Bishop Read’s Message: "Keep listening for the voice of our Lord who calls us each by name."

Grace to you and Peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we enter this fall season, I am very excited about the ministry that is happening in and through the Diocese of West Texas.  We just finished a vibrant, joyful season of transformational camping ministry at Camp Capers, Mustang Island Conference Center and Duncan Park. The songs and sounds of summer camp are still ringing in my ears.

A few weeks ago, I named Flor Saldivar our new Director of Latino + Immigration Ministries.  For the first time, the Diocese of West Texas has a staff member dedicated to leading and resourcing our clergy and congregations to engage in this work.  I am excited about the plans Flor and Bishop Cortiñas are making.  You will hear more about them at our Annual Diocesan Council in February.

As we focus on our annual theme of Here am I.  Send me!, planning for our first Discovery Weekend in November focused on discernment is well underway.  This weekend is designed to help people listen for how God is calling them into lay and ordained ministries.  This first weekend is full with a waiting list, and a second weekend is planned for April, 2026.

There are many days in my office when I wish you could see what I see when I travel the diocese and glimpse the ministries in which our congregations are engaged.  It is inspiring beyond measure.  Lately, there are also many days when I wish you could read my mail.  Following the tragic July 4 flood in the Hill Country, our diocesan office and I, along with St. Peter’s Church in Kerrville, have received countless e-mails, phone calls, texts, prayers and contributions from all over the United States and from several individuals and dioceses in other countries.  Over 1,900 separate individuals, churches or institutions have made financial donations to the diocese to support ministry to the victims of the catastrophic flooding. The ministry being carried out by St. Peter’s Church in Kerrville is awe-inspiring and incredibly effective in bringing relief to those who mourn, those who lost homes, and those who lost livelihoods in the Kerrville-Hunt-Ingram area.  Thank you for your support.

In closing, I invite you to keep listening for the voice of our Lord who calls us each by name.  Keep praying bigger prayers for the Kerrville community, for your congregation, for the diocese and for yourself.  When you hear God calling, stand up and say, “Here am I.  Send me.”

Peace,