Austin Interfaith had an accountability session at one of the parishes in Austin.  Among the issues was funding for Capital IDEA where Sr. Ann Monica Nguyen, CSC works.  Capital IDEA provides long-term adult job training for jobs that pay a living wage (at least $10/hour) with benefits and a career path.  The training includes preparation for jobs where employers have indicated a need.

The candidates for City Council, Austin school board, and the Austin Community College were asked to sign on to the agenda and support Capital IDEA and the other projects.

Sr. Ann Monica Nguyen, CSC on the right	A candidate for city council signs to support the Austin Interfaith agenda.

The provincials of the Indiana, Midwest, Eastern Brothers, Eastern Priests and Brothers, South-West, Southern, and English Canadian provinces met in Niagara Falls, Ontario.  They looked at a number of issues facing the Congregation, especially the issue of re-structuring.  The question is "How can we best live and practice the charisms and congregational priorities of Holy Cross?  What structures would help us the most?"  For their meetings the men stayed at the Carmelites' Retreat House right across from the Niagara Falls.  

While they were there the provincials took the time to inspect the falls, and we can assure everyone that they are working well: the water is still flowing.  Rheal Le Blanc tried to tell the other provincials that they turn the water off on week-ends.  We all knew better; they only turn the falls off at night.

Malta Square at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Orleans had a large fête for retired Archbishop Schulte.  There was a Mass in the church with a banquet afterwards.  Father Dick Nowery handled all the preparations and the Mass at Sacred Heart.

Meanwhile, back in California, Father Joe (Pepe) Tomei was inducted into the Hall of Merit at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View.  That school is famous for two graduates of the class of 1967: Joe and Brother Richard Critz.  Congratulations, Joe!!  We're all proud of you!!!

The Congregation of Holy Cross now has a multi-lingual web site: www.holycrosscongregation.org.