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November 2020
Saints A Stewardship Parish
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Volume 17, Issue 11
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:
Inside
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3 “What’s in It For Us”
May Surprise You
4 Vision Food Share:
Loving and Caring for Our Friends in the Body of Christ
6 Teaching Our Children the True Meaning of Stewardship
7 Options and Assistance Make a Great Catholic Education Affordable
Our Parish Newsletter: Spreading the news of Christ at work in our community.
Building Community Through Charity, Unity and Fraternity
hen parishioner Norman Stauffer decided to make All Saints his church home, he knew that he wanted to get as involved as possible to make new friends within the faith community. Norman was also looking for a ministry that would enable him to serve alongside his daughter. The Knights of Columbus, as he soon discovered, was the perfect blend of these two desires. “The Knights of Columbus is designed to be a family-friendly organization,” Norman says. “When you join the Knights of Columbus, you know you are joining an organization of like-minded individuals. We share a common bond — a devotion to our Catholic faith and our brotherhood in Christ.” Founded on the core values of charity, unity, and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus is designed to enable Catholic men to make a lasting difference in their families, community, and world. Working together within the context of Christian brotherhood, they help support local Catholic parishes, provide emergency relief to those in need, advocate for family life, support youth and religious vocations, and work to uphold the sacred dignity of all human life. “If you are looking to get involved in the parish and community, this is one way to do so,” Norman says. “We have several projects we do with our council and others from the national level in which we participate. And the best part is, if we’re not doing something you are passionate about, we encourage you to pursue your passion. I guarantee, if there is something you want to do, you will likely find several fellow Knights who are willing to support your effort.”
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THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS One example of these initiatives is the weekly Rosary for Life. Always occurring on Saturday following the 9 a.m. Mass, members of the Lumen Christi Council 13520 carpool to a local abortion facility where they pray for an end to abortion. The Knights also cover each hour of overnight Eucharistic Adoration on the first Friday of the month, currently postponed due to the pandemic. This allows the men to spend quality time with our Eucharistic Lord, growing in their relationship with Him and interceding for others. Another big event coming up is the annual Light Up for Christ gathering. Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 1, this event includes performances from the Children’s Choir and an orchestra, desserts, hot chocolate and mulled cider, and finally the lighting of the Christmas Star on the side of the church.
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In the process of planning and participating in these events and programs, Norman says the Knights themselves benefit from a spiritual brotherhood that challenges and encourages them in the spiritual journey. “I feel we make each other better,” Norman says. “There are several men in the Knights of Columbus who inspire me — in their faith, their passion, and their devotion to God and family.” Any male parishioner 18 years or older is encouraged to consider becoming part of this organization. It’s an ideal way for men to live out stewardship, embodying gifts of time, talents, and treasure. “Most men, when asked why they haven’t joined the Knights of Columbus, reply they were never asked,” Norman says. “Please take this as an invitation. Would you like to join the Knights of Columbus?”
If you would like more information, please contact Grand Knight Norman Stauffer at 469-323-1688 or normanstauffer.lckc@gmail.com.
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Reporting Child Abuse
ll adults have a moral and legal obligation to report suspected child abuse. However, when you suspect a child is being abused or when a child tells you about an abusive situation, it can be terrifying. If you ever find yourself in that situation: 1. Remain calm. Assure the child that he or she has done the right thing by telling you and believe the child! Children rarely lie about such painful topics. 2. Report to the proper authorities. If the situation is an emergency, call 911. Alternatively, make a report to the Texas Department of Family and Protective services at 1-800-252-5400 or www.txabusehotline.org within 48 hours. Your obligation to report abuse cannot be delegated to another person. If the incident involves someone from our All Saints community, additionally contact our Safe Environment Director, Elizabeth Horsley, at 972-778-0311 or ehorsley@allsaintsdallas.org. For more information on what to do when you suspect child abuse, visit the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center website at www.dcac.org.
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A Letter from Our Pastoral Administrator
“What’s in It For Us” May Surprise You Dear Saints,
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ou already know that our parish is committed to living as intentional disciples of Christ through the holistic practice of stewardship. What you may not know is that one of our inspirations and mentors is the late Msgr. Thomas McGread of the Diocese of Wichita. Who was Msgr. McGread? Msgr. McGread was a humble, servant priest who created a model for how stewardship should be practiced — both here and in many Catholic parishes across the country. What began simply with Msgr. McGread applying his stewardship principles at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Wichita — where he served as pastor for 31 years — has become a way of life for our parish family and for Catholics around the nation. With such an incredible blueprint from this visionary priest, how could we go wrong? We have truly embraced stewardship here at All Saints, and for that, I am blessed and grateful. From the beginning, however, the question “What’s in it for us?” had to be on our minds as our efforts to educate parishioners and promote the stewardship way of life were introduced. At first, “What’s in it for us?” seemed to center on what people were willing to do to give back to God as part of practicing their faith and living as disciples of Jesus Christ. While this is important, there is so much more to it. The truth is, “What’s in it for us?” is really about “What’s in it for you?” “What’s in it for you?” perhaps is best explained as one simple principle — cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. When Christ calls us to discipleship, He is also calling us to be faithful stewards of our time, talent and treasure. Our gratitude for these gifts is best expressed through giving a portion of each back to God. Thus, stewardship becomes a
way of life that is also the way to holiness. Our relationship with Christ is what we get in return. Our efforts as a parish to promote the spiritual benefits of active stewardship are designed to foster a deeper relationship with God for all of us. Membership in a parish family should encourage, support, and celebrate that relationship with the living God, first and foremost. Everything else flows from that. If we are not focused on our relationship with God, then what will define our spirituality? If we have embraced the blessings of stewardship as a practical way of being the disciples we are called to be, we will in turn know a deeper relationship with Christ. We celebrate Thanksgiving this month, which truly is a stewardship holiday since stewardship begins with an attitude of gratitude. I am truly thankful for all that is done here at All Saints, and for the many parishioners willing to do so much. In closing, let me share one final thought to help you realize the gift that our parish is to each and every one of us. Be grateful for all you have. Be generous in giving something back to God. Be faithful stewards, and you will have done both. That is what’s in it for you, and in turn, that is what’s in it for us! And don’t forget — God has been doing this for centuries. We’re just the latest and most fortunate recipients. Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless you and your family. Yours in Christ,
Fr. Alfonse Nazzaro Pastoral Administrator
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Vision Food Share:
Loving and Caring for
or Marie Abel, Robin Moloney, and all those who give a few hours each month to gather and pack food with Vision Food Share, the purpose is simple. They are there because they love and care for those in need. “We are here to love and care for our friends in the Body of Christ,” Marie says. Thanks to the generosity of many All Saints parishioners, Vision Food Share provides parishioners and families from Dallas a pack of food — consisting of pantry items, meat, vegetables, and fruit — on the fourth Saturday of each month. Those in need are vetted and personally invited to come for food, assorted toiletries and paper products. The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched the pocketbooks of families who were already struggling. Before the pandemic, the ministry distributed packs for between 35 and 45 families. Recently, they have served as many as 50. Since March, the packages are being distributed via drive-through to help keep everyone safe and socially distanced. Some are also being delivered to those most at-risk of COVID-19 complications.
Vision Food Share has been a ministry at All Saints since 1993 when it was started by Joan Manker. Marie has led the ministry since 1998, with Robin jumping in to help about 10 years ago. Jeanne Coyle serves as the ministry’s secretary and Glen Abel is the treasurer. In addition, Jay Harvey has offered essential support. As a retired dietician, she helps by providing recommendations each month, from healthy eating to staying hydrated. This is another benefit for those receiving food. Typically, about 20 to 30 volunteers gather on the fourth Saturday of the month at about 7:30 a.m. Volunteers gather all the food, divide it into packages, and distribute them from 9 to 10 a.m. The group has also carried out this work with fewer volunteers to follow COVID-19 precautions. “It’s always a miracle to me,” Marie says. “My husband says, ‘Do you think you will have enough people?’ I say, ‘That is God’s job. I will show up and He will send people.’” Marie says God always follows through.
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Our Friends in the Body of Christ
“We serve people and families who may be in need,” she says. “They may be elderly on a fixed income, handicapped, have lost a job or had an illness. We always want everyone to feel welcome when they come for food.” Those who receive food are parishioners and community members. They are personally recommended by parishioners or the St. Vincent de Paul Society members. They are invited, via phone call, to come to the distribution — it is not first-come, first-serve. “Our volunteers get to know those who come for food,” Marie says. “They care about them. They want to know how they are doing.” Accessing the meat, produce and pantry items has also gotten to be a bit more work due to COVID-19 business adjustments, so Marie would welcome
volunteers, especially those with some weekday availability. “This is an important ministry for our parish for many, many reasons,” Marie says. “It is an opportunity to put the Gospel into practice and to be directly involved with those in need.” Each year at Thanksgiving and Christmas, those in need receive something special — a turkey is provided for Thanksgiving and a pork loin for Christmas. These are purchased with support from parishioners. Marie is thankful to all the groups at All Saints that financially support this Vision Food Share, including the All Saints Women’s Organization, the library group, the Men’s Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the children and families at All Saints Catholic School. She is also thankful for the support from Fr. Alfonse Nazzaro.
Marie Abel is always looking for more volunteers who may serve with Vision Food Share. She needs some help during the weekdays of the distribution week to gather items for the food packages. She is also looking for younger volunteers, because of COVID-19 precautions. For more information or to get involved, please call the parish office at 972-661-9282.
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Teaching Our Children
True Meaning of Stewardship
hat is your response when someone compliments your child’s achievements in art, music or sports? Do you say “thank you” as a kind response, or do you thank God for granting your child the gifts necessary for success? As parents, we serve as the primary educators of our children. Teaching them from a young age that their talents — whether in soccer, chorus or painting — come not from us, but from God, is essential to teaching stewardship. God graciously grants each of us unique skills and abilities, and it is our job to use those gifts to glorify Him. As parents, aunts, uncles, or older siblings, we can guide children in our lives to recognize their God-given gifts. We can further encourage children to use God’s gifts to their full potential, and then thank Him for bestowing them. This teaches young Catholics how to be good stewards. Indeed, not utilizing our talents brings to mind the parable of the servant who buries the treasure his master gives him, instead of using it to create more treasure. God wants us to use our talents wisely and thankfully. Teaching children to utilize their talents to build God’s kingdom is only one step of the threefold stewardship message. How your children spend their time is also important. As we move through the hustle and bustle of our day — balancing school, chores and extracurricular activities — do we find time to spend with God? It often seems as if 24 hours is not long enough to fulfill our many daily tasks. So, how can we find the time to teach and demonstrate the importance of sharing our time with God? Simple time offerings include praying on the way to school, stopping by the church to pray for a friend in need, or thanking God for a good outcome on a test. Even learning about a Saint over dinner and praying as a family before bedtime can be a valuable time offering to the Lord. As parents, finding daily prayer time ourselves is also necessary, both for our roles as good stewards and as an
example to our children. How wonderful for a child to witness their parent in quiet prayer devotion! The third tier of stewardship — treasure — is most frequently overlooked when educating our children. Birthday money from Grandma and allowance money doesn’t count — or does it? All gifts we receive are really from God, and the “first fruits” of those gifts should be generously returned to God — even if they come from Grandma. Starting as early as grade school, children can understand the concept of giving back to the all-giving God if we simply take the opportunity to teach it to them. Witnessing our weekly tithe is a great start, but encouraging them to give in their own offering is also important. Knowing they are returning to God in thanksgiving will fill them with joy! Of the many lessons parents instill in their children, teaching them to be good stewards should be a top priority. Our goal as parents is to get our children to heaven to be with our creator, God. Teaching them to be good stewards is a great way to ensure entry.
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Options and Assistance Make a Great Catholic Education Affordable
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By Gabe Moreno, ASCS Director of Advancement and Mission
utumn is here, and the changing of the season lets us know the Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas seasons are fast approaching. At All Saints Catholic School, that means spreading the great news about everything we do to inspire excellence in faith, academics, character and service. I am fortunate to talk with people often about All Saints and the great students who are a part of our community. I get to talk about the seven former ASCS students who became high school valedictorians and salutatorians in the past five years. I get to talk about our religious program that creates faithful young men and women. I get to talk about the incredible programs that help students broaden their minds like the Innovation Lab, the visual and performing arts, and Mandarin and Spanish language instruction. I get to talk about our kind, loving, and caring teachers who go above and beyond for students every day. I get to talk about the small classroom environment that allows teachers and students to build strong relationships and mutual trust, which leads to increased academic outcomes. But one thing almost always comes up, and it is a real consideration for our families. Finances.
Financing a Catholic education is an important discussion for families considering sending their children to a Catholic school. At All Saints, the yearly tuition is $8,760. When some families hear that number, there is some sticker shock. However, All Saints believes that a family’s financial situation should not exclude them from accessing a Catholic education. As a result, we have instituted options for families who wish to send their children to a Catholic school but are hesitant because of the cost. Don’t let this stop you from applying and going through the process. The options of payment plans, tuition assistance, and Diocesan tuition assistance are designed to make a Catholic education affordable for our community. Payment Plans All Saints Catholic School offers three payment plans for families to help them afford a Catholic education. The first of these plans is a single full payment. Families can pay tuition in full at the time of enrollment, and many families feel this option meets their needs and saves time. The second payment continued on back cover
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Saints Join Us for Our Advent Mission
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A MONK REFLECTS ON CHRISTMAS
oin us from 7-8 p.m. on Dec. 2 and 9, as we welcome Fr. Thomas Esposito, O. Cist., who will lead us in our Advent Mission, A Monk Reflects on Christmas. Born in 1982, Fr. Thomas Esposito was raised in Nebraska, and he entered Our Lady of Dallas in August 2005. He made his solemn profession on Aug. 15, 2010 and was ordained to the Priesthood on Aug. 14, 2011. After completing his doctorate in Biblical Theology at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, he has taught Bible and Theology at the University of Dallas and at Cistercian Preparatory School. He has served as Vocations Director for the Abbey since 2013 and as Sub-Prior since 2015. He is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the University of Dallas. For more information about our upcoming Advent Mission, please contact the parish office.
Options and Assistance Make a Great Catholic Education Affordable continued from page 7 plan is a two-payment plan. By splitting the cost of tuition in half, some families can make lump-sum payments for each semester. Still, other families are more comfortable with a 10-month payment plan. By spreading the payments over 10 months, families can bring down the tuition bill to less than $900 per month. Tuition Assistance In some instances, the tuition for a Catholic school is a sacrifice for families. In these cases, the family can apply for tuition assistance from All Saints and the Diocese of Dallas. Both All Saints Catholic School and the Catholic Diocese of Dallas have funds set aside to help families afford a Catholic education. These programs work together to help families as much as possible. In fact, it is one application system.
When families apply for tuition assistance through All Saints Catholic School, they are also applying for tuition assistance from the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. Both organizations can award funds to reduce the out-of-pocket cost for the family. Tuition Assistance applications for new families are due on April 6, 2021. Families can use the 2019 tax returns and the 2020 W-2 forms. The monetary cost of a Catholic school may seem out of reach or daunting for some families. However, All Saints believes that qualified students should have access to a rigorous Catholic education, no matter the financial situation of a family. The monetary cost is a real cost, but it is an investment in your child, an investment that pays dividends for their entire life.
5231 MEADOWCREEK DRIVE ● DALLAS, TX 75248 ● (972) 661-9282 Current PHASE THREE Mass Schedule Weekday Liturgy: Monday - Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Weekend Liturgy: Saturday, 5:00 p.m. | Sunday, 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. | Teen Mass, 5:00 p.m.