ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LAS CRUCES

The Pastoral Center

1280 Med Park Drive ~ Las Cruces, NM 88005

Phone: 575-523-7577 ~ Fax: 575-524-3874

INITIATIVES DURING THE YEAR FOR PRIESTS

On the day the Year for Priests began, in concurrence with Pope Benedict XVI’s promulgations, holy hours were held. These holy hours were held at the same time in every church of the diocese.

We raised to the level of feast the memorial of St. John Vianney on August 4, 2009.

The bishops of the Province of Santa Fe organized a convocation for the priests of the province in October. It was a two-day gathering with a retreat format. It consisted of talks by the visiting Bishop Felipe Estévez of the Archdiocese of Miami, a holy hour, celebration of the Eucharist, confessions, and a festive dinner.

All the churches in the diocese were given copies of the icon of Christ the Priest, the official icon. Many parishes have framed them and placed them prominently in their churches.

The annual retreat for the priests of the diocese was well attended by both diocesan and religious priests.

The children in the Catholic schools throughout the diocese adopted priests to whom they wrote and promised their prayers.

Some of our vicariates have either held or will hold a special Mass to honor their priests.

Planned is the annual Spring Assembly at which Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza, Archbishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston will give two days of reflection preceding the Chrism Mass. During this event, a festive dinner will honor the priests of the diocese.

The two monasteries of the Carmelites and Poor Clare Sisters have been praying daily for the priests during this year.

Plans are in progress for the closing of the Year for Priests in June.

Most Rev. Ricardo Ramírez, C.S.B.

Bishop of Las Cruces