Assembly of Catholic Professionals Luncheon

The Assembly of Catholic Professionals met from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 9 at the Solomon P. Ortiz Center. The luncheon was attended by members and guests who seek to have their professional lives guided by their Catholic faith. The meetings are held quarterly, and each features a time for networking and lunch followed by a presentation from a guest speaker who discusses topics that address the challenges and rewards of practicing the principles of the Catholic faith in the business world.

Keynote speaker Shannon Jaquette, Policy and Education Analyst at the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, delivered her presentation via Zoom from the state capital.

“We have been very busy,” remarked Jaquette. “We have a hearing on parental choice, and we also have a hearing on immigration.”

“Our baptismal call is to follow and bear witness to Christ and it is our moral obligation to participate and have our voices heard when it comes to specific issues that affect us all, like parental choice and immigration,” Jaquette said.

The term parental choice grew out of school choice, but Jaquette explained the term parental choice is used because it more accurately reflects the teachings of the Church. This underscores the long-held belief that because parents are the primary educators of their children, they must be free to discern and choose the best educational environment for their children.

“The Assembly of Catholic Professionals meetings offer an opportunity for members to meet people who they may not interact on a regular basis,” said Lisa McKelvey, Director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Corpus Christi. “I encourage those who are not yet members to prayerfully consider joining ACP.”

Jaquette fielded questions from the audience, and McKelvey gave the final remarks. The closing prayer and blessing was offered by the Very Reverend James Stembler, Vicar General of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

For information on future Assembly of Catholic Professionals meetings and membership details, go to www.diocesecc.org/acp.