The Texas Catholic Bishops have released a bilingual resource kit to help parishes and individual Catholics support children in the foster care system and their families, both foster and biological. The kit says being a foster parent is a special calling and that each Catholic has a role in supporting foster parents.
The kit includes a discernment guide, which the bishops say helps each parish consider its own gifts and challenges. It also offers liturgical resources, including homily notes and Prayers of the Faithful, and guidance on moving from isolation to encounter. It points to St. Joseph as a model for responding when a task seems too large. Events to highlight care for foster children and their families are also listed.
The bishops said the toolbox of resources will be updated over time. Parishes that want to customize a card with their name can contact the St. Joseph Ministry at StJosephMinistry@txcatholic.org or call 512.339.9882.