverages and soft drinks. There will also be a silent auction.
The evening’s top prize is a $4,000 VISA Gift Card, which will be given away in a reverse drawing. Second prize is a $1,000 VISA Gift Card. There will also be Calcutta boards. Event organizers say no one under the age of 21 will be admitted. Most major credit cards will be accepted for payment during the evening.
For more information, to purchase tickets, or to donate items for the Silent Auction, please contact Leland Gabel at 806-231-0066 or Jim Younger at 806-236-0572.
 
St. Laurence Church Thanksgiving Dinner
Amarillo—St. Laurence Church will host a Thanksgiving Dinner the weekend of Saturday, Nov. 8 and Sunday, Nov. 9 in the parish hall at 2300 North Spring.
Serving times are 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Nov. 8 and 9:00am to 4:00pm on Nov. 9. The meal will feature turkey or ham, with stuffing, all the traditional sides, a beverage and pumpkin or pecan pie.
For more details about the dinner, please call the parish office at 806-383-2261.
 
Dumas Thanksgiving Dinner
Dumas—Sts. Peter and Paul Church will host its 36^th annual Thanksgiving Dinner Sunday, Nov. 9 from 11:00am to 2:00pm in the Sts. Peter and Paul Pastoral Center at 915 South Maddox.
Tickets for the dinner are $13.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. The meal will feature
turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, roll, desert and a drink. Dine-in, carry-out and limited delivery will be available. Dine-in will be through the east doors and carry-out (drive-through only) will be at the west doors.
The dinner will also include a Country Store with homemade crafted items and a silent auction with door prizes.
Tickets for the dinner can be obtained by calling the parish office during regular business hour at 806-935-5002 or from any Sts. Peter and Paul parishioner. Those interested in having their dinner delivered are also invited to call the parish office. For additional information about the meal, please call Kelly Melies at 806-421-8981.
 
Umbarger Sausage Dinner Nov. 9
Umbarger—The 74^th annual German Sausage Dinner to benefit St. Mary’s Church will be served Sunday, Nov. 9 from 11:00am to 3:00pm in the St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 22830 Pondaseta Road. Tickets for the meal are $20.00.
This year’s meal will be served in the parish hall. There will be no drive-through service, but takeout plates will be available in the parish hall.
The public will also have the opportunity to purchase two-pound bags of uncooked sausage and a tub of sauerkraut. A two lb. package of sausage is $15.00 each and a tub of sauerkraut is $8.00 each.
“We invite everyone to come to the Umbarger German Sausage Dinner to stock your freezer for the year with delicious German Sausage and homemade sauerkraut that we started making late last month,” said Harold Artho, publicity chairman of this year’s event. “We will also have for sale homemade bread, baked goods and our parish cookbook.”
There will also be a raffle for an opportunity to win from a number of donated items. Tickets for the raffle are $1.00 each. There will also be a children’s train ride.
St. Mary’s Church will be open for tours during the festival. The church, which was built in 1929, was decorated with artwork completed in a 41-day period by Italian Prisoners of War in 1945 and restored by Sorellas Studios, based in Clarendon, in 2012 and 2013 (WTC 12/6/2020).
Artho encourages people to visit the parish website, stmarysumbarger.com for updates and additional information on the dinner. Cash or check is the preferred payment, but debit and credit will also be accepted.
For additional information about the dinner, please call Artho at 806-499-3446.
 
Pampa Enchilada Dinner
Pampa—St. Vincent de Paul Church will serve an Enchilada Dinner Friday, Nov. 14 from 11:00am to 2:00pm in the Pastoral Education Center (PEC) at 810 West 23rd Street.
Adult plates are $15.00 each and child plates are $10.00 each. Adult enchilada plates contain four beef enchiladas and sides of beans, salad, rice, salsa and salad dressing. Child enchilada plates contain two been enchiladas and the sides.
The parish will also be selling a tray of 12 enchiladas for $30 each, or $36 with the sides.
Learn more about the dinner by calling the parish office at St. Vincent de Paul Church during regular business hours at 806-665-8933.
 
Save The Date
Amarillo—The Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center at 2100 North Spring will host its annual Christmas Luncheon Friday, Dec. 12. The theme of this year’s luncheon is Angels We Have Heard on High. Look for additional details regarding the luncheon in the October issue of The West Texas Catholic; and, on the diocesan website, amarillodiocese.org. Learn more by calling the BDRC at 806-383-1811 or going online to bdrc.org/luncheon.

Roses Of Mary Youth Invitation

Amarillo—The Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate invite all young women in the Diocese of Amarillo between the ages of 15 and 25 to encounters at the Franciscan Convent at 4301 NE 18th Ave. on Saturday afternoons between 3:00 and 5:00. Those under 18 years of age will be required to bring a permission note from a parent. The encounters are bilingual and will include a number of activities, including prayer, sharing of experiences, Adoration, worship, pastries, crafts, discussion of themes relevant to young women and other activities. For more information, please call the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate at 806-383-5769.
  
Wanted: Communion Ministers
Amarillo—Volunteers are needed at BSA Hospital as communion ministers. The commitment does not require much time, according to Elma Fletcher, and training is provided.
 Those interested in volunteering are asked to contact Fletcher at 806-206-4496 or via email, [email protected].
 
The Market On Tierra Blanca
Canyon—Volunteers are needed to assist at The Market on Tierra Blanca, a ministry of St. Helen’s Outreach at St. Ann’s Church.
 The Market on Tierra Blanca, the only full-service food pantry in Randall County, is open Tuesdays from 3:00pm to 7:00pm and Friday mornings from 9:00 to noon.
 For additional information about St. Helen’s Outreach or to volunteer to help in The Market on Tierra Blanca, please contact Glenn Backus at 806-655-3302 or via email, [email protected].
 
Sacred Heart Devotional Group
Amarillo—A Sacred Heart Devotional Prayer Group has been formed at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Father Avitus K. Siriwa, parochial vicar, is directing the group and serving as spiritual director.
 “We would like to welcome all, from parishes around the area to join us in our dedication to Jesus’s Sacred Heart the First Friday of each month,” said Tara and Dustin Meyer, who are assisting Father Siriwa with the group. “Prayers are after the 7:00am Mass every First Friday of the month at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The prayer group conducts quarterly meetings and consecrates new members to the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus every year.
 “Our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque between 1673 and 1675. Among the words spoken to her, she heard Jesus make 12 promises to those who would respond to the pleading of His heart and make an effort to return His love.
 St. Margaret Mary once said, ‘I do not know of any other exercise in the spiritual life that is more calculated to raise a soul in a short amount of time to the height of perfection and to make it taste the true sweetness to be found in the service of Jesus Christ.’”
 Learn more about the 12 promises made through the Sacred Heart devotion online at welcomehisheart.com/12-promises. For more details about the Sacred Heart Devotional Prayer Group, please contact Tara and Dustin Meyer at [email protected] or Father Siriwa at [email protected].
  
Joseph’s Project: A Pregnancy Resource Center

Amarillo—Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle has introduced a new program designed for moms who are pregnant or families with kids who are up to three-years-old. Joseph’s Project: A Pregnancy Resource Center is tailored for expectant mothers and for those with new families. For additional details about Joseph’s Project or to assist with a donation of material assistance, such as diapers, wipes, unopened formula or clothing, please contact Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle at 806-376-4571.  
  
Catholic Community Scripture Study
Amarillo—The Catholic Community Scripture Study, which began in 1990, meets on Wednesday mornings from 9:45 to 10:45 at St. Hyacinth Church, 4500 West Hills Trail.
 As in the past, the weekly gathering focuses on the scripture insights from At Home with the Word for a preview of the coming Sunday Scriptures.
 Everyone is welcome on any Wednesday morning that he/she can attend.
 For additional information please call Teresa Hunt at 806-676-9445.
 
Volunteers Needed
Amarillo—Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle needs volunteers in its InterFaith Hunger Project grocery store. Volunteers are needed on Wednesdays and Thursdays to check out clients, sack groceries and deliver them to their vehicles. Volunteers are also needed to help stock shelves. For additional information, please contact Davina Brown at Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle, 806-376-4571.
 
Contemplative Power Hour
Amarillo—The Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center at 2100 North Spring is offering a Contemplative Power Hour on Tuesdays, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Adoration will take place from 11:00 to 11:30, followed by the recitation of the Rosary at 11:30 and Contemplative Prayer at noon. There is no charge and those attending are encouraged to stay for the entire time or for a portion. For additional information please call the Bishop DeFalco Retreat Center at 806-383-1811.
 
English As A Second Language
Amarillo—The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle need volunteers. The program needs volunteers willing to tutor students in a class setting or individually. For additional information about the ESL program, please contact Ashlee Pallares, program coordinator, at 806-376-4571.
 
Eucharistic Holy Hour
Amarillo—The public is invited to attend and take part in a Eucharistic Holy Hour on Tuesdays from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at St. Hyacinth Church, 4500 West Hills Trail. The hour begins with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a homily, Silent Meditation, Common Prayer and concluding with Benediction. Holy Hour is followed by Mass at 6:30. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is also offered on Saturday afternoons prior to the 5:00 Mass from 4:30 to 5:00. Learn more by calling the parish office at St. Hyacinth Church, 806-358-1351.
 
Prison Ministry
Amarillo—The prison ministry team in the Diocese of Amarillo is recruiting ordained deacons or lay volunteers for this special ministry. Prison ministry is also one of the Corporal Works of Mercy. Those interested in this ministry are asked to contact Deacon Blaine Westlake at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 806-383-2243, ext. 117.
 
Diocesan Newspaper Is Now Digital
Amarillo—The West Texas Catholic is now a digital publication.
 A limited number of newspapers are sent to each parish and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The newspaper is not being mailed out to individuals, except for some very specific reasons, such as shut-ins. If a person requests a paper copy be mailed to their house, they will be required to pay the $25 subscription fee directly to the diocese, not to the parish. Please call your parish for additional information on how you can pick up a printed version.
 For additional information or to add shut-ins who need the newspaper, please contact the diocesan Development Office at 806-383-2243, ext. 119.
  
Sunday Mass On The Guadalupe Radio Network
Amarillo—There is another option for Sunday Mass for shut-ins and the sick.
 The Guadalupe Radio Network is now rebroadcasting the 9:30am Sunday Mass from St. Mary’s Cathedral at 5:00 on Sunday afternoons. For additional information about the Mass broadcast or to sponsor a broadcast, please call St. Mary’s Cathedral at 806-376-7204.
 
 Tell Us What’s Going On
 Diocesan entities are encouraged to report their fundraisers and activities. Please send that information via email to [email protected]. Please send information about these events 45 to 60 days prior to the event. We’ll do our best to give your activities attention in the diocesan newspaper, the diocesan website and on The West Texas Catholic: The Podcast.