All
January 2022
Saints A Stewardship Parish
\
Volume 19, Issue 1
Inside 2 Stewardship: New Year’s Resolutions
3 Start 2022 with a Clean
Spiritual Slate
4 The 2022 All Saints
School Auction — Après Ski Save the Date for a Night of Fun on Feb. 26
6 The Feast of the Epiphany Celebrating the Revelation of God to Mankind
7 St. Gianna Beretta
Molla: A Saint for Life
Our Parish Newsletter: Spreading the news of Christ at work in our community.
Parish School to Celebrate the Many Blessings of Catholic Education
I
t seems we never have teachers, and parents. Students enough opportunities to have the opportunity to enjoy celebrate the good in life. After popcorn, movies, ice cream, the interruptions of the past and one free dress day with year due to the COVID-19 a theme. It’s a week of fun pandemic, it’s even more with plenty of activities and important that we enjoy all the Sarah Whitney and educational opportunities for daughters Sophia blessings we have. Teachers, everyone. and Ella enjoy faculty, and students will use “Our kids work hard, so it’s celebrating All Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 as a chance to always fun to have some time Saints. celebrate All Saints Catholic to celebrate and have fun,” Mrs. School during National Catholic Schools Druffner says. Week. School President Colin Campbell loves The school is the largest ministry of that Catholic Schools Week is a reminder the parish, so it is only fitting to celebrate of what sets All Saints apart from other the school at Mass. So, the week kicks schools. off with two special Masses at All Saints “We are proudly Catholic and our faith Catholic Church. Students take on the roles is integral in everything we do,” he says. of lectors, musicians, greeters, ushers, and “Thank you to all of those who pour their gift bearers. hearts into our Catholic mission and our “The heart of Catholic education is students!” the person of Jesus Christ,” says Shana Mrs. Druffner also believes that Druffner, Principal. “We come together as Catholic Schools Week is a break from the a community to celebrate the Eucharist, the norm and a chance to step back and reflect source and summit from which everything on all of the good happenings at the school. flows.” “By dedicating a week where we During the week, each group affiliated can highlight our excellence in faith, with the school is celebrated — students, academics, service, and character, we not continued on back cover
All
Saints page 2
T
he New Year has arrived, and we have all been busy making — and trying to keep — our list of New Year’s resolutions. Many of us choose resolutions geared toward health and fitness. After all, possessing good overall health is critical to our well-being. Others may try to avoid a particularly bad habit. Maybe you need to quit smoking or stop swearing. Still, many of us plan things we have always wanted to do, but never get around to doing. As the days of January continue onward, however, many of us find the inspiration of keeping our good-intentioned resolutions to be fading fast. By the end of the month, most of us have given in to our temptations and returned to our old ways. We are only human, right? Discouraged by this yearly failure, many of us don’t even bother making New Year’s resolutions anymore, especially if we feel like we won’t succeed. Maybe our failures lie in both how we make our resolutions and what resolutions we actually choose. What we need to understand is the “root” of our resolution. For example, if you resolve to eat less candy to drop those recently added holiday pounds, is the “root” of your resolution a selfish one — wanting to look better since you overindulged? Or, are you genuinely seeking to stop giving in to each “sweet tooth” craving by practicing mortification — giving up of a personal pleasure to glorify God? If the “root” is a selfish one, only to benefit yourself, then it is often difficult to keep in the long run.
However, if we are trying to glorify God, our mission is much more important and worth keeping. Tying your New Year’s resolutions into the principles of stewardship — giving of your time, talent and treasure back to God — is a great way to ensure that the “root” of your resolution is right on track! For instance, resolving to pray each evening before going to bed glorifies God, brings you peace before slumber, and allows you to grow in your relationship with Christ. The “root” is pure. Your desire to keep it will be stronger and make it easier for you to keep. In the same way, resolving to return your talents to God by helping others in need is an excellent choice in creating a selfless resolution with the right “root.” Furthermore, resolving to re-evaluate your finances is also extremely important, and the beginning of a new year is a great time to do it. Are you giving back to God out of gratitude for all He has given you? Or are you merely dropping a dollar or two in the collection basket just to feel good about yourself? If you are not where you would like to be as a good steward — either with sharing your time, talent or treasure — you can resolve to do better. The New Year is a perfect opportunity to start anew and become the good steward that God desires each of us to become. And when we choose selfless things that build His kingdom instead of ours, we are sure to not only stay on track, but to succeed!
Tying your New Year’s resolutions into the principles of stewardship — giving of your time, talent and treasure back to God — is a great way to ensure that the “root” of your resolution is right on track!
All
Saints page 3
A Letter from Our Pastoral Administrator
Start 2022 with a
Slate
Clean Spiritual Slate Dear Saints,
W
e were all taught in school that the month of January gets its name from Janus, the ancient Roman god of doors and gates. His image was always carved or painted with two faces, one looking forward and the other backward. This reflected, of course, that you can go either out a door or in through one. From this very specific function, his role was generalized to include all beginnings and new endeavors. Because of Janus’ place in the Roman pantheon, it seemed natural to the Romans to name the first month of the civil year after him. (The Church year began back with the First Sunday of Advent, you’ll remember.) And although we no longer worship the pagan gods of the ancient Romans, the name has stuck down the centuries. But we’re not immune to the human instinct that moved the Romans to name the first month after Janus. His double countenance, facing forward and backward, reflects how we approach the coming of each new year. The last week of the old year finds the newspapers and TV programs giving a glance back at the past year (“the 10 best, or worst, movies of…” and such) along with predictions of what the new year will bring. My personal favorite is always “the 10 worst predictions” for the year just ending. Just like the secular world does — Janus-like — we both look back at our own successes and failures, happy events, and sad ones, during the year just ending, and forward to the new year as we prepare our resolutions. When we reflect back on the blessings we’ve received, our hearts should be filled with gratitude — and blessings there
have been, no matter how difficult the year has been. But for most of us, there have been failures and failings, too. That calls for repentance, and perhaps a trip to the confessional — but God, who makes “all things new” (Rv 21:5), will then give us a clean spiritual slate with which we may begin the new year. I’d also like to challenge you to include your grateful response to God as you make your resolutions for the new year. You don’t have to wait until you fill out a commitment card to decide this is the year when you’re actually going to attend Mass once a week in addition to Sunday (or begin worshiping every Sunday if you haven’t been doing so) or to pray the Rosary every week or to begin regular prayers with your family. Include in your resolutions how you are going to get involved in some ministry in the parish or some service to the community, and then do so. Decide to become more faithful in your financial stewardship if your treasure commitment is less than it should be. Look forward to the new year and bring Christ and His Church to the center of your resolutions. Then see what a good year it will be, with God at the center! Have a happy, and holy, New Year. Remain Ever Blessed,
Fr. Jovita Okoli Pastoral Administrator
All
Saints page 4
T H E 2022 ALL SAI NTS
— Après Ski
School Auction
Save the Date for a Night of Fun on Feb. 26
T
Donors gather in 2020 at the All Saints School Auction.
he French phrase Après Ski encompasses the social activities that occur after a day of skiing. It’s
also the theme for this year’s All Saints Catholic School Auction, to be held on Feb. 26.
All of the money raised during the auction, usually about $100,000, supports the school and its programs. The auction event also includes a meal and drinks. Auction items include experiences — the most popular being a Principal for a Day opportunity — class art, theme baskets, and other fun items. With the interruptions and cancellations brought on by the pandemic, many at the school are looking forward to this year’s event. Last year’s auction was a hybrid event, with some attendees at home, others with small groups, and a very small group together at the school. Director of Development Elizabeth Norweb Greer says the auction is a fun social opportunity for a great cause. continued on page 5
“We, as a school community, could not be more excited to gather together to celebrate all the work of our students and teachers, and support the great things that God has in store for All Saints. We want to extend a special invitation to any families, parishioners or community members who have never attended our school auction before. We would love to have you join us.” — Colin Campbell
All
Saints page 5
The 2022 All Saints School Auction “This event is a wonderful chance for our community to gather together and enjoy an evening of adult fellowship while financially supporting the school we all love,” Elizabeth says. All Saints School president Colin Campbell also looks forward to the auction and invites everyone, whether you are affiliated with the school or not. “We, as a school community, could not be more excited to gather together to celebrate all the work of our students and teachers, and support the great things that God has in store for All Saints,” he says. “We want to extend a special invitation to any families, parishioners, or community members who have never attended our school auction before. We would love to have you join us.”
In past years, the auction has been a formal event. The committee opted for a more casual event this year since people are so anxious to just be together. “We decided to head back to our relaxed roots, this year, and really just enjoy the chance to all be back together after a very challenging two years of living through this pandemic,” Elizabeth says. This year, there is a new option to buy an auction shirt to wear as a replacement for the school uniform shirt on Wednesdays until after the auction. Be sure to save the date for Après Ski on Feb. 26. You don’t want to miss this awesome event to benefit All Saints Catholic School!
continued from page 4
This QR Code is for entry to the auction site.
“Where else can you congregate with your favorite teachers, friends, and parishioners, and enjoy an evening of great food, drink, and music?” Elizabeth says.
Tickets for the auction are on sale now. There are several sponsorships available. Please visit https://app.donorview.com/pEv7E for more information.
All
Saints page 6
The Feast of the Epiphany
Celebrating the Revelation of God to Mankind
W
hile “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is one of the most popular and widely recorded Christmas carols in America and Europe, its lyrics are rarely recognized as referring to the 12 days that stretch from Christmas Day on Dec. 25 until the glorious Feast of the Epiphany. For centuries, we as Catholics celebrated this feast as the commemoration of the coming of the Magi on Jan. 6, but the decision was made a number of years ago (at least in the United States) to celebrate Epiphany on the Sunday that falls between Jan. 2 and Jan. 8. The Feast of the Epiphany, which originated in the Eastern Church, marks the end of the Christmas season and is intended to celebrate the revelation of God to mankind in human form through the person of Jesus. The
word “epiphany” is taken from a Greek word meaning “appearance” or “manifestation,” and finds its earliest reference as a Christian feast in the fourth century. But exactly which “manifestation” of Christ Jesus do we recognize on the Feast of the Epiphany? These three men, traditionally named Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, travel in haste towards the Christ Child and remain an undying testimony to the long pilgrimage of peoples in search of salvation. On the Feast of the Epiphany in 2007, Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged that this celebration elucidates not only man’s pilgrimage towards God, but also God’s pilgrimage towards man in the person of Jesus Christ. He spoke of the glorious incarnation with these words: “It was out of love that He made Himself history in our history.”
On the Feast of the Epiphany, therefore, we come to realize that we are all on a pilgrimage towards Christ, the source of salvation. This pilgrimage is unique to each and every man, but results in a universal and dynamic experience — a constant “growing closer” between God and man. It is for this opportunity that we rejoice! In the words of Pope Benedict XVI: “Happy are those who, while possessing the truth, search more earnestly for it in order to renew it, deepen it and transmit it to others. Happy also are those who, not having found it, are working toward it with a sincere heart. May they seek the light of tomorrow with the light of today until they reach the fullness of light.” Now when asked: “What occurs on the 12th day of Christmas?” we can respond with joyful certitude: “Epiphany!”
On the Feast of the Epiphany, we come to realize that we are all on a pilgrimage towards Christ, the source of salvation. This pilgrimage is unique to each and every man, but results in a universal and dynamic experience — a constant “growing closer” between God and man. It is for this opportunity that we rejoice!
All
Saints page 7
A
s disciples of Christ, the Lord of Life, we are called to respect and defend the life of every human being, from conception until natural death. In today’s world, a pro-life mindset is not only largely unpopular, but sometimes even dangerous. However, the facts remain the same — the gift of life determines our humanity, and as Catholic Christians, we are responsible for its protection. With the strong examples of people such as St. Gianna Beretta Molla, we are able to witness the value of being a people of faith, a people living to build up a culture resting on Christ’s values – a culture of life. From early childhood, Gianna lived an exemplary Christian life. She attended daily Mass with her mother and her brothers, and was a faithful member of Catholic Action, a lay apostolate dedicated to worldwide evangelization. Gianna often wrote beautiful prayers to the Lord, promising to follow His will no matter the consequences. As a teenager, Gianna understood the importance of obeying God’s will and made a series of resolutions to always follow His guidance. “I wish to die rather than commit a mortal sin,” young Gianna once wrote. Yet, at the time, Gianna was not aware of what God had in store for her life. Throughout her life, Gianna constantly prayed, “O Jesus, I promise You to submit myself to all that You permit to happen to me, make me only know Your will.” As her life progressed, Gianna would live such prayers in a radical way. In 1961, as the mother of three and pregnant with her fourth child, Gianna was diagnosed with uterine cancer. To preserve
her health and life, doctors suggested Gianna undergo a radical hysterectomy — a surgery that would undoubtedly save her life, but consequently terminate her pregnancy. Gianna decided to wait for God’s direction. Doctors removed portions of the tumor, but knew that complete eradication would require a full hysterectomy. However, Gianna was determined to keep her uterus intact, and determined to give birth to her unborn baby. Knowing the serious dangers ahead, Gianna instructed her husband a few days prior to delivery, “If you must decide between me and the baby, have no hesitation: choose — and I demand it — the baby, save him.” As it turned out, Gianna’s tumor had progressed so far that a few days after she delivered her fourth child, she passed away — a martyr for her child! Caring for the life of her unborn child meant the loss of her own life, but such knowledge never weakened her respect for life in the least. Gianna knew that her child’s life was just as valuable as her own, and she needed to care for both of them. Gianna ultimately lost her life because she wasn’t willing to sacrifice her child for her own sake. What a strong woman! Though this seems radical, we are all called to respect the lives of the unborn just as Gianna did, and Gianna’s fate only secures for us the reward we will receive if we work to build a culture of life, just as she did. In April 1994, Gianna Beretta Molla was beatified by Pope St. John Paul II, and in May 2004, she was declared a saint. Because St. Gianna lived as a defender of life, she now enjoys eternal life with the Almighty God! Let us heed her example and build a culture of life!
All
Saints continued from front cover only rejuvenate our students, teachers, and parents — and have some fun — but we also showcase to the parish and our communities the importance of Catholic schools, a place where saints and scholars are formed,” she says. One favorite activity for the students is the popcorn and ice cream. For Mrs. Druffner, it’s the smiles on the faces of everyone at the school. It’s most certainly fun to see all of the planning come to fruition. Mrs. Druffner invites all parishioners to support the school, whether that be with prayers or through sharing gifts of treasure. All Saints educators are spreading the message of Christ far and wide — and that is something to celebrate! “Whether it’s coding in our state-of-the-art Innovation lab, learning Mandarin, playing in Orchestra, reading great works of literature, or learning how to pray, we are committed to forming saints and scholars who know Truth,” Mrs. Druffner says. “At All Saints, we know that Truth has a name, and His name is Jesus Christ.” We wish a happy Catholic Schools Week to everyone at All Saints. Mrs. Druffner has a special message for everyone at the school. “I want to thank our teachers, our parents, and, of course, our students for making All Saints the incredible place it is,” she says. “It is an honor to serve as Principal of All Saints.” To learn more about All Saints Catholic School, please visit the school website at www.allsaintsdallas.org/school
5231 MEADOWCREEK DRIVE ● DALLAS, TX 75248 ● (972) 661-9282 Mass Schedule Weekday Liturgy: Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. | 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., and 5:00 p.m.
