St. Michael Catholic Church Newsletter — May-June-July 2021

MAY - JUNE - JULY 2021

Contents: 3

Honoring Our Lady in May

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The Guardian Ministry: Ensuring Safety and Peace of Mind

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The Stephen Ministry: Touching Hearts with God’s Healing Mercy

Lectors

Help Provide Parishioners with a Deeper Understanding of Scripture

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he lectors who serve St. Michael Parish have answered a call to stewardship by offering their time and talents to help us better understand the messages in Scripture.

Under the COVID-19 restrictions, there currently are 20 active lectors. Under normal circumstances, there are 65 serving our parish on a quarterly schedule. At this time, the schedule is drawn up from month to month.

Joanne Werner, Director of Music, coordinates the Lectors Ministry as she helps the members prepare mentally and spiritually. When Joanne receives signups for the ministry, she contacts these parishioners for training that typically is held during three to four two-hour meetings in May. During the first meeting, there is a time of discernment when Joanne asks the new members to share why they have answered the call to the ministry.

“They give all sorts of reasons,” she says.

“These usually are that their children are grown and can sit by themselves during the readings, or they now have time to do it.

Others feel they should be doing something for the parish, and others believe they have a gift for speaking.”

Joanne then gives the trainees Scripture readings to practice in front of each other during the meetings. Sometimes, however, when new lectors begin reading from the ambo during Mass, they realize this ministry continued on page 2

Lectores

Proporcionan a Feligreses un Entendimiento Más Profundo de las Lecturas

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os lectores que sirven en la Parroquia St. Michael han respondido al llamado de corresponsabilidad aportando su tiempo y talento para ayudarnos a entender el mensaje de las Escrituras.

Bajo las restricciones por el COVID-19, tenemos 20 lectores activos. En condiciones normales hay 65 sirviendo la parroquia trimestralmente. Al presente, actualizamos el calendario mensualmente.

Joanne Werner, Directora de Música coordina el Ministerio de Lectores y ayuda los miembros a prepararse mental y espiritualmente. Cuando Joanne recibe inscripciones al ministerio, se comunica con esos feligreses para adiestrarlos usualmente en tres o cuatro reuniones en mayo.

La primera reunión ofrece tiempo continúa en la página 2

The readings during the Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe are offered by a St. Michael Parish lector.

Lectors

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is not for them. Joanne then counsels them to consider joining another ministry to serve the parish.

For those who become lectors, any fear about speaking is quelled by their understanding of the impact they will have on others’ faith, as well as on their own.

Detta Owens, whose father was instrumental in organizing the ministry, offers her thoughts on what serving in the ministry means to her.

“By studying the commentary that accompanies each reading and learning the context and history of the time in which it was written, as well as understanding what the scholars believe the intent was, I’ve come to a better understanding of the Word,” Detta says. “It has impacted my prayer life in that I look forward to studying each week’s readings even when I am not scheduled to proclaim that weekend. I believe I help facilitate active listening by practicing the reading and proclaiming it in such a way that the congregation enjoys listening and is engaged.

“If they enjoy listening to the Word, they hear and absorb the message,” she adds. “Besides living a life where I hope the Word is communicated by my actions, I use the weekly readings in another unique way. As an independent business owner [direct sales], I maintain a couple of social media accounts. On Sunday mornings, I always post a Scripture verse. I choose those posts based on that Sunday’s readings or psalm, depending on what speaks to me for that day.”

Joanne has also witnessed the deepening of faith among the other lectors as they perform their readings. She cites their careful preparations of their assigned readings and their working to understand the messages in the Scriptures.

“Scripture has such a power in our spirituality, and most are very, very good about preparing,” she says. “I encourage them to prepare each Sunday as if they are to be called upon. The tangible connection to Scripture is very, very important and it shows in that it deepens their faith. They fall in love with the Scriptures.”

Lectors are generally adults, and it is preferred that they have been confirmed. Consideration will be given to those interested who have not been confirmed, however. If you would like more information about our Lectors Ministry, please call Joanne Werner at the parish office, 817.283.8746.

St. Michael parishioners are welcomed by one of our lectors.

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Lectores

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para discernimiento, en que Joanne pide a los nuevos miembros que compartan por qué se sienten llamados al ministerio.

“Presentan todo tipo de razones,” dice. “Usualmente que los hijos crecieron y pueden sentarse solos durante las lecturas, o que ahora tienen el tiempo. Otros sienten que deben hacer algo por la parroquia y otros creen que hablan bien en público.”

Joanne les entrega lecturas para practicar frente a otros en las reuniones. A veces, sin embargo, algunos lectores al comenzar a leer desde el ambo en Misa descubren que el ministerio no les acomoda. Joanne entonces les sugiere que consideren otro ministerio parroquial.

Para quienes se convierten en lectores, el temor a hablar en público es vencido al comprender el impacto sobre la de otros, y sobre la propia.

Detta Owens, cuyo padre ayudó a establecer el ministerio, nos transmite sus impresiones sobre lo que representa para ella servir en él.

“Estudiando el comentario que acompaña cada lectura y aprendiendo sobre el contexto e historia del tiempo en que se escribió, podemos entender la intención que le atribuyen los estudiosos. Eso me ayuda a entender mejor la Palabra,” dice Detta. “Ha impactado mi vida de oración y anticipo estudiar las lecturas cada semana, aún sin estar agendada ese fin de semana. Creo que ayuda a facilitar la participación al practicar las lecturas y proclamarlas de forma tal que la asamblea las disfruta e internaliza.”

“Si disfrutan escuchar la Palabra, absorberán mejor el mensaje,” añade. “Además, vivir una vida que espero mis acciones comuniquen la Palabra, usando las lecturas semanales de otra manera única. Como dueña de mi propio negocio (ventas directas), tengo un par de cuentas de medios. Los domingos en la mañana publico un verso de la Escritura. Escojo estos versos de las lecturas o salmos dominicales, lo que me llegue ese día.”

Joanne ha sido testigo del crecimiento en la fe de otros lectores al participar. Ella cita su minuciosa preparación de sus lecturas asignadas y su esfuerzo pon entender los mensajes en las Escrituras.

“La Escritura tiene poder sobre nuestra espiritualidad y la mayoría son dedicados en su preparación,” dice.

“Les aliento a prepararse cada domingo, como si les fuésemos a llamar. La conexión tangible a la Escritura es sumamente importante y les profundiza en su fe. Se enamoran de la Escritura.”

Los lectores usualmente son adultos, preferiblemente confirmados. Se puede considerar a los interesados no confirmados, sin embargo. Si quisiera más información sobre el Ministerio de Lectores, por favor llame a Joanne Werner en la oficina parroquial 817.283.8746.

A Letter From Our Pastor

Una Carta de Nuestro Pastor

Honoring Our Lady in May

Honrando a Nuestra Señora en Mayo

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

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reetings, and prayerful blessings to you. After our glorious celebrations of Holy Easter, we are into another beautiful month. As people of faith, we often refer to May as “the month of Mary.” For centuries, Catholics throughout the world have included special devotions to Mary in their activities during this month. Best known, I am sure, is the widespread and ever-popular practice of May Crowning — crowning an image of Our Lady with flowers.

May is certainly a beautiful time — it is, after all, a month full of renewal and celebration. For many Americans, cold March winds and dreary April showers have given way to blooming flowers and trees. Yet, it is not only flowers and trees that reflect the newness and joy of May. Many students in junior high, high school and college are celebrating their graduations, and will soon be moving on to new phases and exciting opportunities in their lives.

And of course, it is the month when we celebrate Mother’s Day, honoring and extending our gratitude to the women who have faithfully raised and nurtured us.

And May is most certainly a month of joy for all of us who claim the Church as our spiritual home. In 2021, we spend a good part of this month in the Easter season, which closes with Pentecost on May 23.

As we rejoice with Mary at her Son’s triumph over sin, Satan, and death, we also remember her faithfulness to God’s will throughout her life. Indeed, she can be viewed as the model of Christian stewardship.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops pointed to her in their pastoral letter on stewardship: “After Jesus, it is the Blessed Virgin Mary who by her example most perfectly continued on page 6

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

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aludos y oraciones de bendición para ustedes. Luego de la gloriosa celebración de la Pascua, estamos en otro hermoso mes. Como personas de fe, nos referimos a mayo como “el mes de la Virgen.” Por siglos, los Católicos del mundo entero hemos incluido devociones especiales a María en las actividades de este mes.

Tal vez la más conocida, estoy seguro, y popular es la Coronación de Mayo — coronando una imagen de Nuestra Señora con flores.

Mayo ciertamente es hermoso — es un mes de renovación y celebración. Para muchos americanos, vientos helados en marzo y tormentas en abril, dan paso a flores y árboles frondosos, reflejando nueva vida y alegría en mayo. Muchos estudiantes de elemental, intermedia, superior y universidad festejan su graduación, e inician nuevas etapas y emocionantes oportunidades en sus vidas. Por supuesto es también el mes en que celebramos el Día de las Madres, honrando y agradeciendo a las mujeres que fielmente nos criaron y cuidaron.

Y mayo es ciertamente un mes jubiloso para todos los que llamamos a la Iglesia nuestro hogar espiritual.

En 2021, pasamos gran parte del mes en la temporada de Pascua, terminando con Pentecostés el 23 de Mayo.

Mientras nos regocijamos con María en el triunfo de su Hijo sobre el pecado, Satanás y la muerte, recordamos también su fidelidad a la voluntad Dios durante toda su vida, el modelo de la corresponsabilidad cristiana. Los Obispos de Estados Unidos en su carta pastoral sobre Corresponsabilidad señalas, “Despues de Jesús, es la Santísima Virgen María quien por su ejemplo mejor demuestra el significado de continúa en la página 6 3

The Guardian Ministry: Ensuring Safety and Peace of Mind

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e have all been in those situations before, the ones in which you could just feel that something just was not right. Maybe someone was acting or speaking in a way that concerned you, or perhaps you just had a sense of worry that you could not explain. Regardless of the reason, that kind of uneasiness makes it difficult to focus on almost anything else. And it certainly is not conducive to being present and open to God, in prayer.

Here at St. Michael Catholic Church, one of our top priorities is ensuring that, when our parishioners come to pray and worship God at Mass, that they can do so in a safe and peaceful environment. Thanks to those who serve in our Guardian Ministry, this is possible.

“The purpose of the Guardian Ministry is to protect the church facilities and parishioners,” says Director of Liturgy Sarah Messecar, who also serves as our parish liaison to the Diocesan Director of Security.

“The Guardian Ministry is a group of volunteers who serve our parish community in a variety of different ways. Doctors and nurses serve as part of our medical team, available to assist in the case of a medical event, until emergency services arrive. Members of our Armed Guardians are parishioners who go through extensive training, background checks, and continued weekly education, and conceal carry at weekend Masses. Some of our ushers and greeters are also trained specifically to assist in the case of an emergency.”

Several years ago, at the bishop’s initiative, the parish underwent a security assessment, which was then

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followed by hiring a professional security company to be on site during weekend Masses. Currently, the Guardian Ministry — specifically the Armed Guardians — works in conjunction with our security company, ushers, and greeters.

“Our first line of defense at St. Michael is our security company, second line of security is Armed Guardians, and third is our ushers,” Sarah says.

The Armed Guardians are stationed discreetly around the property and in the Narthex and Church itself.

“We want this to be a friendly ministry — we don’t want people to be offset by the fact that there are guns in the church,” Sarah says. “Our goal is to have men and women outside in the parking lot greeting people as they come in, also observing, looking for danger, and alerting us before it gets into the church.”

Medical professionals, as well as those with a conceal carry license are needed for this ministry. Armed Guardians are required to provide their own insurance, have a gun, attend several training events, participate in monthly shooting practice, go through extensive social and criminal background checks, and attend regular training at the parish. Those with police and military experience are encouraged to consider serving in this way.

“We’re looking for people who are cool-headed who have a lot of common sense, who have a medical background, military background, police background,” Sarah says. “We’re looking for people who have a special skill set.” continued on page 6

Ministerio de Guardianes: Manteniendo Seguridad y Paz Mental

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odos hemos enfrentado situaciones, en las que nos parece que algo no está bien. Tal vez alguien actuaba o hablaba de manera preocupante, la inquietud que nos hace difícil concentrarnos. Claramente no ayuda a estar presente y abierto a Dios, en oración.

Aquí en la Parroquia Católica St. Michael, una alta prioridad es asegurar que cuando viene a orar y adorar a Dios en Misa, lo hace en un ambiente seguro y pacífico.

Esto es posible gracias a los voluntarios de nuestro Ministerio de Guardianes.

“El propósito del Ministerio de Guardianes es proteger las facilidades y feligreses de la parroquia,” dice Sarah Messecar, Directora de Liturgia, que es el vínculo al Director Diocesano de Seguridad.

“El Ministerio de Guardianes es un grupo de voluntarios que sirven a la comunidad parroquial de varias maneras. Doctores y enfermeras son parte de nuestro equipo médico, disponibles para ayudar hasta que lleguen los servicios de emergencia. Los miembros de nuestro Guardianes Armados son feligreses que reciben una extensa capacitación, análisis de historiales, y educación semanal, y portan armas ocultas en las misas de fin de semana.

Algunos acomodadores y recibidores han sido capacitados específicamente para ayudar en una emergencia.”

Hace varios años, a sugerencia del obispo, la parroquia hizo un estudio de seguridad, seguido

por la contratación de una empresa de seguridad durante las Misas de fin de semana. Ahora, el Ministerio de Guardianes – especialmente los Guardianes Armados – junto a esa empresa, los acomodadores y recibidores, cumplen esa función.

“En St. Michael, nuestra primera línea de defensa es nuestra empresa de seguridad, luego los Guardianes Armados, y por último los acomodadores,” dice Sarah.

Los Guardianes Armados se colocan discretamente en la propiedad, en el Nártex, y en el Santuario.

“Queremos que sea un ministerio amistoso – no queremos aislar las personas porque hay armas en el santuario,” dice Sarah. “Nuestro propósito es que haya hombres y mujeres recibiendo las personas en el estacionamiento, observando, detectando peligro, y alertándonos antes de que entre a la iglesia.”

El ministerio necesita profesionales médicos y personas con permiso de portación. Se requiere que los Guardianes Armados tengan su propio seguro, arma, asistan a varias capacitaciones, pasen un minucioso estudio de sus antecedentes sociales y criminales, y participen en los adiestramientos regulares en la parroquia. Estimulamos a quienes tienen adiestramiento militar o policíaco a participar.

“Buscamos personas tranquilas y ecuánimes, con continúa en la página 6 5

The Guardian Ministry

Ministerio de Guardianes

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The role of the Guardian Ministry is not only protection, but also service and assistance in whatever needs arise.

“Our focus is on keeping our parishioners safe and avoiding force by catching anything ahead of time,” Sarah says.

At the heart of this ministry is a desire to create an environment where people can fully enter prayer, at Mass.

“I think the most important thing is people won’t have to look over their shoulder, because that’s our job,” Sarah says. “We’re watching their back so they can pray — we’re there so they can put all their thoughts into their prayer and not worry.”

If you would like more information on our Guardian Ministry or to find out how you can become involved, either as a medical professional or an Armed Guardian, please contact Director of Liturgy Sarah Messecar at 817.510.2713 or smessecar@smcchurch.org.

sentido común, con adiestramiento médico, militar, o policíaco,” dice Sarah. “Buscamos personas con destrezas especiales.”

La función del Ministerio de Guardianes no es sólo seguridad, sino servicio y ayuda en cualquier necesidad.

“Nuestro énfasis es la seguridad de los feligreses y evitar el uso de fuerza anticipando,” Sarah añade.

El corazón de este es crear el ambiente donde podamos estar en oración, en Misa.

“Creo que lo más importante es evitar el nerviosismo, ese es nuestro deber,” dice. “Vigilamos para que oren — existimos para que puedan concentrarse, no preocuparse.”

Si quiere más información sobre el Ministerio de Guardianes o para saber cómo participar individualmente, como voluntario médico, o Guardian Armado, o cómo participar, por favor, comuníquese con la Directora de Liturgia, Sarah Messecar al 817.510.2713 o smessecar@smcchurch.org.

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Honoring Our Lady in May

Honrando a Nuestra Señora en Mayo

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teaches the meaning of discipleship and stewardship in their fullest sense. All of their essential elements are found in her life: she was called and gifted by God; she responded generously, creatively, and prudently...”

(Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, 41).

As we enter the month of May, let us take the time to gratefully reflect on the newness and joy that surrounds us. I request and encourage all the faithful of the parish to join praying the Rosary every day as individuals or as a family or you can join parish family. Let us follow the Blessed Mother’s example of total dedication to God as we rejoice in the blessings He gives us, this month and beyond!

la corresponsabilidad en su plena extensión, Todos los elementos esenciales se encuentran en su vida: fue llamada y bendita por Dios, respondió con generosidad, creatividad, y prudencia…” (Corresponsabilidad: Respuesta de un Discípulo, 41).

Al adentrarnos en mayo, tomemos tiempo para agradecer lo nuevo y la alegría que nos rodea. Solicito y estímulo a los fieles de la parroquia a acompañarnos rezando el Rosario diariamente como individuos, como familia, o unidos a la familia parroquial. ¡Sigamos el ejemplo de la Santísima Madre con total dedicación a Dios, mientras disfrutamos de las bendiciones que nos da en mayo y siempre!

In Christ,

En Cristo,

Fr. Balaji Boyalla, Pastor

Fr. Balaji Boyalla, Pastor

The Stephen Ministry: Touching Hearts with God’s Healing Mercy

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Ministerio Esteban:

Tocando Corazones con la Misericordia Sanadora de Dios

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n September 25, 2018, Miles l 25 de septiembre de 2018, Smith began his journey with the Miles Smith comenzó su paso Stephen Ministry, and it has been a por el Ministerio Esteban y ha beautiful experience of stewardship sido una hermosa experiencia de ever since. corresponsabilidad desde entonces.

“I wanted to join in order to stay “Quería unirme para permanecer active in the parish and continue activo en la parroquia y seguir working with people,” Miles says. “I trabajando con personas,” dice Miles. have a special memory of meeting my “Tengo un recuerdo especial de very first care receiver and getting to cuando conocí a mi primer recibidor de know him. Although I no longer work cuidados y llega a conocerle. Aunque with this care receiver in the Stephen ya no trabajo con él en el Ministerio Ministry, we have become incredibly Esteban, hemos sido excelentes good friends since then.” amigos desde entonces.”

Miles is currently serving as Miles ahora sirve como líder del the leader of the Stephen Ministry, Ministerio Esteban. Un servicio que which is an outreach that provides provee ministros que cuidan y ayudan care ministers who listen to anyone a cualquier persona que enfrenta with problems and issues, in a caring problemas y circunstancias, de and non-judgmental way. They help manera cuidadosa y sin pasar juicio. people of various faith traditions and Ayudan a distintas tradiciones de fe y In 2018, Miles Smith began his journey walks of life. estilos de vida. with the Stephen Ministry, and it Throughout the past year, Durante el pasado año, el Ministerio has been a beautiful experience of the Stephen Ministry has kept Esteban ha continuado operando, a stewardship ever since. up and running, despite the pesar de los múltiples obstáculos de la major obstacles imposed by the pandemia por el coronavirus. coronavirus pandemic.

“Cuando golpeó el COVID, muchos ministros empezaron “When COVID hit, many ministers began meeting with a reunirse con sus clientes por Zoom o por teléfono, y no en their care receivers via Zoom or by telephone, instead of persona,” dice Miles. “Seguimos teniendo nuestras reuniones in person,” Miles says. “We continue having our bi-monthly bimensuales de supervisión por Zoom.” team supervision meetings with Zoom, as well.”

Como sabemos, nadie le gana a Dios en generosidad, As the saying goes, God cannot ever be outdone in y siempre recompensa a quien comparte Su amor con los generosity, and He always rewards those who share His demás. Los ministros Esteban, encuentran que participar love with others. Stephen Ministers such as Miles find that en este esfuerzo ha traído gran alegría a su corazón y les ha participating in this outreach has brought them great joy of ayudado en su relación con Cristo. heart and helped them grow in their relationship with Christ.

“Disfruto interactuando con mis compañeros de equipo, “I enjoy interacting with my fellow team members, así como con nuestros receptores de cuidado,” dice Miles. as well as with our care receivers,” Miles says. “Spiritual “El crecimiento espiritual generalmente proviene de tener growth usually comes from having genuine compassion compasión genuina por los demás, así como el deseo de for others, as well as a desire to actively help them. It is ayudarlos activamente. Es importante que los Católicos important for Catholics to remain grounded in their faith permanezcan arraigados en su fe y mantengan un deseo and to maintain a sincere desire to help people.” sincero de ayudar a la gente.”

Ultimately, the Stephen Ministry lends us an ideal Finalmente, el Ministerio Esteban provee un reflection of the stewardship vision. It unites our reflejo ideal de la misión corresponsable, une nuestra parish community and shows that we genuinely care comunidad parroquial, y muestra como nos cuidamos continued on back cover

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3713 Harwood Road Bedford, TX 76021-4097 817.283.8746 www.smcchurch.org LITURGY SCHEDULE MASS TIMES Saturday: 6:00 PM Vigil (English) Sunday: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM (English),

1:00 PM (Español) Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM (English) Thursday: 7:00 PM (Español) CONFESSION Thursday: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM Saturday: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM ADORATION Weekly Adoration: Fridays, 9:00 AM - Noon First Friday Adoration: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The Stephen Ministry:

Ministerio Esteban:

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about one another as one family in Christ.

“Stewardship is about serving people in need, and that is just what Stephen Ministry is all about,” Miles says.

“When you practice stewardship, it helps you to stay connected with everyone in your parish.”

Having recently volunteered to lead this ministry, Miles has a fresh, positive attitude about the impact it can make on others.

“I hope the ministry will grow to be able to serve even more potential care receivers in the future,” he says.

The Stephen Ministry will need more volunteers as limitations due to the coronavirus are relaxed. For further information on how to help with this beautiful ministry of God’s mercy, please contact Linda Burns at 817.689.1587.

mutuamente como una familia en Cristo.

“La corresponsabilidad es servir a los necesitados, y en eso consiste el Ministerio Esteban,” añade Miles. “Cuando practicas la corresponsabilidad, te mantiene conectado a otros en la parroquia.”

Miles tiene una actitud fresca y positiva sobre el impacto que el Ministerio Esteban puede tener, que le llevó a aceptar ser líder.

“Espero que el ministerio crezca para poder servir a más personas en el futuro,” nos dice.

El Ministerio Esteban necesita voluntarios según se relajen las restricciones por la pandemia. Para más información sobre cómo ayudaren este hermoso ministerio de misericordia divina, comuníquese con Linda Burns al 817.689.1587.