SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 264

In Memory

of

John E. McCarthy

WHEREAS, Bishop John E. McCarthy of Austin passed away on August 18, 2018, at the age of 88, leaving behind an exceptional record of social advocacy and charity work; and

WHEREAS, John McCarthy was born in Houston on June 21, 1930, to George and Grace McCarthy; a graduate of Saint Thomas High School, he received a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in theology from the University of Saint Thomas; and

WHEREAS, Ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1956, Bishop McCarthy spent the early years of his career in Pasadena, where he served as assistant pastor at Saint Pius Parish; following his tenure as assistant pastor at Saint Cecilia's Parish and administrator of All Saints' Parish, both in Houston, he was appointed executive director of the Bishops' Committee for the Spanish Speaking in San Antonio; and

WHEREAS, From 1967 through 1969, Bishop McCarthy was involved with the United States Catholic Conference in Washington, D.C., and served as director of the Division for Poverty Programs; embracing the civil rights movement, he became a founding member of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, which addresses poverty nationwide and holds civic leaders accountable for their communities; he returned to Houston in 1969 as pastor of Saint Theresa's Parish and went on to serve as executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference and auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston; and

WHEREAS, Appointed bishop of the Austin Diocese in 1986, Bishop McCarthy dedicated himself to meeting the needs of his fast-growing district throughout his 15-year tenure; known for his signature mantra of "Let us go forth, and let us go forth together," he established missionary programs, encouraged social advocacy and charity work, and opened Catholic schools and parishes, never seeking recognition for his achievements; and

WHEREAS, Profoundly devoted to his faith, to serving the poor, and to reaching out to people of all backgrounds, Bishop John McCarthy touched the lives of countless individuals in ways beyond measure, and his compassionate, selfless works will be remembered with deepest appreciation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Bishop John E. McCarthy and extend deepest sympathy to all those who mourn his passing; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bishop John McCarthy. Watson

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2019, by a rising vote.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate