There is a large student population whose members may have wide influence in the future as they assume roles of leadership in their homes, in the local and global community and in the church. The diocese has moved forward on many fronts. Many of the pastoral and institutional changes urged by Vatican II have been realized in our local church. It has been an example of social concern through its system of hospitals, food pantries, soup kitchens and places for the homeless. Other social programs currently deal with immigrants, prisoners, homosexuals, all aspects of family life, other charities and services for the needy.
Additional programs are in the planning stages.
New missions and parishes are founded whenever groups of persons who share the same Catholic faith are identified. There is a Catholic presence on television in urban areas, and a diocesan newspaper which keeps the Church of Central Texas informed about diocesan and parochial events. A diocesan structure has been put into place to encourage shared resources and consistent programs, allowing for future growth in the diocese. We will continue to adapt to change by planning for the future. This challenge of planning will be met as we live out our baptismal responsibilities, working together within our church structure.