By 
God is our Hope
As your shepherd I wanted to offer a few words of hope and encouragement in the midst of the frustrating news we are hearing. Whether issues of gender confusion, or the recent vote of German bishops to deny some basic teachings of our Catholic faith, or economic concerns, there is certainly a long list of things to be worried about. Let us remember what Jesus Christ says in the Gospel and many Pope’s have said through the ages including Pope Saint John Paul II. BE NOT AFRAID. This is in no way a denial of the tribulations that are real and the troubles many families even here in East Texas are facing. Instead of a denial it is about putting these truly bad realities in perspective. Jesus Christ is Our Lord and Savior, and as the Son of God He is with God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit continuing to love us, and guide creation. The Church has weathered storms in the past, and she continues because she is guided by the Holy Spirit. Let us pray for our nation, our world and our Church but let us do so with great faith, and trust in the love of the Lord. Let us seek God’s Divine Will in all things, and join any suffering that we encounter to the Cross of Jesus Christ.
God bless you and let us continue to pray for each other.
Bishop Joseph Strickland
Joseph Strickland
Bishop Joseph E. Strickland was named the fourth bishop of Tyler in September of 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. Prior to being named bishop, he served a number of roles in the diocese, including vicar general, judicial vicar, and pastor of the Cathedral parish. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1985. 