Hugs are an important part of life, 12 a day are needed
Who's News Liliana Johse

Today we start this column talking about hugs. Hugs are not only comforting, they may even be necessary. Late therapist Virginia Satir theorized people need four hugs a day to survive, eight to get by and 12 to thrive.

For Latino people hugs are part of our culture. In my part of the world they come natural. When we come back from one of our visits at my home country,

J.B. is totally relaxed since half of the town's people are kinfolks and there is usually a line of people to hug.

Duane and Melissa Kutach hosted a family baby shower for Chris and Jennifer Felix who await the arrival of their second child and their first baby boy very soon. It was a nice celebration held at their residence by the pool with blue decorations and lots of finger food, refreshments and cake.

Some of the guests were Jennifer's parent Joe and Gloria Rodriguez, Chris's parents Conrad and Barbara Felix, Rudy and Gladys Kutach who came from San Antonio, Maggie and Adam Rivera, Cynthia Acuna Duane, Melissa and their two-year-old Cailey Grace Kutach who had a great time playing with the little people. There was plenty of entertainment for them while the adults enjoyed visiting in the beautiful cool weather. J.B. and I were included as family and had a great time. She received very nice gifts for the baby. Congratulations.

A speedy recovery wish to Viriginia Williams who had surgery recently. Rachel Williams is nursing a broken ankle she suffered and Bill Edwards has also been under the weather.

Pope Benedict XVI will visit the U.S. next Tuesday. The first papal visit to the Capitol since 1979. His first visit to the U.S. and the fourth visit to the U.N. by a pontiff. The U.S. is home to 64.4 million Catholics, 22 percent of the population. We are grateful to Pope Benedict, for honoring our nation with the gift of his visit.

Bill Matthys, a former Wharton native, resident and educator has been appointed to the Cuero City Council. He will be sworn in at the May city council meeting.

Mariachi music is very popular all over Texas. Mariachi music is to Mexicans like Polka music is to the Czechs. We congratulate the newly formed Mariachi group on the wonderful job they are doing. Members are: Genaro Castro III, Aaron Gomez, Ryan Sanchez, Sebastian Orozco, Briana Sanchez, Liana Castro, Alejandra Villanueva, Ruben Gomez, Lupe Gomez Jr., Gisselle Munoz and Gabrielle Gomez. The instructors are: Gerald Sanchez, Augustine Gonzales and Dot Masek. They meet at the family life center at Our Lady of Mount Carmel for practice. For more information, call the rectory to join them. Most of them are teenagers and young adults. Their second time to play during the Mass will be April 20 at 8 a.m.

Happy birthday to Chad Privitt, Luke Guthrie, Amberly Mathews, Linda Mc- Donald, Billy Grissom, Bubbie Frazier, Jarett Barker, Kit Merka, Margaret Scheller, Merri Hillis, Sally Soderquist, Tami Harrell, Lacey Erdelt, Leroy Kocian Jr., Riley Freese, Marianna Mund, Bill Anderson, Roel Rodriguez, Guy Guttenberger, Stuart Wilson, Edward Padia, Edward Stolle, Clara Kostka, Irene Esquivel, Dr. Bob Cody, Mariana Cazares, Steve Johnson and Tom Runnells.

Celebrating wedding anniversaries this week are dear friends Wayne and Jeanette Krenek, Tim and Phyllis Krenek, Julius and Gloria Pavlas, Adam and Kim Howell.

All high school seniors who are members of KJT No. 79 interested in applying for a scholarship, contact Joe Orsak at 532-2818 or Charles Orsak 532-8610 for an application. Deadline is May 15.

Lion J.B. Johse received a Key award for successfully opening a door of Lionism to at least two individuals. The presentation was made by Lion President Larry Boyette.

Father Bryan Heyer's classes on Adult Faith Formation will resume tomorrow, April 20, 27 and May 4 at 6 p.m. The class tomorrow will be held at the church.

CDC is having its spring chicken-fried steak dinner/ fundraiser on Tuesday. Tickets are available in the foyer Sunday, in the church office and in the CDC office. Volunteers are needed to help serve plates. Please contact Lou Ann in the CDC Office if you can help. On April 27 the church will have its annual Hillbilly Olympics family celebration. It's always a great time for everybody.

Melanie Nicole Ivy and Troy Schubach had a beautiful wedding ceremony at St. John's Church in Hungerford last Saturday, I am told. Father

Henry Rachunek was the celebrant. The couple received their 700 guests with a dinner, dance and reception at Hungerford Hall. The couple flew to the Caribbean Island of St. Thomas for their honeymoon. Congratulations!

Father Rachunek had a wonderful experience last week. He and three parishioners of St. Wenceslaus attended the dedication of the Sacred Heart Co- Cathedral. Rachunek was seen on TV by many, he was so honored to be able to attend and be a part with his brother priests in the procession. At lunch he was seated across the table from Cardinal Di Nardo's twin sister. He said she was just as pleasant and outgoing as her twin brother. Each parish in the Archdiocese of Galveston- Houston was allowed to have only three people at the dedication due to limited seats. His guests were James Vincek of East Bernard, Rudy Kuba and Andy Prikryl of Beasley and each said it was a beautiful experience. Cathedrals are built about every 500 years. What a lifetime experience for them.

Lettia Grosser suffered a fractured index finger while working with a hammer. A speedy recovery wish!

Our Lady of Mount Carmel will be celebrating its 60th anniversary on Sunday, May 11, with a Bazaar at the Parish Hall. Auction items are needed. Donations are accepted. David and Tina Rivera have raffle tickets and they are being sold after weekend masses or call the rectory. The meal tickets are on sale also after masses and at the parish rectory and are $7 per ticket. The menu is half a chicken, sausage, Spanish rice and charro beans.

Please pray for our ill friends and those who are recuperating from surgery or at hospitals and nursing homes: Tom Johnson, Herb McGown, Valerie Pagel, Marlene Riley, Verlie Sherrill, Richard Villasana, Tom French, Jeffrey Borowiak, Robb and Louise Adams, Barbara Matcheski and Les Newton.

Norma Jean and Scottie House are celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary. Our best wishes.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church celebrated the Confirmation of Ava Crivello, Cindy and James Macek, Ann and Sean Watson and reaffirmation of Betty Joyce Sikora on April 9 at 6:30 p.m. A reception and dinner was given to Bishop

Don WImberly and guests.

Enjoy a great and safe day.