A Franciscan Parish on the East Side of Edinburg
Holy Family Catholic Church sits at 1302 East Champion Street in Edinburg, Texas, where it serves a Catholic community under the pastoral care of Franciscan friars. The parish belongs to the Diocese of Brownsville and is one of several Rio Grande Valley congregations staffed by the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), whose friars link the parish to a centuries-old tradition of preaching, simplicity, and care for the people.
The parish's mission statement gathers the community around three movements of the Trinity. Members are called "to praise the Father in proclaiming His Word and instructing the family and future generations"; "to encounter the Son in walking in the way of faith, hope and love through the sacraments and our vocations"; and "to live in the Spirit in welcoming each other as family, sharing our faith, sacrifices and to be strengthened in God's service."
The priests of Holy Family are Father Edgardo Diaz, OFM, as pastor; Father Erasmo Romero, OFM, as parochial vicar; and Father Thomas Luczak, OFM, retired in residence. Religious education is directed by Susie De La Garza.
A Bilingual Week of Masses
Mass is offered every day of the week in English and Spanish. Daily Mass on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday is celebrated at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish; on Wednesday and Friday, daily Mass is at 5:30 p.m. in English. The weekend begins on Saturday with the anticipated Mass at 5:30 p.m. in Spanish. Sunday brings three Masses: 9:00 a.m. in Spanish, 11:00 a.m. in English, and 1:00 p.m. in English.
Confessions are heard on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., or by appointment.
Adoration takes the form of a monthly Holy Hour. On the first Friday of the month, Holy Hour follows the 5:30 p.m. Mass; on the third Wednesday of the month, it is held on its own. The parish also observes the customary Catholic holy days of obligation, with notes that the U.S. bishops have suppressed the feasts of Saint Joseph and Saints Peter and Paul from the obligation and that Epiphany is always celebrated on a Sunday in this country.
The Seven Sacraments
Holy Family teaches that Christ instituted seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony, drawing on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Each is celebrated in its own way at the parish.
Baptism is celebrated on the second Saturday of the month at 11:00 a.m., and families are asked to contact the parish office at least one month in advance.
First Communion is described by the parish as sustenance for the climb to the spiritual goal, the Bread of Life and Cup of Eternal Salvation. Families contact the parish office to enroll.
Confirmation is described as "God's injection of spiritual vitamins for the journey through life," a pouring-out of the strength of the Holy Spirit. Coordinator Susie De La Garza handles inquiries through the parish office.
Reconciliation is offered Saturday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and by appointment.
Anointing of the Sick is for anyone seriously ill, elderly, or preparing for surgery, not only those near death, and can be received at home or in the hospital by arrangement with the parish office.
Matrimony preparation asks engaged couples to contact the pastor at least six months before the planned wedding.
CCD: Faith Formation for the Next Generation
The parish's religious education program is known as CCD, an abbreviation of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, an association established in Rome in 1562 to provide religious instruction. At Holy Family, CCD is the modern religious teaching program of the parish and serves children preparing for First Communion, Confirmation, and ongoing formation in the faith.
The Director of Religious Education coordinates classes, shares news with families, and answers questions about sacramental preparation throughout the year.
Ministries and Devotions
Parish life at Holy Family flows through a long list of ministries and devotional groups. Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and Altar Servers assist at Mass. The Altar Society cares for the sanctuary and its linens. Several choirs lead the music at liturgies in English and Spanish.
Marian devotion runs deep. The Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary gathers for the rosary; the Guadalupanas honor Our Lady of Guadalupe; the Sabatina is a Saturday devotional to Our Lady; and Norifico keeps the tradition of bringing Mary to homes. Matachines perform ritual dances in honor of the Blessed Mother.
Other groups include the Talleres de Oración y Vida (Prayer and Life Workshops), a Grupo de Oración (Prayer Group), a ProLife Ministry, Catechesis, and the Eucharistic Revival initiative for deepening devotion to the Eucharist.
Joining the Parish
The parish office is open Monday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The church can be reached by telephone at 956-383-5472 or by email at Holy-Family-Edinburg@cdob.org. Weekly bulletins, both current and archived, are published online and are the easiest way to follow the rhythm of the parish. Holy Family Catholic Church continues the Franciscan tradition of preaching, sacraments, and service on the east side of Edinburg.