All Saints Catholic Church Newsletter — December 2020

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December 2020

Saints A Stewardship Parish

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Volume 17, Issue 12

Inside 2 December 8: The

Feast of the Immaculate Conception / Stopping Adult Abuse Is Everyone’s Business

3 Wishing a Safe and

Happy Christmas Season to Our School and Parish Families

4 Focusing Our Hearts

Heavenward: The Origin and Beauty of the Nativity Scene

6 Preparation for a Life of Faith and Service: Columbian Squires

7 Our Children’s Choir:

Young Voices Add Beauty to the Mass

Our Parish Newsletter: Spreading the news of Christ at work in our community.

A Letter From Our Pastoral Administrator

Unwrapping the Gift of

M

Stewardship

ost people associate stewardship with giving. Some think it is a desperate plea by the church asking parishioners to give some of your time, talent, and treasure to a worthy cause. Some think it is a noble gesture that identifies a faithful steward, a common occurrence this time of year. And for some, it is an understanding that the stewardship way of life brings joy and blessings to the giver by returning a portion of the gifts he or she has received from God. At Christmas, when it is most common to give or receive gifts, should this not also be a time when the stewardship way of life becomes the gift that is unwrapped by our consciousness and treasured by our faith?

After all, the first gift of Christmas was the gift of God’s own Son. For those who may still be struggling to truly understand

the stewardship way of life, that may be a concept that is difficult to accept, even at this time of year. But by living the stewardship way of life, it makes perfect sense to me.

And during this season of faith, the gift of stewardship remains one of the blessings of my life as a Catholic, as a priest, and as a pastor.

Before fully embracing a life of stewardship, I could justify wasting my time with less-thanworthwhile activities. I could rationalize withholding my talents because I often thought somebody else would always step up and take care of things instead of me. I restricted or limited sharing my material resources, thinking it wouldn’t make a difference — or worse yet, I thought others could afford to give more than me because I believed I had already given enough. As each day passes, I remind myself often of how wrong I was in what I did with continued on back cover

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December 8: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception

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hen it comes to Catholic trivia, there is one simple question that often evokes an incorrect response: “What is the Immaculate Conception?”

More often than not, this term is believed to designate Christ’s conception within Mary, through the power of the Holy Spirit. A good guess, no doubt. But that is incorrect!

The term “Immaculate Conception” describes the state of Mary’s soul within the womb of her mother, St. Anne. It has nothing to do with a special type of generative conception by her parents — Mary’s body was formed in the usual manner by her mother and father.

Instead, the term “Immaculate Conception” describes how Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin from the first moment of her existence.

Every person since Adam and Eve has been born with the stain of original sin, which can be washed away in the cleansing waters of Baptism. Yet, this fallen state never touched the soul of Mary, the new Eve. She was conceived with original sanctity and innocence, escaping all faults, depraved emotions and passions, and remained sinless.

She was not exempt from the temporal penalties of Adam: however, we do know that Mary felt sorrow and suffering.

The belief in Mary’s Immaculate Conception has been held by the Church throughout history, though only officially declared a dogma in 1854 by Pope Pius IX. Highly devoted to the Blessed Virgin, Pius IX hoped the official definition would draw emphasis to the already existing belief, thereby inspiring deeper devotion to Mary. This dogma finds its roots in both Scripture and Tradition and remains consistent with reason and the teachings of our early Church fathers.

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated every year on December 8 and is one of the few declared Holy Days of Obligation on the Church calendar. All Catholics are obligated to attend Mass on this day.

Why not make this liturgical feast a special day of devotion? Bring a rose to place before an image of the Blessed Virgin in the church sanctuary, or arrange a little altar at home for your children to decorate. Recite the Magnificat and discuss the Church’s teaching on the Immaculate Conception.

Once this beautiful feast is brought alive in our hearts and our homes, we will never again mistakenly answer that “tricky” question, “What is the Immaculate Conception?”

Stopping Adult Abuse

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Is Everyone’s Business

dult Protective Services (APS) investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of adults with disabilities or who are 65 or older. When APS confirms an allegation, it arranges services to try to address the problem.

Many older people and those with disabilities live alone or depend on others for care. This can put them at risk for abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

More than half of all cases reported to APS involve neglect. Most of those are self-neglect. Aging adults or those with disabilities may no longer be able to provide for their own health and safety. They may live in unsanitary conditions, without heat or running water, or may need some

help with meals or other daily activities. They may also lack the medical care they need.

Short-term help with shelter, home repairs, food, transportation, managing money, medical care, home healthcare, and mental health care are available. You can be their champion by recognizing and reporting any mistreatment. Their welfare is everyone’s business.

Report abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation to the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400 or online at TxAbuseHotline.org. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 911.

Reprinted from dfps.state.tx.us

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WISHING A SAFE AND HAPPY

Christmas Season TO O U R S C H O O L A N D PA R I S H FA M I L I E S

B Y G A B E M O R E N O, A S C S D I R E C TO R O F A D VA N C E M E N T A N D M I S S I O N

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hristmas is right around the corner, and I have heard the students talking excitedly about the holiday. They are eager to have some time away from school and relax for a few weeks before the next semester begins. Additionally, our students are building their Santa Claus wish list. The latest and greatest toys, books, clothes, and video games have undoubtedly found their place on these lists. As I listen to them eagerly chatting away, I think to myself if Santa Claus has to wear a mask and gloves this year to keep everyone safe!

But in all seriousness, it did get me thinking about wish lists and Christmas. For me, Christmas has always been a time for reflecting. It is a time for us to reflect on the love we have been given and reflect it to those we hold dear. To be honest, I am not the best gift-giver, and I don’t expect to receive gifts. I believe the best gifts are the gifts of time and well wishes, and I am lucky enough to receive these throughout the year. My Christmas wish list usually includes things like visits with family and perhaps a nice dinner out with my wife and some friends. But this year, with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging in our community, those things will look different. This Christmas season, All Saints Catholic School has put together a wish list of its own.

ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC SCHOOL WISH LIST:

1. That all people will feel the Joy of Jesus Christ this Christmas season.

2. That students everywhere are safe and healthy and have time to be with their families.

3. That teachers everywhere have time for some muchdeserved rest.

4. That our first responders and medical workers are granted peace and rejuvenation as they continue their work to help all those medically impacted by COVID-19.

5. That all people who have lost a loved one due to COVID-19 feel the warmth and comfort of Jesus Christ in this difficult time.

6. That all people can spend time virtually or otherwise with those they love.

7. That all families wanting access to Catholic education can attend a Catholic school.

8. That all members of All Saints Catholic Community stay safe and well during this time.

Lastly, we would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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Focusing Our Hearts Heavenward:

NATIVITY SCENE The Origin and Beauty of the

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ith all the commercialism surrounding Christmas, it’s far too easy for us to lose sight of the true reason behind the season.

Overwhelmed by our endless to-do lists and the hustle and bustle of lastminute shopping, our focus quickly shifts away from the Christ Child’s birth. Yet, hidden amongst the holly wreaths and garlands, the Christmas Nativity remains a tangible reminder of the Incarnation, pulling us back in time for a moment as we reflect upon the incredible gift of Christ’s birth.

The modern challenge we face to keep our focus on Christ at Christmas is actually what first led St. Francis of Assisi to recreate the Nativity scene nearly 800 years ago. Frustrated with the growing materialism and greed that pervaded 13th century Italy, St. Francis wanted a way to visually remind people of Christ’s

humble beginnings — to show them that Christmas isn’t about pomp and circumstance or material goods, but rather about unselfish love.

Describing the idea to his friend Giovanni, St. Francis wrote, “I want to do something that will recall the memory of that child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger...”

And so St. Francis’ idea took form on Christmas Eve in 1223. This original Nativity scene was a living one, even including live animals. Villagers were deeply moved by the silent display of humble beauty, and the Nativity tradition soon spread throughout Italy and surrounding Europe. It is a tradition that remains today in nearly every Christian church and many homes. It’s hard to imagine Christmas without a Nativity scene somewhere.

Coming in various sizes and styles, each Nativity replica continues to focus our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas — to help us remember that Christmas isn’t about the number of gifts under the tree or the festive decorations, but rather about celebrating Christ’s birth. Many families have a tradition of hiding the Infant Jesus, only placing Him in the crib on Christmas morning.

This helps build anticipation during the Advent season as we anxiously await the Divine’s birth. Others go a step further, actually wrapping up the Christ Child to be opened as the very first gift of Christmas.

Yet, whatever your family’s particular traditions, we hope that the Christmas Nativity continues to draw your heart heavenward this Christmas season — to center us all on the greatest gift ever given, our Incarnate Lord.

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preparation for a life of faith and service :

Columbian Squires

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magine a world where young men had the opportunity to practice service from a young age — a place where they became leaders by watching their mentors giving back to the community, and where they understood that having fun, growing in faith, and helping others were all things that could coexist together.

Here at All Saints, we hope that our Columbian Squires group is a place where this happens. The Columbian Squires, the youth outreach of the Knights of Columbus, was initially founded by Brother Barnabas McDonald, in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1925. Since its beginnings, the Columbian Squires has grown to an international organization, with 25,000 members worldwide.

In 2013, the Knights of Columbus Council at All Saints sponsored and initiated our Squire Circle, led by Stan Schwieterman.

“The goal of Columbian Squires is to try to get junior high and high school youth focused on their faith,” says Stan, a father of three sons who were involved in the Squires and then became Knights of Columbus on their college campuses. “We’re helping the family and the community to keep their youth focused on the church and good activities.”

A Knight for 17 years, Stan serves as the Chief Counselor of the Columbian Squires. For him, it’s an

Squires carry their banner at Dallas Pro-Life March, January 2020.

opportunity to be involved in the mission of the Knights, while mentoring and serving the youth of the parish.

“It’s a wonderful service work,” Stan says. “And for me, it’s a nice social service activity I can do with the Knights.”

As part of the Columbian Squires, young men from ages 10-18 can build connections with their faith and parish community. continued on page 6

“The goal of Columbian Squires is to try to get junior high and high school youth focused on their faith. We’re helping the family and the community to keep their youth focused on the church and good activities.” — STAN SCHWIETERMAN

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Preparation for a Life of Faith and Service: Columbian Squires continued from page 5 If you would like more information, or to become involved in Columbian Squires — whether as a young person, or an adult mentor or “counselor” — please contact Chief Counselor Stan Schwieterman at 214-502-2394 or stanschwieterman@yahoo.com.

“It’s a great way to help build the faith of the youth,” Stan says.

The group meets once a month for social events, as well as to plan and prepare for their service projects. Service is a hallmark of the Columbian Squires, with the group organizing and participating in several projects throughout the year, including events that raise money for local pregnancy resource centers, providing wheelchairs for those in need, and more.

The young men who participate also have the opportunity to grow in a variety of leadership skills, as they work with their peers and the adult counselors to plan and implement various events and service projects. Similar to scouting programs, the Squires have opportunities to learn and develop skills and knowledge.

“It’s helping them in their Catholic faith, in different topics, such as home and family, community, country, and Church,” Stan says.

Columbian Squires allows fathers and sons the opportunity to spend time together as well, growing in their faith, service and friendship with other men of the parish.

“It’s a wonderful place for the dad and the son to participate in a number of different activities together,” Stan says.

He encourages all young men of the parish to consider becoming involved with the Columbian Squires at All Saints.

“I hope it’s a good experience for them,” Stan says. “I’ve met post-Squires who became Knights later on — it helps to keep them focused on their faith and family.”

Squires attend the Coast to Coast Rosary and Our Lady of Fatima in the procession at the Dallas Flag Pole Hill Park.

Fr. Paul Gray Squires Circle 5717 attend a recent meeting and welcome a new member.

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OUR CHILDREN’S CHOIR: young

voices

add

beauty

to

the

mass

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s Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:14, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” So, what better way to bring our children to Jesus than through the gift of music? Here at All Saints, once a month at Mass and on special occasions, we are blessed with music from our Children’s Choir, consisting of pre-kindergarten to fifth-grade students.

“Seeing the children’s joy and innocence in worship is such a blessing,” says Shelbi McMullen, Director of Children’s Music and Handbells. “It reminds us to be more child-like, more loving, more joyful, and it blesses our worship.”

Christmas, especially, is a beautiful season to hear those young voices helping us prepare for our Savior’s birth. The Children’s Choir provides music for the Christmas Children’s Mass in the gymnasium. “Silent Night” and “Away in a Manger” are two of Shelbi’s favorites during the Christmas season. She uses Christmastime to not only teach the lyrics but also the real meaning behind these popular Christmas hymns.

Having led the choir for two years, Shelbi has made it her mission to not only help children prepare for their monthly Mass but also to learn more about music. She teaches our young choir members popular Mass songs and basic music reading, and the children enjoy musicrelated games, which provide the children with the opportunity to have some fun while learning. All of the songs are sung from memory, as some choir members are still learning to read.

Shelbi McMullen directs the Children’s Choir. The choir shares their musical talents once a month at Mass.

For Shelbi, teaching music and being with the children is such a joy. She recognizes each child has a place in the choir.

“I love watching them gain understanding and confidence in their singing and what we learn in choir,” she says. “As a teacher, you often have ‘lightbulb moments’ with your students and it is such an amazing feeling.”

Shelbi understands that it takes a special commitment by the whole family to be a part of the choir. The Children’s Choir helps children get to know others at the parish and build relationships. Shelbi also knows how important it is to give children the chance to glorify God with their voices.

“This teaches the children about commitment and holding their own,” she says. “Each child’s voice is important in the Children’s Choir and it gives them a sense of responsibility.

They learn that singing and participating in Mass is an amazing form of worship.”

If you would like more information about the Children’s Choir, or if your child would like to be involved, please email Shelbi McMullen at sherndon@allsaintsk8.org.

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Saints Unwrapping the Gift of Stewardship my time, talent, and treasure. But the days for regretting my misunderstanding of the stewardship way of life are over.

Stewardship conversion changes all of that, and the reverse is now true. The more time, talent, and treasure that I can give, the more content and joyful I truly am. When is the last time you unwrapped a gift that gave you so much peace of mind and heart? Maybe you have never been aware of receiving such a gift, or maybe God is just waiting for you to unwrap what He has always wanted you to have. Perhaps it is the gift God wants you to have this year for Christmas.

The catalyst for stewardship is gratitude. And, as we recognize that all we have is a gift from God, it lights up our gratitude as if it were a large Christmas tree with too many lights on it to be counted. All we can do is look at it with wonder and awe, thankful for what we see, what we have, and the opportunity to give back something in gratitude. It is more than just a spirit of “holiday stewardship” that seems to be so common this time of year. It is the core of the stewardship way of life, and once that gift is unwrapped, our conversion takes hold and our lives are

continued from front cover

transformed into faithful stewardship intended by our God. I hope and pray that you and your family will be blessed during this season of God’s grace, unwrapping the gift of stewardship in your lives and finding joy and peace — both during this season of grace and all year long.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Alfonse Nazzaro Pastoral Administrator

Celebrate the Nativity of the Lord PLEASE JOIN US CHRISTMAS EVE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 MASSES IN THE CHURCH 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:00 pm, & 11:00 pm MASSES IN THE GYM 12:30 pm 4:30 pm (CHILDREN'S MASS) CHRISTMAS DAY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2020 MASSES IN THE CHURCH 9:00 am & 11:00 am Everyone is welcome.

Tickets for Christmas Masses may be reserved at www.allsaintsdallas.org or may be picked up in the parish office.

5231 MEADOWCREEK DRIVE ● DALLAS, TX 75248 ● (972) 661-9282 Current 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.