OFFICE HOURS:
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
PRIESTS AND DEACONS
Bishop Joe S. Vasquez, formerly the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Austin on March 8, 2010.
, Rector
Born and raised in Detroit, Mich.; son of Albert J. and Adeline A. Laforet. Graduated from Oral Roberts University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and practiced critical care nursing in Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Texas. Ordained priest June 6, 2002 by Bishop Gregory M. Aymond, D.D. Served as associate pastor at St. Albert the Great Parish in Austin, St. Mary Parish in Lockhart, Saint Mary Cathedral in Austin and St. Louis Parish in Waco. Was appointed rector of the Cathedral on July 14, 2008.
, Deacon
Years on staff: Since March 2007
Prior work experience: 25-year Army career; currently work for a defense contractor
Family: Married to Mary Jane for 37 years, six children, two grandchildren
Hobbies / Interests: Taking care of my family
Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 51:17b: A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.
Thoughts and hopes for the future of the Cathedral: An outreaching and welcoming community
Deacon Willie Cortez, Deacon
, Deacon
Years on staff: Since 2000
Prior work experience: Chancellor, Diocese of Austin
Family: Wife and three kids
Hobbies / Interests: Service, reading, golf, piano
Favorite Bible verse: Luke 9:33: Master, it is good for us to be here.
Thoughts and hopes for the future of the Cathedral: Growth and opportunity abound in
PARISH STAFF PASTORAL OFFICE
, Secretary, Baptism and Membership Coordinator
(512) 476-6182 Ext. 111
Years on staff: Since May 2008
Family: Married to Leonard, one son, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren
Hobbies / Interests: Watching movies, writing poetry and short stories, drawing, painting and, most importantly, spending time with family
Favorite Bible verse: Psalms 118:24 -- This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Thoughts and hopes for the future of the Cathedral: For the Boys' and Girls' Choir to continue for many years to come!
, Business Administrator
(512) 476-6182 Ext. 113
Years on staff: Since August 2007
Prior work experience: Public servant
Family: Spouse (Janet), three children and four gorgeous granddaughters
Hobbies / Interests: Fitness, wine, history (Civil War, Church, European), physics, astronomy and mythology
Favorite Bible verse: Ecclesiastes 3:1: There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.
Thoughts and hopes for the future of the Cathedral: Continue to grow as a vibrant faith community
CATHEDRAL SCHOOL OF ST. MARY OFFICE
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE
D
eacon Guadalupe Rodriguez, Director of Christian Faith Formation
(512) 476-6182 Ext. 128
Deacon Guadalupe was ordained December 9, 2006 on the Feast of Saint Juan Diego in Laredo, Texas by Bishop James Tamayo of the Diocese of Laredo. He is a former High School Science Teacher who taught Chemistry, Physics, and Biology for 7 years followed by a career in Law Enforcement for another 7 years. He has been working for the Catholic Church since 2005 as Retreat Center Administrator for Catholic Solitudes, the Director of Religious Education for Saint Williams parish in Austin, and now as the Director of Christian Faith Formation for Saint Mary Cathedral in Austin. He considers two of his best accomplishments were helping to start Children's Adoration in the Diocese of Austin and having coordinated the opening of three Perpetual Adoration Chapels. Saint Joseph is his favorite saint.
MUSIC MINISTRY
, Organist / Wedding Music Consultant
Philip Baker, a native Texan, began musical studies with his mother at age 4 and started playing the organ for church at age 13. His BA (organ) is from Midwestern University, Wichita Falls, Texas, MM (choral conducting) from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, with further graduate work at the Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas and Union Theological Seminary in New York City. His organ instructors include Nita Akin, David Lumsden and Leonard Raver. His choral conducting instructors were Lloyd Pfautsch and Robert Fountain. He participated in the Institute for French Organ Studies, playing historic period instruments in Souvigny and Lyon.
After two years in the U. S. Army, Philip served as Music Director and Organist of the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas for 34 years. During that time the ministry grew in many ways, including the addition of two significant organs and a 48 bell carillon. Philip has served on the organ faculty of SMU in Dallas and begun the organ studies of several young people who have gone on to achieve national and international recognition.
He has been presented in countless recitals, seminars and workshops across our country. Philip is author and composer of numerous published and unpublished works for organ, choir and solo voice, including much of the music used for worship here at Saint Mary Cathedral. He is in his 11th year serving as organist of this historic church in Austin. He and his wife, Tissa, have four children and 11 grandchildren.
, Director of MusicYears on Cathedral staff: Since August 1993
Prior work experience: Director of Music, St. Timothy's Church in West Des Moines, Iowa
Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 60:6: Fuisti spes mea turris munitissima a facie inimici. (You have ever been my hope, a tower of strength in the face of adversity.)
Thoughts and hopes for the future of the Cathedral: That it should be a model of holiness, sacred beauty, kindness and, above all, justice, for these are the things that concern a Christian most.
FACILITIES
Molly Lane, Rectory Housekeeper and Cook
Years on staff: Since 1993
Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 23: The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Thoughts and hopes for the future of the Cathedral: To continue to serve the priests and their needs.
Rosa Martinez, Janitorial Assistant