United in
Christ
“So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.” — Eph 2:19-20
St. Boniface Catholic Church 2020 Stewardship Renewal
United in Christ From the Church’s earliest beginnings, Christians have built tight-knit communities. In the early Church, koinonia, or community, was a word with enormous significance. It evoked strong feelings of hospitality and belonging between those who had committed themselves to live as disciples of Christ. The early Church consisted of these groups of people who lived together, ate together and were willing to die for each other. This is the foundation upon which our Christian sense of community is built. A Core Christian Value Here at St. Boniface, we want to help every individual to know that they are welcome and wanted as a part of our Catholic family. After all, we are all called to be United in Christ. The presence of hospitality and unity can make newcomers or returning members of the church feel at home. Friends are welcomed with open arms and warm smiles. Visitors feel the genuine love present in a hearty “Welcome, we are one!” Family members do not visit; they belong. In terms of stewardship, hospitality is an immensely important concept that allows us to feel united as one body. The truth is, if someone doesn’t feel like they are wanted and appreciated, how will they receive the love of God through us? Hospitality opens the door to a person’s heart and allows him or her to receive joy, grace and love. For St. Boniface to continue to grow as a stewardship community, we must help everyone who walks through our doors understand they truly have come home. We must make hospitality a cornerstone in order to live United in Christ.
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Stewardship of Time While many of us understand that prayer is an important element of the Christian life, most of us admit that it’s difficult to find a quiet moment to spend with God. As Christians, we must remember that we cannot give what we do not have. To become a more prayerful person, take inventory of how you spend the 168 hours in the week. Are you taking time to talk to God in prayer, to speak with Him as you would a friend? Are you seeking His truth through reading the Scriptures? Will you make Him first on your priority list so that you are able to give to others from the graces He has given you? Maintaining A Healthy Prayer Life: • Pope Francis encourages all Catholics to spend time in daily prayer, thanking God for His blessings, asking for His help in difficult circumstances and reading Scripture. • Receive spiritual nourishment in the Eucharist at least every Sunday. • Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on a regular basis and asking God for the grace to live a life of holiness.
Helpful Prayer Resources • Catholic phone or tablet apps: iBreviary, Magnificat, Divine Office or The Pope App (news and homilies from Pope Francis) • Websites: usccb.org/bible/readings (daily readings of the Catholic Church), Vatican.va (The Vatican and Holy See), www.corpuschristiparishiowa.org
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Stewardship of Talent “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). Each of us has received gifts from God that we are to use in humble service. While many of us may not recognize the skills or abilities we have as gifts, they are a means by which we can give glory to God through serving each other. At St. Boniface, our ministries provide opportunities for us to serve God and others. From a warm smile to giving someone a warm meal, we are able to welcome others into the family of God by being Christ to them. Reaching out in love, while sometimes difficult, can be quite spiritually enriching! Will you take the time to ask God how you can best serve Him through the service of His children? Ways to Welcome and Serve Others: • Pray about how your gifts can best be used to help others feel welcome and united. • Sign up for a parish ministry that stretches you to put others’ needs before your own. • Greet our fellow parishioners before or after Mass, introducing yourself to unfamiliar faces.
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Stewardship of Treasure Throughout Scripture, we are taught to give to God our “first fruits” or the “choicest portion.” In modern speech, we might say that the first “line item” in the family budget should be returning a portion of our income to God. Both symbolically and in actuality, this is a powerful expression of God’s place in your life. “Where your treasure is, there also lies your heart” (Matthew 6:21). Will you take some time to reassess how you prioritize God in your finances? Reasons to Tithe We give the tithe (which means 10% of one’s harvest or income) because it is a scriptural benchmark that has been honored since the early Church (see Malachi 3:10). If you have difficulty reaching your goal of the tithe, try increasing your giving incrementally, by one or two percent of income each year. Over time, you will find that the tithe is a reasonable goal that can be reached. Most importantly, you will know that you have been faithful in placing God first in everything, even in your finances.
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2020 Ministries Hospitality Greeters/Ushers
The parish greeter/usher is observant and ready to serve when any need arises. They greet people and help seat those who arrive for Mass, take up the collection, aid the orderly reception of Holy Communion and pass out the weekly bulletin at the door. The minister possesses a wealth of kindness for all that gather at Mass. Contact: Patricia Bloodworth, 903-343-9071, pabloodworth@yahoo.com
Information Team
This ministry incorporates several important aspects of information sharing and information gathering. The church website is usually the very first impression people have of your church before they even come to your door. In fact, many people will base their decision as to whether or not they’ll come visit your church simply by going to your website. Once inside the church, it is important to gather information on prospective members and establish positive contact with the person or family, and provide information — welcoming kits, services information, formation opportunities, etc. Careful attention to your processes and systems for follow-up, ministry participation, and volunteerism must happen all the time. Contact: Deborah Pelton, 903-288-8828, winstree@gmail.com
Media Enhancement
The media ministry team is responsible for all of the technical functions of a congregation. Media ministers work to make it possible to share the message of a church with larger groups of people who might not be able to attend services, formation classes, etc. Being a member of the Media Enhancement ministry only
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requires a little technical savvy, some computer knowledge, and a heart to learn and worship through service. Contact: Alexis Nartia, 903-714-2380, lxs902@gmail.com
Security Team
The world has changed in the past few decades, making it important to think strategically about church safety. Scripture tells us we should not have a spirit of fear, but we should use common sense and wisdom in our approach and planning for the unexpected. Whether it be a natural disaster, fire or intrusion, we should have plans and people in place to help protect parishioners, places of worship, and educational and community gatherings on our church campus. Contact: Patrick Linnan, 208-691-0766
Prayer Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Parishioners are invited to give honor and praise to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament by spending an hour in His presence every Thursday and on the First Friday of each month. Come, sit, kneel, pray, relax and enjoy the sweet peace that comes from being with the One Who loves you the most, Jesus. Eucharistic Adoration is a form of prayer that brings us closer into the presence of the Lord, where He blesses us with special graces as we spend quiet time with him. Every Thursday — English, 5-7 p.m.; Spanish, 7-8 p.m. First Friday — English, 3-4 p.m.; Spanish, 7-8 p.m. Contact: Deacon John Ragland, 936-558-8708, jragland69@gmail.com
Altar Server
The server assists the priest at Mass. Altar servers prepare the sanctuary before Mass and place everything away after the Liturgy. The altar server participates at Mass by praying and singing with all in the assembly. Contact: Deacon John Ragland, 936-558-8708, jragland69@gmail.com; Bill Buckley, 903-343-7955, torredon46@yahoo.com; Mike Devault, 903-881-5434, mdd@thedevaults.com
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Eucharistic Ministers assist the clergy in offering the Body and Blood of Christ to those who present themselves for Holy Communion. They may also be deputed to bring Holy Communion to the sick. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion possess a deep love of the Eucharist and undergo training that the parish provides. Contact: Deacon John Ragland, 936-558-8708, jragland69@gmail.com; Bill Buckley, 903-343-7955, torredon46@yahoo.com; Mike Devault, 903-881-5434, mdd@thedevaults.com
Instituted Acolytes
Adult men are welcome to serve as an acolyte during the Mass. Their role is to oversee the altar servers, help facilitate the flow of the liturgy, and serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Training is provided by the diocese. Contact: Bill Buckley, 903-343-7955, torredon46@yahoo.com; Mike Devault, 903-881-5434, mdd@thedevaults.com
Music Ministry
The Music Ministry provides music for parish liturgical celebrations. Those who love to sing wholeheartedly are invited to join the parish choir. If you have a musical background and can contribute
instrumental skills, especially pray about sharing that with your congregation — we need your talent. All instruments can be incorporated into our Sunday worship — strings, woodwinds, percussion and brass! Those who have been blessed with the gift of a musical voice or an ability to play an instrument are encouraged to share that gift with the parish family by joining one of the choirs or volunteering to lead music during Mass. Contact: English Mass Choir — 5 p.m. Saturday, Evelyn Schroeder, 903-521-6328, fishingchandler@yahoo.com; 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Tom Tran, 903-316-6990
Promotion of the Rosary
The Rosary is one of the most cherished prayers of the Catholic Church. The Rosary assists us in growing in a deeper appreciation of the mysteries. We ask for the prayers of our Blessed Mother, who leads all believers to her Son. English Rosary is said on Sunday at 9:10. Spanish Rosary is said on Sunday at 11:40. Contact: Pat Key, 903-372-1815
Readers
The reader proclaims the Sacred Scripture to those assembled at Mass. The reader prepares for the proclamation of the reading throughout the week by reviewing and praying about the readings. The lector possesses a deep love of Scripture. Contact: Patricia Bloodworth, 903-343-9071, pabloodworth@yahoo.com
Sacristan
The sacristan is responsible for resources in the Sacristy, including ordering hosts, wine and other supplies, and keeping the Sacristy in order. Contact: Patricia Bloodworth, 903-343-9071, pabloodworth@yahoo.com
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Formation Adult Faith Formation
The Adult Faith Formation class meets every Tuesday night in the Community room at 6:30 p.m. after Mass. The aim is to foster spiritual growth through prayer, discussion and learning more about our Catholic faith. There is always more to learn about our faith! Contact: Mike Devault, 903-881-5434, mdd@thedevaults.com; Fr. Paul Key, 903-372-1815, frkey2007@yahoo.com
Baptismal Preparation
Baptism for those under the age of 7 is a family program that includes a meeting with the parents by a member of the pastoral staff, and a short explanation of the sacrament and the role of the parents as the primary religious educators of their children. Contact: Fr. Paul Key, 903-372-1815, frkey2007@yahoo.com
Children’s Faith Formation (CCD) including Confirmation and First Communion
St. Boniface Catholic Church is helping and encouraging the faith taught and lived by the parents/Godparents with the classes of Faith Formation on Wednesdays. Please contact the church office to complete registration forms for fall classes, or print and bring in the attached Registration Form. Classes are available for kindergarten through high school. Contact: Rachel Maldonado, 903-571-2767, ty1ram1@gmail.com
El Cursillo
El Movimiento de Cursillos de Cristiandad (MCC) es un movimiento eclesial de difusión mundial que actúa en el seno de la Iglesia católica. El primer objetivo del MCC es hacer posible que el sujeto conozca y viva «lo fundamental cristiano» mediante el anuncio kerigmático del acontecimiento
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de Cristo, «por la vía de la amistad» y del encuentro comunitario.4Pero no se trata solo de que el creyente conozca y viva su fe privadamente o en un grupo cerrado, sino que, además -segundo objetivo- ha de ser “fermento en los ambientes,”5difundiendo su fe vivida e invitando al encuentro con Cristo. Contact: Gregorio y Florina Rojas, 903-363-4753
Ethics and Integrity Training
This team helps to oversee parish members’ required participation in the Ethics and Integrity formation of the diocese. Everyone who works with children or otherwise “vulnerable” adults must have this training. Contact the following persons for more information: Contacts: Joe Guerra, 903-477-9491, guerraj@embarqmail.com; Maureen Mashburn, 903-852-5477 (home), 903-530-6386 (cell)
FORMED
Check out a free online resource for Catholic education! Visit our parish website to access FORMED under the “Faith Formation” tab. There is always more to learn about our faith and many resources to do so — check out this one! Contact: https://stbonifacechandler.org; Deborah Pelton, 903-288-8828
Marriage Enrichment
Once married, a couple needs continuous enrichment and support. We provide various resources, both in groups and individuals. Contact: Fr. Paul Key, 903-372-1815, frkey2007@yahoo.com
Marriage Preparation
“The two shall become one. They are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, let no man separate what God has joined” (Mark 10:8-9). In an effort to assure that our Catholic Christian marriages are built on the best commitment possible, we
offer a period of preparation for engaged couples. An engaged couple must make arrangements for their wedding at least six months prior to the proposed wedding date. However, contacting the parish nine to 12 months before your wedding date is not too early for the initial contact. Pre-marriage instructions are required for all Catholics, whether they are marrying another Catholic or a person of a different faith. Preparation with a Catholic priest is required even when the marriage will take place in a nonCatholic church. Contact: Fr. Paul Key, 903-372-1815, frkey2007@yahoo.com
of classes introduce them to Catholicism and integrate them into our parish. Many other parishioners also attend the weekly classes to learn more about their faith. Sponsors are assigned to RCIA candidates and catechumens to support them on their faith journey. They act as a friend and mentor both before and after their reception in the Catholic Church. Contact: Deacon John Ragland, 936-558-8708, jragland69@gmail.com
Quinceañera Preparation/ Celebration
The Altar Society ministry includes maintenance of vestments, candles, altar clothes, and other sacramentals. They also ensure the church is appropriately decorated for liturgical celebrations. Included in its mission is the spiritual enrichment of the women of the parish. Contact: Tracy de la Garza, 903-849-3198, tracydelagarza@gmail.com
A quinceañera is a celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday and her transition from childhood to adulthood. It usually involves a special blessing ritual and a prayer of dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is important because it represents the transformation of the girl to become a worthy woman. Special classes and a spiritual retreat are held in preparation for the celebration of this important moment in the life of a girl. The Hispanic community celebrates this moment with special people and parties. A required class that prepares parents and Godparents to spiritually nurture the child who will be baptized, or to accompany the children presented for the quinceañera. The parents or Godparents of recently baptized children make up the team that assists new parents in coming to a better appreciation of faith in their children’s lives. This is also an opportunity for new parents to come together and meet one another. Contact: Fr. Paul Key, 903-372-1815, frkey2007@yahoo.com
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation is primarily for the education of those people who are considering joining the Catholic Church who have not been confirmed or who wish to learn more about their faith. Eight months
Service Altar Society
Annual Garage Sale
The annual Garage Sale provides extra funds for special needs of the Church or other ministry efforts for the poor or needy. As a service to the Catholic community, we sell religious articles after the weekend Masses. The profit from this endeavor is used to help enhance and maintain the church sanctuary. Contact: Tracy de la Garza, 903-849-3198, tracydelagarza@gmail.com
Bereavement Ministry
The Bereavement Ministry provides prayers and support for a family following a death. This group provides food for families of deceased parishioners. The responsibilities of members are to make food, order and pick up food trays, and deliver to the location requested. Contact: Fr. Paul Key, 903-372-1815, frkey2007@yahoo.com
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Building and Maintenance Committee
Opportunities to contribute talents and expertise in building and maintaining the parish equipment, landscaping and grounds. Contact: Exterior — Danny Schroeder, 903-849-6501, fishingchandler@yahoo.com; Interior — Bill Buckley, 903-343-7955, torredon46@yahoo.com
Catholic School Tuition Funding Committee
This committee seeks to provide ways to fundraise for the support of our Catholic school youth through events, sales, and more. Contact: Pat Adams, 903-343-1674, spadams66@yahoo.com
Finance Council
Members of the Finance Board/Council advise the pastor regarding the management of parish finances and property, review and oversee the annual parish audit, and advise the pastor and business manager regarding the maintenance and improvement of the parish buildings and grounds. Members are appointed by the pastor. Contact: Mike Devault, 903-881-5434, mdd@thedevaults.com
Hispanic Ministry
This ministry helps coordinate all our Hispanic events and ministries, along with translating materials into Spanish. Contact: Gregorio Rojas, 903-852-7206; Florina Rojas, 903-275-3949
Knights of Columbus
The Knights at St. Boniface are members of Council 1502 in Tyler, Texas. We support our bishop, Tyler area churches, Catholic schools and five local parishes. We have a roundtable that meets periodically at St. Boniface Church. Contact: Danny Schroeder, 903-245-4387, fishingchandler@yahoo.com
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Parish Nurse
Parish nurses treat the whole person, including body, mind and spirit, with a focus on health, wellness promotion and education. They serve as champions for health education and counseling, and spiritual care. Contact: Frances Grochowski, 903-849-6608, frankieski@aol.com
Pasos Hacia El Exito (Steps to Success)
St. Boniface is providing a mentoring program in a safe and Christian environment that will help students achieve success in their studies and future careers. We will be presenting several motivational movies that will look at real-life situations of people who, against all odds, achieved success through hard work and determination. In addition, we will have speakers who will share their real-life success stories and encourage students to follow their dreams and to become the best that they can be. There will be counselors from various colleges and universities to help with their college needs. A panel of student leaders will be available to listen to and offer advice to other students on issues they are experiencing. Free tutorials will be offered by community volunteers in Math, English, Science and other subjects as needed. It is our desire to involve parents and community leaders in the academic growth of our children — because, as an old African proverb says: “It takes a village to raise a child.” Contact: Anna Hodges, 903-852-6808, jbajhodges@aol.com
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council assists the pastor with the business and financial affairs of the parish, as well as spiritual, social and educational matters. This council acts as advisory body to the pastor in matters affecting the parish community and organizations. It seeks to foster parish unity, assess parish needs,
develop parish programs, coordinate parish activities, encourage parish participation in spiritual and apostolic life, and provide a forum for parish dialogue. Members are appointed by the pastor. Contact: David Andries, 214-649-1440, dkandries67@gmail.com
Prison Ministry
A ministry devoted to bringing the love and mercy of God to our incarcerated brothers and sisters. The ministry welcomes new volunteers to join in this work of mercy. Contact: Marisol Rojas, 903-331-2833, rojas539@gmail.com
Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee helps the Parish carry out the stewardship program under the direction of Catholic Stewardship Consultants. The Committee coordinates with the Parish Council and other organizations to promote the four pillars of Stewardship: hospitality, prayer, formation and service. It helps especially in the setup of the monthly newsletters, in organizing the parish retreat and the Stewardship Renewal. It oversees the application of StewardshipPro and the involvement of parishioners in the various ministries of the parish. Contact: Bill Buckley, 903-343-7955, torredon46@yahoo.com; Fr. Paul Key, 903-372-1815, frkey2007@yahoo.com
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The primary function of this group is to help feed the hungry, clothe the needy and provide shelter for the homeless. Through home visits, St. Vincent de Paul members evaluate needs and provide compassion and support to individuals in need, regardless of race, origin, religion or gender. St. Vincent de Paul assists others in a spirit of humility and goodwill, inviting others to actively participate in assisting underprivileged populations in the struggle against poverty. Contact: Robert Fletcher, 903-515-1028, mfletch69@hughes.net
Veterans/First Responder Ministry
In the process of being developed, this ministry will lend support and guidance to the veterans and first responders in our community who are searching for or need help for a variety of reasons. We envision a ministry to provide support to find and collate the numerous support programs in the area, as well as provide spiritual support for our brothers and sisters. Contact: Deacon John Ragland, 936-558-8708, jragland69@gmail.com; Bill Buckley, 903-343-7955, torredon46@yahoo.com
Youth Group (Jr. Hi and Sr. Hi)
The group meets at least monthly for prayer and spiritual encouragement, for fun and activities, and for involvements of service to the community and for the Church. Contact: Sabrina Adams, 903-216-1967, sabrinamadams77@gmail.com; Alexis Nartia, 903-714-2380, lxs902@gmail.com
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nto =Nuevo Compromiso
United in Christ Unidos en Cristo
mbre del miembro de la
uelo tenimiento: or or anciamiento de Matrícula atólicas anzas ano Colón roquial Exito al risiones dministración Cristiana
an Vicente de Paúl eteranos/Primeros
nes (Jr. Hi y Sr. Hi)
oro
os dones de Dios, a ue dé un determinado en el ofertorio, basado
St. Boniface
Catholic Church 2020 Commitment Card 2020 Tarjeta de Compromiso My Offering of Time, Talent & Treasure Mi Ofrenda de Tiempo, Talento y Tesoro
First & Last Name/Nombre y apellido (una tarjeta por familia)
Street Address/Dirección
de San Bonifacio
a obras de caridad
City/Ciudado
ertario semanal o mensual:
Telephone (with area code)/Correo Electrónico (Importante)
Mensual
$
Anual
$
State/Estado
ZIP/Código postal
Email/Email (Importante)
Please bring your completed Commitment Card to Mass on Nov. 14/15, mail it to the parish in the envelope provided, or fill it out online at stbonifacechandler.org.
Call to Action The famous Christian author, C.S. Lewis, once wrote, “A person whose hands are full of parcels cannot receive a gift.” Stewardship is a life-long conversion of heart, mind and soul, so that we are able to receive God’s love and return that love to Him. The better we understand our Catholic faith and our personal role within God’s kingdom, the better equipped we will be to share God’s love and resources — our time, our talent, and our treasure — with others. This year, how will you take the next step in your journey of sharing God’s love through personal formation and conversion?
St. Boniface Catholic Church 318 South Broad St. • Chandler, TX 75758 903-849-3234 • stbonifacechandler.org Please Keep Until Fall 2021