Parishes in the Diocese of Amarillo have announced their schedules for Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 21.

They are here to serve the King of Kings. They are the King’s men.

Seating is limited and ticket sales have been brisk for the seventh Bishop’s Gala, taking place Friday, May 3 at Amarillo Country Club, 4800 Bushland Blvd.

The annual School-A-Thon to benefit St. Joseph School will take place Friday, May 17 from 9:00am to 3:00pm at Southlawn Park, 4417 Parker St, Amarillo.

The ninth annual St. Joseph’s Festival is set for Sunday, May 5 from noon to 7:00pm at the church, 4122 South Bonham, Amarillo.

St. Mary’s Church in Umbarger will host its seventh annual Frühlingsfest, or Spring Festival, Saturday, May 4 in the parish hall at 22830 Pondaseta Road.

Tickets are still available for the Catholic Student Center at West Texas A&M University’s Chance to Win fundraiser to raise needed funds for the purchase of four heating and air conditioning units.

Plans are being made for a one-day workshop entitled Forming Intentional Disciples Formation Days, set for Friday, June 14, according to Kerry Acker, director of Religious Education at St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

All First Degree Knights, First Degree candidates and those wishing to join the Knights of Columbus are encouraged to attend a First, Second and Third Degree Exemplification, sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council #1450 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1200 South Washington. The exemplifications are set for Saturday, May 18, beginning at 8:30am in the Monsignor Francis A. Smyer Reception Room.

This is the first story in a series CNS is doing called Children at Risk on child sexual abuse in the U.S.

A conversation with Bishop Patrick J. Zurek, which aired on St. Valentine Catholic Radio and can be found in the Feb. 17 issue of The West Texas Catholic. Photo by Enedelia Obregon, freelancer for the Catholic Spirit, Diocese of Austin.

The Diocese of Amarillo, as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability and pastoral care, is publishing the names of 30 former priests who served in the diocese who have been accused of sexually abusing a minor.