See the Stories You Make Possible
When you support the Diocese of Austin, you make so much possible for our community. You are pivotal to every aspect of our work from parish support, to Catholic schools, and community needs.
Came Late Through Prayer
I was a devoted Protestant for 23 years and after a spiritual crisis in my family I asked my friend, who attended St. Thomas More, if I could pray in the church. A week later we walked into the church together and I encountered my Savior in a powerful new way. I sat...
Kathryn: Came Late Through Prayer
I was a devoted Protestant for 23 years and after a spiritual crisis in my family I asked my friend, who attended St. Thomas More, if I could pray in the church. A week later we walked into the church together and I encountered my Savior in a powerful new way. I sat down in from the Tabernacle (never had I seen one) and I realized I believed everything the Catholic Church taught. Instantly, mystically. I said to myself, “Well, that’s it, I’m Catholic.” That was 15 years ago and I was 54. I will tell anyone all about this, the absolute best thing that has ever happened in my life. Learning and growing in my relationship with the Holy Trinity, Mary, His Saints and his Bride on earth is the greatest “coming home” gift any human can receive. My husband was raised Muslim and entirely supported me. I remember when I first had the thought “someone must have been praying for me.” Yes indeed!! All the Rosaries for souls, yes. Austin Diocese keep it up.
I am in my last year of formation with the Discalced Carmelite Seculars and if His Majesty desires I will make my definitive promise next April. Then the growing never ends. Glory to God. I’ve gone to Mass all over the Diocese and am so moved by the work and faithfulness of Bishop Vasquez and now Bishop Garcia. My mother lives in NY and I see how they struggle on the East coast and I’m forever grateful the the devotion and dedication of my Diocese. I am so blessed, so blessed. Thank you.
From The Inside Looking Out
My story is a little different than most. Through my work, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the good works of our parishioners, parish staff, deacons, seminarians, priests, laypeople, and coworkers. Each day, I see the direct impact the people of God have...
Lisa: From The Inside Looking Out
My story is a little different than most. Through my work, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the good works of our parishioners, parish staff, deacons, seminarians, priests, laypeople, and coworkers. Each day, I see the direct impact the people of God have on our diocese, and it is a blessing for which I am deeply grateful.
For the past 17 years, I have worked in the Stewardship and Development Office for the diocese. In this role, I am given a unique window into the daily labor of those who serve the Church with compassion and love, faithfully carrying out their ministries to further Christ’s mission. I see our Vocations program growing, with the number of seminarians increasing to record levels—young men answering God’s call to serve as future priests. I see our deacon candidates dedicate their weekends and personal time to formation, supported steadfastly by their families as they journey through the program.
I also witness the tireless efforts of our priests, who give generously of themselves to their parishes, serve on diocesan committees, and remain obedient to our Bishop. Their work is constant, yet they carry it out with joy and a deep sense of compassion. I see new churches being built through capital campaigns to accommodate the growing number of Catholics in our diocese—fruits made possible not only through the work of the Stewardship and Development team, but most especially through the generosity of our donors.
This year, I have seen the launch of the Women’s Giving Circle, bringing together women of all ages to share in a spirit of philanthropy and provide support to those most in need. I see the dedication of our Catholic Schools Office as they strive to form “little saints,” grounding our children firmly in the faith. I see efforts such as the renovation of the kitchen for our retired priests, ensuring they have a dignified and comfortable place to live—again made possible through the kindness of our donors.
I also witness the growth of youth and young adult ministries, encouraging the next generation to remain rooted in their faith. While many of these ministries are visible, there are also countless individuals working behind the scenes—within Finance, IT, Risk Management, HR, and other departments—quietly supporting our parishes and ensuring everything runs smoothly. The work within each area is significant, but it is when we come together as one body in Christ that we truly make a lasting difference.
When asked about my hopes for the future of our parishes, ministries, and communities, my prayer is not only that we continue to evangelize and bring others into the faith, but that we also remain strong in keeping those who are already part of it. One of the most common concerns I hear from those we serve is that their children are drifting away from the Church. It is my hope that, in time, this concern is replaced with stories of their children growing, thriving, and deepening their relationship with God.
Working for the diocese has been a true blessing in my life. I strive to remain humble and to give back for all that God has entrusted to me.
I was raised Catholic in the Archdiocese of Chicago, where being Catholic was the norm. There, I always felt a strong sense of belonging. I was blessed to have two cousins who were priests, one of whom—now retired—had a profound influence on my life and faith.
Moving to Austin was a significant transition. Here, I found myself in the minority, but that change deepened my appreciation for the Church and its mission. Serving in the diocese and witnessing its impact across Central Texas has made my faith even more meaningful.
My home parish, St. Margaret Mary in Cedar Park, is a vibrant and growing community. It offers something for everyone—regardless of age, family situation, or background—and provides a place where people can truly feel part of something greater than themselves.
Still missing the “Windy City,” I have found a home right where I am.
A Shared Mission: Keeping our Hearts in the Diocese of Austin
For my husband and me, being part of the Diocese of Austin is a powerful reminder that our faith is meant to be lived out on a much larger scale. It connects us to a vibrant, diverse community of believers all working toward a shared mission. Working with a diocese...
Roberta: A Shared Mission: Keeping our Hearts in the Diocese of Austin
For my husband and me, being part of the Diocese of Austin is a powerful reminder that our faith is meant to be lived out on a much larger scale. It connects us to a vibrant, diverse community of believers all working toward a shared mission. Working with a diocese allows us to tackle broader, systemic initiatives—such as regional Catholic Charities, seminary education, and aid for economically disadvantaged parishes—that no single congregation could sustain. We experience this collective impact firsthand when we support the Catholic Services Appeal, which actively funds over 100 vital ministries across Central Texas. Catholic education holds a deeply personal place in our hearts; our own children attended Catholic school through the seventh grade before our family relocated out of the country. Even from afar, we have remained deeply rooted in this community by personally providing tuition scholarships at the Cathedral School of Saint Mary and San Juan Diego Catholic High School. Being part of this diocese deepens our personal spiritual journey, allowing us to remove economic barriers for local students and lift up families well beyond our own parish walls. It is also great to be a founding member of the Women’s Giving Circle which empowers women in our diocese to impact the lives of many across our geography.
Our Blessings in the Diocese of Austin
We first became involved at Santa Cruz parish in June 2001 when we moved from Baton Rouge LA. My husband Tom(deceased) Aug. 2023 and I became involved to help build the parish buildings for all that was present was the church. We were always very active in LA at St....
Renee: Our Blessings in the Diocese of Austin
We first became involved at Santa Cruz parish in June 2001 when we moved from Baton Rouge LA. My husband Tom(deceased) Aug. 2023 and I became involved to help build the parish buildings for all that was present was the church. We were always very active in LA at St. Jude parish.
We both believed a viable parish needs appropriate buildings to support the community and the priests. Gave our time and monetary support.
I continue to support Santa Cruz and believe in helping the diocese. Having priests is so essential for building more parishes and ministering to all the Catholics. We are so blessed with so many committed young men. In AL where my daughter lives there are only 3 seminarians. Here we have 60. Truly blessed.
I will continue to support as long as I can.
Prodigal Austin Son
In a way, being part of the Diocese of Austin is a spiritual and natural "homecoming" for me. I was born in 1956 in Austin and have always been proud of that fact.......even though I had nothing to do with it! I was baptized in the Methodist Church in Austin before my...
Ryan: Prodigal Austin Son
In a way, being part of the Diocese of Austin is a spiritual and natural “homecoming” for me. I was born in 1956 in Austin and have always been proud of that fact…….even though I had nothing to do with it! I was baptized in the Methodist Church in Austin before my family moved to Houston for most of my formative years. Some of my fondest memories are from my time in Austin growing up on Lake Travis, spending time with my Grandmother and Aunts in South Austin and summers playing baseball with my father. That said, I had no knowledge of the Catholic Church in Austin, much less in the world.
I returned to Austin in 1974 to attend The University of Texas fulfilling one of my greatest desires Although not a straight line, I ultimately graduated in 1983, met my wife while there, and started a 35-year career in banking in Austin.
Fast forward to 2019…………we returned from Houston to Central Texas (Temple) after retirement having come into the Catholic Church in 2016 (St Michael the Archangel – Houston). God landed me in St. Mary Catholic Church – Temple and the spiritual blessings poured down upon me by my Parish and Diocese have been beyond my imagination!
I have two grand daughters attending St Mary’s Catholic School………I was blessed to be awarded the 2026 Saints and Scholars Honoree designation by their school……..I have come to know and love two holy Pastors, two holy Deacons, and several seminarians during these past seven years. Additionally, I have met two holy Bishops shepherding our Diocese who are shining examples of what it means to follow Jesus.
Being a part of the Mystical Body of Christ is certainly difficult to grasp. However, being a member of the Diocese of Austin has provided me with a tangible, “current world” experience of what that means. The growth of my parish and diocese brings me such joy and hope!
I hope to play a small part in leaving St Mary Catholic Church and School in condition to continue sharing the Gospel of Christ, forming disciples and bringing the beauty, truth and goodness of the Catholic Church to an ever growing Diocese.
May God continue to bless Bishop Garcia, Fr Will Rooney, the parishioners of St Mary Catholic Church, and all within the Diocese of Austin!
My Story
Although Kurt and Tracie Chew fully support the Catholic Church and their faith, they are happy to remain in the background and do whatever they can to help fulfill the mission of the Diocese of Austin. The members of St. Mary Cathedral in Austin even have a...
Kurt and Tracie: My Story
Although Kurt and Tracie Chew fully support the Catholic Church and their faith, they are happy to remain in the background and do whatever they can to help fulfill the mission of the Diocese of Austin.
The members of St. Mary Cathedral in Austin even have a self-imposed title, “quiet Catholics.” They see themselves like the many people listed in the credits that roll at the end of a movie — those who may not appear on screen but whose role is equally important to making the production a success.
“That’s what I think of when we describe ourselves as ‘quiet Catholics,’ behind the scenes helping and partnering, if you will, to make the bishop’s mission for the diocese achievable, successful, and ongoing,” Tracie said. “Every gift, large or small, makes a world of difference.”
The Chews’ support extends beyond their parish to the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) and the Encountering Christ campaign. They are especially dedicated to ministries for the clergy, from their seminary years through retirement.
In their eyes, “it takes a village” to ensure the men who spend a lifetime serving in our parishes are taken care of during their senior years. “They’ve given so much of themselves, and they don’t do it for the money,” Tracie said.
The couple directs a vast majority of their charitable funds to the diocese or the church, knowing these gifts fund initiatives that help senior priests, like the St. John Paul II Residence for Priests in Georgetown, and assist men who are discerning vocations and in seminary formation.
“There are a lot of great charities out there that we could support,” Kurt said. “But to us, the diocese knows how to best support the mission of Christ in our community.”
His wife agreed. “They know where the needs are and how to prioritize them. So, we totally put our trust in them for that,” Tracie said.
The Chews have included the diocese in their estate plan and, to ensure there are enough priests to sustain the church in Central Texas for future generations, created the Kurt and Tracie Chew Seminarian Endowment in the Catholic Foundation – Diocese of Austin.
“God has truly blessed us with his love and abundant blessings,” Kurt said. “It is important for Tracie and me to give back the many blessings that we have received from God.”
Giving back to the diocese also brings them joy, he added. “It makes me feel good, not just because I’m giving, but from my heart and my soul. I’m thankful. I’m blessed. I want to help my brothers and sisters in need because we are so blessed.”
My Story
Given the profound impact Catholicism has had on their lives, Robert and Kitty Tunmire decided to leave a legacy to the church to ensure the Catholic faith continues to flourish in the Diocese of Austin. “If you’ve been blessed with economic gifts, then you want to...
Robert and Kitty: My Story
Given the profound impact Catholicism has had on their lives, Robert and Kitty Tunmire decided to leave a legacy to the church to ensure the Catholic faith continues to flourish in the Diocese of Austin.
“If you’ve been blessed with economic gifts, then you want to leave a certain amount to things that you believe in, that will help those things live on,” Robert said.
By remembering the Catholic Foundation – Diocese of Austin in their estate plan, the Tunmires, who are members of Sacred Heart Parish in Waco, will continue to support seminarians, Catholic schools, retired priests, and other programs and ministries that have been important to them during their lifetimes.
The couple sat down and reflected together on their generosity and how they could still make a difference for years to come. “You’re much better off giving it thought and being thoughtful,” said Robert, who became a Christian in 1999 and then converted to Catholicism after he and Kitty were married. “It doesn’t matter what the amount is.”
Robert’s rich faith life led him to establish the Central Texas Fellowship of Catholic Men in 2005. He is now focused on applying the experience he gained during his 44-year career in franchising to launching and organizing a ministry to men in every U.S. diocese.
“We want to see the Catholic faith flourish, and it really is flourishing right now in the Austin Diocese,” Kitty said.
My Story
With more women in leadership in their workplaces and communities, Kristina Arce believes they need to reflect that leadership in their actions, especially in terms of their charitable giving. In regard to her career as a financial controller and the advancement...
Kristina: My Story
With more women in leadership in their workplaces and communities, Kristina Arce believes they need to reflect that leadership in their actions, especially in terms of their charitable giving.
In regard to her career as a financial controller and the advancement opportunities she has received, the member of Santa Rosa de Lima Parish in Andice gives credit where credit is due. “I’ve held to the belief that it’s not me, it’s coming from the Lord,” she said. “I need to give back all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon me.”
Through her will, Kristina has ensured this giving will not end with her lifetime. When she wrote her will, she included her parish, the Diocese of Austin’s Catholic Services Appeal (CSA), and other charities and organizations she feels compelled to support now.
She also wants her son to see the importance of giving back, “to have that charitable mindset.”
Kristina began tithing at age 16 as a waitress and soon realized that what she gave almost always came back to her in some way — at first, with more tips, then later in life, with raises and promotions. She uses these “rewards” to increase her giving to others.
It was during Bible study years ago that she learned the true reward of stewarding God’s blessings in her life. “Doing good deeds doesn’t necessarily make you a Christian,” she said, “but being a Christian drives you to do good deeds.”
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