Words of Praise Lives of Praise

{continued from page 1}In this Easter season, we celebrate the fact that much has indeed been given to everyone of us through the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As good stewards, weseek to respond to that gift with gratitude and generous service.VocationTHOSE WHO ACCEPTED [PETER’S] MESSAGE WERE BAPTIZED . . . THEY DEVOTED THEM-SELVES TO THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES AND TO THE COMMUNAL LIFE,TO THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND TO THE PRAYERS. –ACTS 2:41-42The Easter season is a time for all members of the Church to dedicate ourselves tobeing good stewards of our own baptismal vocation. With thanksgiving, we make aconscious choice to live out our vocation joyfully and generously, and to nurture itcarefully throughout our lives.During Easter, the first reading in Mass is taken from the Acts of the Apostles, whichtraces the growth of the early Church as it became organized and expanded to newlands. Our Catholic Church of today is the same Church that was established byJesus Christ on the foundation of His Apostles, and which has been passed on to usthrough 2,000 years of unbroken historical continuity.This same Church is in need of our personal energies and talents today. The HolySpirit continues to build up the Church through the initiation of new members andthrough engagement of the talents of all of us. As with each generation, we are calledto take responsibility for the Church and help it to grow.Through our words and actions, our lives and all that we do, may God be praised!Christ is risen, alleluia, alleluia!Msgr. Michael J. Sis is the Vicar General for the Diocese of Austin.UPCOMING DIOCESAN EVENTSApril 13April 14May 9Catholic Charities Luncheon www.ccctx.orgDiocesan Pro-Life Gala www.austindiocese.orgAssembly of Catholic Professionals Luncheonwww.austindiocese.org/acpis online!Visit www.austindiocese.org/donate for moreinformation on stewardship and the Diocese of Austin.(1030–1079)BISHOP AND MARTYRFEAST DAY – APRIL 11The patron saint of Poland, St. Stanislaus was bornnear Krakow and educated in Paris. Returning to hishomeland, he gained a reputation as a preacher andwas in great demand as a spiritual director. In 1072,he became the Bishop of Krakow.Meanwhile, King Boleslaus II of Poland had won afamous victory over the Russians and gained greatpower, but he was morally corrupt. St. Stanislauspublicly rebuked the king’s immoral behavior and,when he refused to change, excommunicated him.The king then ordered the assassination of St. Stanislaus.When his soldiers failed to carry out his order,King Boleslaus himself killed St. Stanislaus while thesaint was saying Mass.Moral courage and an uncompromising devotion tothe truth brought martyrdom to St. Stanislaus. Maywe, too, be courageous stewards of the gift of faith!Adapted from Sharon Hueckel, Steward Saints for Every Day,Copyright © 1999, the National Catholic Stewardship Council,Inc., Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.2diocese of austin SPRING 2012