Dearest Schoenstatt Family,

The Blessed Mother is hard at work in our Austin Family! I have lots of great news for you.

First, the February Covenant Mass was a huge milestone for the Shrine! There were several short presentations about the progress of our material and spiritual striving.

Our Capital of Grace for the Shrine was also presented and offered up at the February Mass! To spiritually strive for the Shrine, we want to offer as many Hail Marys as we can, to show the Blessed Mother our desire and willing enthusiasm! Our prayers will conquer actual paving stones in the pathway to our future Shrine - so that the pathway to the Shrine is paved with prayers!Each branch will compete to pray the most Hail Marys! Please bring your completed papers to each Covenant Mass, or email the number you've prayed to cog@schoenstatt.us. Don't forget to include which branch or group the prayers should be attributed to!

Also, on March 8, Fr Christian, Joe Lawlor, SUM and Board Member, and myself, had the honor of attending the Installation Mass of Bishop Joe Vasquez as representatives of Schoenstatt Austin! It was a breath taking experience and a milestone in the history of our Diocese - the Blessed Mother was very present! The MTA went with us, and attracted much attention! Several times throughout the night someone would point to her and ask who she was, or recognize us as Schoenstatt! We even were found by Corina Peralez, who was fresh from Lamar and making her Covenant of Love with her husband on the couples retreat this past weekend with Fr Christian! It was astounding to witness the rich history and vibrant life of our diocese represented at the mass. Over 400 priests, 200 deacons, 25 bishops, and many religious and seminarians joined Cardinal DiNardo in welcoming our new bishop!

We kept you all very present at the mass, and lifted up all our Family's efforts and sacrifices that contribute vitally to the life of our diocese. Let us all keep our new Shephard Bishop Vasquez in our prayers and commend him to the Blessed Mother!

Last, please find the calendar of upcoming dates below! Please note that in April, we will receive a very special guest! Sr Carol Winkler, a Schoenstatt Sister of Mary from Milwaukee, will be here to visit with us! On Saturday, April 17th, she will be the guest speaker for a fund-raising dinner at the Movement Houses. As Sr. Carol spent 6 years with our Father and Founder, it will be a great gift to our family and a unique opportunity for us to learn more about Fr Kentenich! More details will be given soon.

May the Blessed Mother continue to bless us with such abundant life!

Yours in the heart of the Blessed Mother,

Rachel Gardner

Communications Coordinator
Diocesan Committee

Calendar

Mar 18, Thurs - Covenant Day Adoration for our Shrine 7-9pm, Chapel House
Mar 21, Sunday - Covenant Mass, 11 am, potluck lunch
April 17th, Saturday - Sr Carol Winkler as guest speaker for Shrine fund-raising dinner, Chapel House, more details to follow
April - 18th - Covenant Mass, 11am Sr. Carol to speak afterwards
April 18th - "Our Marriage A Cradle of Sanctity" 1:30pm-3:30 pm Reflections with Sr. Carol for Couples, Chapel House, Babysitting with $5 donation