November 2020
ST. VINCENT de PAUL
CATHOLIC PARISH
AN INSIDE LOOK AT OUR
Art and Environment Ministry Members Using Their Talents to Enhance Our Worship
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Formation Transformed Through Christ “What’s in It For Us” May Surprise You Children’s Liturgy of the Word Making the Gospel Message Relevant to Our Children Praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
7 Corporal Works of Mercy 5819 W. Pleasant Ridge Rd. Arlington, TX 76016 (817) 478-8206 www.svdpcc.org
o matter the season, and no matter what needs to be done, the members of our Art and Environment Ministry come forward to share their time and talents, ensuring that our church reflects the liturgical season and the beauty of God’s works. Anne and Tom LaMere serve as the CoChairs for the ministry that currently consists of 20 members. “Our purpose is to work with the pastor or the liturgical director to determine how the environment of the church can be changed to enhance the liturgical experience,” Anne says. “We decorate the church.” The ministry’s work follows the liturgical calendar, from Ordinary Time on through the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. The ministry members arrange flowers, making sure they are watered and kept tidy, as well as hang banners, assemble the manger, and erect Christmas trees. Anne typically sends the members an email to ask for workers to carry out specific tasks, whatever is needed at the time. “They show up,” she says. “It’s wonderful. I never have to worry about having enough people to help.” Anne cites the work of three ministry members — Kay Christian, Mary Ann Wirtzburger, and Betsy Oren — who arrange the flowers and make sure they are kept watered. They place the flowers in the church on Saturday for Mass and remove then after the last Sunday Mass. “We get donations of flowers from weddings and funerals,” Anne says. “These women take them out of the arrangements and rearrange them for the sanctuary. We are always so grateful for these donations of flowers.” Just a few years ago, the ministry was purchasing floral arrangements. Then the ministry began receiving donations for the flowers, and Anne also discovered that the Kroger store across the street from the church sold beautiful flowers at a good price. continued on page 5
ST. VINCENT de PAUL
FORMATION
Transformed Through Christ “Jesus not only calls people to him but also forms them and sends them out in his service.”
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From Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response
his month, we are emphasizing the third pillar of parish stewardship — formation. Formation is the process of studying Christ’s teachings and incorporating them deeply into our lives. It is a lifelong effort by which we “put on Christ” (Rom 13:14) and are “transformed by the renewal of our minds” (Rom 12:2). Above all, our formation should include studying Scripture and Church teaching. It should also include discussion with other Catholics and honest selfassessment. Its goal is to “discern the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect” (Rom 12:2). Because formation helps us understand God’s will, it therefore leads naturally to good stewardship. When our minds are transformed through Christ, we become like Him — as Christ gave His life for us, so we give our lives to others. Formation is not just an individual task. Instead, it is a communal responsibility that, when applied, will further help St. Vincent de Paul to grow as a stewardship parish. Each one of us has an inherent need to give — to move from “selfishness to selflessness,” as the Diocese of Wichita’s document The Pillars of Parish Stewardship aptly states. Formation is a process of spiritual growth, and it
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leads to a deeper understanding of loving others as God loves us. Naturally, then, our Catholic formation should not end upon celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation, or turning 18 years old. Formation is a formidable task that we as Catholics should participate in for the duration of our lives. It involves “education of the mind and conversion of the heart” (The Pillars of Parish Stewardship), and helps us to lead the stewardship way of life rather than just understand it. As we approach the season of Advent, why not make formation a part of your penitential renewal to Christ? Start off by reading 10 minutes of Sacred Scripture a day, or by studying a chapter of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on a daily basis. Read a biography of your favorite saint for an example of an individual who lived as a disciple of Christ, and use this person as a role model when tending to your daily tasks. Keep an eye on our weekly parish bulletin for faith formation opportunities at the parish. Before long, your commitment to formation will lead you to naturally live the Catholic faith and understand stewardship in ways that you never imagined before.
A Letter From Our Pastor
“What’s in It For Us” May Surprise You Dear Parishioners,
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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 St. Vincent de Paul, 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 St. Vincent de Paul, 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. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Philip Brembah Pastor
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ST. VINCENT de PAUL
Children’s Liturgy of the Wor
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f we want our children to truly love and become part of the faith, then we have to find ways to make it relevant to them from an early age. As Director of Children’s Faith Formation Jo-Lee Buncic says, this is what our parish’s Children’s Liturgy of the Word is all about. The program aims to creatively communicate the Sunday readings to children in a meaningful and accessible way. “It provides our children with an opportunity to be engaged in the Mass,” Jo-Lee says. “The words to the children are in their language. When they go back into the church for the Liturgy of the Eucharist, you can see how excited they are, running to their families to resume the rest of the Mass.” Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Children’s Liturgy of the Word was available during all weekend Masses for children in pre-K through fifth grade. Dismissed just before the first reading, children were able to listen to the Scripture readings,
and then participate in activities and crafts, all designed to help God’s Word come alive before returning to their families to participate in the Eucharistic celebration. However, this all changed as the pandemic forced the ministry to reinvent itself. “In the very beginning, I worked with one of (the other catechists) in our department and she made a video while I was in the chapel and just acted as if the children were right there in front of me,” Jo-Lee says. “After that, I invited any of the catechists who were interested in taking a turn making a video so that we could continue making this ministry available to the parish. Those that said ‘yes’ — then at home — would use their iPhone or whatever they had. If they had children at home, their children participated by doing some of the readings or prayers.” Thanks to the catechists’ willingness to serve, Jo-Lee says the ministry has been able to continuously prepare and share
Thanks to the catechists’ willingness to serve, this ministry has been able to continuously prepare and share videos every Sunday since March 1. By giving of themselves in this way, they’ve been able to help keep faith relevant and accessible to our youngest members during a truly unprecedented time. All videos are streamed through parish’s YouTube Channel under the “Children’s Liturgy of the Word” playlist.
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rd Making the Gospel Message Relevant to Our Children videos every Sunday since March 1. By giving of themselves in this way, they’ve been able to help keep faith relevant and accessible to our youngest members during a truly unprecedented time. “In one aspect, it’s very humbling because it’s embarrassing to make a video and to see yourself,” Jo-Lee says. “So in one way, it’s very humbling because you step aside and let the Holy Spirit really guide you and help you realize that your purpose is not to entertain — your purpose is to share the Word and God’s message. I think that has played a big part in what we are doing.” All videos are streamed through the parish’s YouTube Channel under the “Children’s Liturgy of the Word” playlist.
Not only have the finished products been beneficial for our parish children, but Jo-Lee says that many adults have expressed how much they enjoy watching the videos, as well. “The feedback has been positive because it’s a continuation and a familiarity that we haven’t lost this ministry,” Jo-Lee says. “Things are so different. Things have changed so dramatically, but here’s this one little thing once a week and that is reassuring.” The catechists of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word program look forward to the day when we can gather together as a community of faith once more, and they are grateful to be able to continue serving the children of God in this manner.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word welcomes additional catechists who are willing to assist in our “virtual liturgy” endeavor during this time. For more information, please contact Jo-Lee Buncic at 817-478-8206 or jbuncic@svdpcc.org.
Art and Environment Ministry “We started arranging these flowers and found we really enjoyed it,” she says. “We also use flowers from the garden around the church. After we use them on the altar, we return them to the earth. God gives us flowers and we return them to Him.” Through all the work the ministry does, the current of stewardship flows. The members freely offer their time and talents to help make our church more beautiful and also help us appreciate the beauty of God’s gifts to us. “I think it helps people know they are giving of their service and time to the church,” Anne says. “It is therapeutic when you see the work of their hands where we worship.” “Their work through stewardship sets an example for others,” Tom says. “It encourages them to assist in other ministries.” In addition to serving as examples of stewardship, the work of the ministry members also helps bring glory to God.
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“I believe if you have items in church that help the liturgical experience, it helps people in their praise to God, and it helps when you enter the church to worship,” Anne says. “The flowers are a simple reminder of what God gives us,” Tom adds. “The beauty that God gives us.” Additional ministry members are most welcome. There is a need for members who can water and move floral arrangements, operate a drill, climb stairs to get into the church attic for stored items, know how to paint, or can assemble a Christmas tree. “A lot of the members bring their children and make it a family activity,” Anne says. “They enjoy working with the flowers and the Christmas trees. They can do smaller tasks. And college students will come in and help with getting up and down the attic stairs.”
Anyone interested in joining the ministry may contact Anne LaMere at artsenviro@svdpcc.org. 5
ST. VINCENT de PAUL Praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
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any Catholics are aware that the Church dedicates the first two days of November — All Saints Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2 — to commemorating and praying for the souls of the faithful departed. But did you know that during the entire month of November, the Church places a special emphasis on praying for the souls in purgatory? The Church has always taught us to pray for the souls of those who have passed on from this life. Even in Old Testament times, prayers and alms were offered for the souls of the dead by those who thought “well and religiously concerning the resurrection” (Liturgical Meditations, The Sisters of St. Dominic). And in the early days of the Church, St. Paul further emphasized the importance and responsibility of not only remembering our brothers and sisters who have passed away, but actively praying for them: “For the Lord himself... will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will first rise” (1 Thess 4:16). Because of the very state of the holy souls in purgatory, we as earthly brothers and sisters in Christ are closely connected to those who passed on from this life. We share in the peace of knowing that salvation will one day be obtained, but are simultaneously suffering in separation from God. The Church also teaches that we have the opportunity to play a big part in helping these souls through their period of purgation, so that they may soon enjoy eternal glory with the Lord. This month, please make a special effort to offer prayers for your deceased friends and loved ones, and all those who have passed away in the grace and friendship of God. Offering a Mass for someone who has passed away is an especially fruitful way to honor the memory and bring comfort to a holy soul in purgatory.
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Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory O Lord, who art ever merciful and bounteous with Thy gifts, look down upon the suffering souls in purgatory. Remember not their offenses and negligences, but be mindful of Thy loving mercy, which is from all eternity. Cleanse them of their sins and fulfill their ardent desires that they may be made worthy to behold Thee face to face in Thy glory. May they soon be united with Thee and hear those blessed words which will call them to their heavenly home: “Come, blessed of My Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Amen.
Corporal Works of Mercy:
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HOW WE SERVE OTHERS
e often hear the words “love one another.” Through our ministries here at St. Vincent de Paul, we have the opportunity to live those words. Matthew 25:31-46 helps guide our stewardship way of life. We take to heart, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). The Catholic Church defines the actions listed in these verses of Matthew as the Corporal Works of Mercy — feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead. From the beginning, our parish life has been infused with grace from living a life in service to each other, the community, and global needs. Many ministries focus on the Corporal Works of Mercy and other ministries incorporate them into activities throughout the year. Let us look at the Corporal Works of Mercy to see how we as a parish family serve others. To feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty The Food Cart Ministry collects food for Arlington Charities and Mission Arlington. Support Thy Neighbor Sunday that started this October collects items for
multiple non-profit agencies in the Arlington area. The Men’s Club cooks meals for Arlington Life Shelter. Women’s Guild serves Meals on Wheels. Noreen’s Nourishment provides meals to the families in the cancer ward at Cook Children’s Hospital. The Bereavement Ministry serves meals after funerals. At our Second Sunday we gather to share a meal and fellowship after Mass. Thanksgiving Service at Mission Arlington is where we help prepare the meals for Thanksgiving Day. To help clothe the naked Hearts and Hands Ministry collects clothes and household items. Catholic Charities and many of the special collections at Mass go towards helping those in need. To shelter the homeless Our Parish Outreach department, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and Catholic Charities directly shelter those in need. As a parish, we support this through our donations in the alms boxes, alms on Faith Direct, and committed budget funds. Parishioners also provide direct support to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul continued on back cover
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ST. VINCENT de PAUL 5819 W. Pleasant Ridge Rd. Arlington, TX 76016 (817) 478-8206 www.svdpcc.org
MASSES Saturday Vigil: 5:30 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Weekdays: (M/T/Th/Fr) 8:45 a.m. in the church
(Wed) 6:00 p.m. in the church
Holy Days: 8:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Confessions: Saturday: 4-5 p.m. in the chapel
Corporal Works of Mercy and Catholic Charities through monthly envelopes or Faith Direct. The Men’s Club, Women’s Guild and Golf Ministry often raise additional funds to give to the Society of SVdP. Visiting the sick The Hospital and Homebound Ministry bring Christ to the sick by bringing them Holy Communion. The Good Samaritans assist at the Open Arms Clinic to help those who are sick. Grace Ministry writes notes of comfort and prayers. The Prayer Shawl Ministry delivers shawls made by the members to provide a physical “hug” of support. Stephen Ministers walk people through physical and mental challenges in their lives by providing a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear. The Bear Ministry brings comfort to those who are at Cook Children’s Medical Center by sharing plush teddy bears. Although they may not physically visit the sick, the Prayer Chain is praying for all those who are sick and their families.
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Visiting the imprisoned Our Prison Ministry responds to Jesus’ call to visit the imprisoned by visiting and mentoring to the women at the federal prison at Carswell and the men at the Arlington city jail. Burying the dead Our Bereavement Ministry, the Music Ministry, Grace Ministry, Stephen Ministry, Prayer Chain, and the Grief Support Ministry all lend their support and love when they serve the families who are saying farewell to their family members and helping them learn how to live with their loss. Through the ministries in our parish, we are able to truly say and show that we believe that everyone is made in the image of Christ. Each time we serve others, we are living out our call to love one another and living out a stewardship way of life through the Corporal Works of Mercy.