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When Anne Marie and Tom McNew asked the Blessed Virgin Mary if they should pursue their dream of a Catholic radio station in Central Texas, she responded “Yes, stop asking me and get busy!” she said in a “drill sergeant tone.” And busy they have been ever since.

Lent is traditionally a time when we give things up, but for fifth graders at St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School in Austin, Lent is about using their time and talents to walk with Jesus. It all started a few years ago when fifth-grade teacher Terry Ryan taught about the Stations of the Cross and had his students re-create the city of Jerusalem. It was such a success that they are building it again this year.

Editor’s note: This issue of the Catholic Spirit went to press before March 25. As the Diocese of Austin bids farewell to Bishop Joe Vásquez on March 25, many questions have arisen. Who will lead the diocese until a new bishop is appointed? How long will it take to name a new bishop? What we do know is that the process of selecting candidates for the episcopacy involves consultation, discussion and prayer. It is a process governed by strict confidentiality and involves several key individuals, including the apostolic nuncio and the Congregation for Bishops, with the final decision resting with Pope Francis.