Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Veritatis Splendor?
Veritatis Splendor is a mission to preserve, protect and proclaim the Christian faith as given to the Apostles by Jesus Christ. In fulfilling this mission, the founders of Veritatis Splendor have planned for several means to share the mission with as many people as possible:
-The first is an Oratory under the patronage of St. Joseph, in order to welcome anyone who wishes to study and pray and receive the benefits of a Catholic sacramental life.
-The second is the establishment of seven institutes to teach, train and promote the truth, goodness and beauty of the faith.
-The third is to offer a variety of residential options (homes, townhomes, apartments and other accommodations for those with smaller households), in order to share in the faith community life planned for Veritatis Splendor.
2. What is the timeline for Veritatis Splendor?
Our first priority is to break ground and begin the development of the St. Joseph Oratory on the Veritatis Splendor property. In order to do that, we need to raise the necessary funds to begin that process. God-willing, we can begin by the fall of 2023.
3. Is Veritatis Splendor an initiative of the Diocese of Tyler?
No, Veritatis Splendor is a private, lay-initiated endeavor. It is not part of the Diocese of Tyler.
For the full statement from Bishop Strickland on VS, please click here: Home (bishopstrickland.com)
4. How is Veritatis Splendor funded?
Veritatis Splendor is seeking to raise initial funding from donor-supported contributions.
5. Is this a Catholic town like Ave Maria in Florida?
No. While there are similar aspects between the two, Veritatis Splendor’s focus is on the center of worship in the work of the Oratory, supported by a Christian community living out the tenets of the Catholic Faith.
6. How is Bishop Strickland involved with Veritatis Splendor?
It is a personal project of his which he supports with his prayers, counsel and welcoming the project to take root within the Diocese’s jurisdiction. He is also responsible for making sure the priests and brothers that serve this community are in good standing.
7. What is the process for joining and living in the Veritatis Splendor community?
We plan to launch a series of Phase 2 Open House sales events in the summer of 2022 for seriously interested individuals and families to tour the property, meet the Founders, see the available lots, and initiate a sales process if they determine they would like to proceed with a purchase. For urgent inquires, email board@splendorhq.com.
8. Can I put a deposit down on a homesite? When will they be available for purchase?
We anticipate the sales process for the Phase 2 homesites launching in early summer 2022. Once it begins, it is likely that sales contracts, which include the typical “earnest money” deposits, will be executed versus a separate deposit outside of purchasing a lot.
9. Is it only Catholics that can live in and participate in the community?
Purchasing a home in The Viculus at Veritatis Splendor will be regulated under the Fair Housing Act which prohibits discrimination for many things, including religion. The Viculus at Veritatis Splendor will be a Deed Restricted Community and governed under an HOA for basic community maintenance, security and other common provisions.
Distinct and separate from the neighborhood HOA will be the Veritatis Splendor Amenities and Community life program, which will be an optional membership-driven association, governed by a separate religious charity and guided by a Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct. Anyone who wishes to be a member of the VS Community Life Program, which include amenities such as the pool, recreation center, education buildings, lakes, equestrian and archery fields, will have to agree to the Statement of Faith and related documents, which define expectations for community life.
10. What type of liturgy will be offered?
We expect to offer both the Anglican Ordinariate Rite and Traditional Latin Mass.
11. Can I just purchase nearby property and still join the community?
Any Mass offered will be open to the public, as will a number of other events and activities.
12. Is Veritatis Splendor only for families or can those who are single or retired live there?
Veritatis Splendor is open to a mix of families, singles, empty nesters and those retired. The current phase of development primarily contains residential lots for home building, but we anticipate future phases to offer smaller townhomes, apartments and accommodations for smaller households.
13. When will the recreation facilities shown on the site plan be ready?
All the recreation facilities are future phases, similar to the additional housing options we are planning, dependent on fundraising efforts.
14. Who will be the Executive Directors of the seven Institutes?
We hope, once funded, to attract Directors and Institute fellows who are experts in the disciplines associated with the Institutes and who are equipped to both teach accordingly and transmit faithfully the true teachings of the Catholic Church to the world.