April 2022
ST. VINCENT de PAUL
CATHOLIC PARISH
Office Angels Provide Essential Day-to-Day Assistance “We Never Know What Each Day Will Bring”
D Inside 2 3 4 6
Teaching By Example The Importance of Prayer in a Child’s Life All Things and All People Are Made New
ebbie Horn encounters parishioners and community members in moments of joy and moments of grief through her work in the parish office. “I see people from all walks and phases of life each day as parishioners come into the office to talk about weddings, funerals, Baptisms, and many other needs and situations,” Debbie says. “We also have people walk in off the street who are in need and those needs have increased in recent years. We help anyone who lives within the parish’s boundaries, and if they don’t, we have a number of places to refer them to.” St. Vincent de Paul’s Office Angels are parishioners who offer their time to accompany others from our parish and our community as they navigate the challenges of daily life. “The Office Angels greet people as they come in or call and take care of whatever their needs might be,” says Debbie, Receptionist and Bulletin Editor. “They answer phones, sort mail, do Mass cards, and help people looking for faith formation information.” continued on page 5
The Grace Ministry Offering Compassion, Prayers, and a Card for Those Who are Suffering Divine Mercy Sunday and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
7 The Acolyte Ministry:
Honored to Faithfully Serve God on the Altar
5819 W. Pleasant Ridge Rd. Arlington, TX 76016 (817) 478-8206 www.svdpcc.org
ST. VINCENT de PAUL Teaching By Example
“I
The Importance of Prayer in a Child’s Life
want to be just like Mom and Dad!” Perhaps nothing lifts a parent’s heart like hearing these words. While certainly affirming, such words also remind us of the great responsibility that comes with parenthood. Children often examine the lives of their parents when making decisions that will affect their own lives. For example, a young boy may dream of becoming a physician one day, just like his father. Or a young girl may hope to become a veterinarian, just like her mother. Could the same be said about their parents’ faith lives? Just as children learn traits and values from their parents, they should also learn the importance and great joy of developing a personal relationship with Christ. And the foundation of such a relationship is prayer — conversation with God. How should we go about teaching our children to pray? There are several methods, but none works as well as teaching by example. Begin teaching the importance of prayer by praying openly with your spouse. This teaches children that prayer is meaningful and important, and not just a ritual. Also, pray with your children — in the morning and in the evening. Show your sons and daughters the importance of beginning and ending each day in prayer. While a fortunate dilemma, it’s a dilemma nonetheless — Catholics face the challenge of discerning which prayers to use, considering the thousands available. A good rule of thumb is to start simple — maybe an Our Father or Hail Mary, and then move into something more complex — Hail, Holy Queen or Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel, among others. Begin with prayers your children can pick up fairly quickly. Not only will this show them that praying can be fun and easy, but shorter prayers are also usually easier to understand. Teach your children the importance of spontaneous prayer, rather than just prescribed prayers. Spontaneous prayer is any prayer that is created at the same time it is offered. Another way to think of spontaneous prayer is
“praying in your own words.” Structure spontaneous prayers according to the ACTS acronym — Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. In layman’s terms, this means beginning each prayer with words of adoration, such as “You are the Lord God Almighty. I love you.” Move into a period of contrition, asking God’s forgiveness for the sins you have committed. Then, give words of thanksgiving, thanking God for the gifts He has given. Finally, spend time sharing with God your heart’s desires. These intentions can be personal or on another’s behalf. Following this format ensures that spontaneous prayer “covers all the bases,” and doesn’t become just a mental wish list. While God wants to hear and grant our wishes, He also expects words of adoration, contrition and thankfulness. The best time to begin praying with your children is right now. The sooner they learn about prayer, the sooner they can begin cultivating their own relationship with Jesus. Many parents even pray with their children before birth, hoping their unborn son or daughter can hear their words in utero. Remember, there is no better way to teach one’s children about the value of prayer than by example.
Just as children learn traits and values from their parents, they should also learn the importance and great joy of developing a personal relationship with Christ. And the foundation of such a relationship is prayer — conversation with God. 2
A Letter From Our Pastor
All Things and All People Are Made New Dear Parishioners,
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e associate the Easter season with springtime — a time of new life and new beginnings — and Holy Scripture addresses this idea of newness many times. The Lord declares, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). This idea of being “new” is important to us as Catholics, and it is important to our parish. We need to strive to do this on a regular basis — even on a daily basis. Think of the fact that all was once new. Regardless of how you view the development of this earth and those of us who occupy it, all was once new. During this Easter season, we need to retain that idea of being “new.” And being “new” means conversion, and we have often pointed out that conversion is at the heart of a life of stewardship. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it, “The Paschal mystery has two aspects: by his death, Christ liberates us from sin; by his Resurrection, he opens for us the way to a new life” (654). In other words, Christ’s Resurrection is the source of our new life — our own future resurrection. St. Paul wrote about it to the Romans (Rom 6:5) — “For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection.” Hope for a new life beginning now and extending on into heaven is the result of Jesus’ Resurrection. What greater grounds for thanksgiving can there be than this Easter hope? We should sing with joy about God’s promise to us, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev 21:5).
St. Paul also wrote (Col 3:1-2), “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” Jesus’ Resurrection and His promise of a new life for us mean that we need to live in conformity with our status as adopted children of God. How do we show our joy and our gratitude to God for this amazing gift He has given us? We join in worship and praise God by word and song. We share the Good News of Jesus’ victory over death with our family, friends, and neighbors. And we offer back to the Lord a portion of the time, talent, and treasure He has entrusted to us. Yes, the Easter message that we share in the benefits of Christ’s Resurrection indeed makes all things new — the ultimate foundation for all Christian stewardship. The Lord is risen, alleluia. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Philip Brembah Pastor
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ST. VINCENT de PAUL The
G R AC E
Offering Compassion, Prayers, and a Ca
I
n the age of email, text messages, and social media, writing a letter or sending a card seems like a lost art. Since cards aren’t often sent in the mail, receiving one is even more heartwarming. The Grace Ministry at St. Vincent de Paul works to continue the lost art of sending a card to those going through a tough time. Ministry members also commit to praying for the card recipient. “The prayers are the most important part of this work,” says Pru Brett, who coordinates the Grace Ministry. “The cards are just a bonus.” The Grace Ministry was formed many years ago when St. Vincent de Paul was a new parish. As the parish grew, Pru and the other members wanted to welcome new parishioners. So, they started making welcome baskets and delivering them. This proved challenging, so members began meeting every two weeks to pray for people and prepare cards. “We really just want people to know we are thinking about them,” Pru says. “In this big world, it’s nice to know people are there for you, even if it’s in a small way.” Due to the pandemic, Grace Ministry members now correspond via email instead of meeting. People call the office with names and addresses of someone going through a hard time, whether it’s a death in the family or a diagnosis of an illness. One of the members takes the time to pick out a special card, write a short note and remember the person in their prayers. “This way, people know someone cares,” Pru says. “They don’t even have to be a member of our parish or live in the area.”
“I just hope this will be a bright spot during a tough time. It’s a small thing, but the people that do the cards pray hard for the people, and that’s the number-one thing.” 4
— PRU BRETT
M I N I S T RY
ard for Those Who are Suffering For Pru and the other ministry members, this is a simple thing they can do. Yet, a little goes a long way — it’s the personal touch that truly means something. “Our parish is so big,” Pru says. “Even if we don’t know the person, it’s nice for them to know they are being prayed for and thought of.” Pru acknowledges that the pandemic has been hard on people. So, any opportunity to spread love is of the utmost importance right now. “I just hope this will be a bright spot during a tough time,” Pru says. “It’s a small thing, but the people that do the cards pray hard for the people, and that’s the number-one thing.” As Pru coordinates this ministry and writes cards, she often thinks of St. Teresa of Calcutta and her wisdom that “we can do no great things — only small things with great love.” This sentiment serves as the basis of the Grace Ministry.
If you would like to request that someone receive a card and prayers, please call the St. Vincent de Paul parish office at 817-478-8206.
Office Angels
continued from front cover
Debbie and her husband joined St. Vincent’s in 1982 and, after she converted to Catholicism, Debbie and her two children all received their First Communions at the parish. They felt welcome at the parish from the beginning because of the warmth and openness of parishioners. In 1996, Debbie helped in the parish office, and her involvement progressed from there. “I wanted to be involved, and I knew that the office ladies needed help,” Debbie says. “Right away I loved working with them and working for the church. It was a calling for me, and when one of them retired, I moved into the full-time position.” The Office Angels support Debbie and the life of the parish office by giving of their time throughout the week. Many of the office angels are women, but men also give of their time in this way.
“They’re all looking for ways to give back to the church, and this is an essential way,” Debbie says. “Having the office angels available to help answer the phone and talk with parishioners who come to the office, helps me focus on other tasks. I cannot thank them enough.” Being an Office Angel is an opportunity to become closer to the parish and more directly involved in parish life. If you’re wondering if you’d like to serve in this way, please reach out to Debbie and come shadow others in the office. “We always tell our Office Angels to bring a book, because we never know what each day will bring,” Debbie says. “Come in and check it out and see if it might be something you’re interested in.”
If you would like more information about St. Vincent de Paul’s Office Angels, please reach out to Debbie Horn at 817-478-8206. 5
ST. VINCENT de PAUL
I
Divine Mercy Sunday and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
n the 1930s, Sr. Maria Faustina Kowalska of the Most Blessed Sacrament, a Sister of Our Lady of Mercy, received a message from the Lord that she was to live her life as a model of Christ’s merciful love and spread Christ’s mercy throughout the world. She proceeded to offer up all of her personal sufferings in atonement for the sins of others. She kept a diary in which she wrote of God’s mercy, as well as about her special devotion to Mary Immaculate and to the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation, which gave her strength. Sr. Faustina’s diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, serves as the handbook for the devotion to the Divine Mercy. In it, we read of the message of mercy that she received from Christ. On April 30, 2000, Sr. Faustina Kowalska was canonized by Pope John Paul II. Then, on May 23, 2000, the Congregation for Divine Worship decreed that “throughout the world, the second Sunday of Easter will receive the name Divine Mercy Sunday, a perennial invitation to the Christian world to face, with confidence in divine benevolence, the difficulties and trials that humankind will experience in the years to come.” On Divine Mercy Sunday — occurring this year on April 24 — all parishioners are encouraged to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. We will be praying a Divine Mercy Chaplet novena starting on Friday, April 15th at 2:15 p.m. in the chapel. Monday, April 18th – Friday, April 21st the chaplet will be prayed directly after daily Mass and the prayer service. On Divine Mercy Sunday we will have adoration from 2:45- 3:45 p.m. in the church with the chaplet being sung starting at 3:00 p.m. How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet “Chaplet” simply refers to the prayers counted on a rosary. The Lord said to St. Faustina, “You will recite this chaplet on the beads of the Rosary in the following Manner:” Begin with: One Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Apostle’s Creed On the “Our Father” beads, say: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. On the “Hail Mary” beads, say: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. In conclusion, three times recite these words: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. “I want the whole world to know my infinite mercy. I want to give unimaginable graces to those who trust in my mercy” (Diary, 687).
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The Acolyte Ministry:
Honored to Faithfully Serve God at the Altar
Acolyte Bill Hoelscher assists with the Presentation of the Gifts during Mass.
Acolyte Jerry Walton serves as an EMHC.
e are all called to live lives of stewardship. God blesses each and every one of us with gifts and talents that we have the honor of using to serve Him and our parish communities. One such opportunity to serve God for our male lay ministers is the honor of becoming an acolyte. An acolyte is a lay minister who is installed by the bishop to assist the priest and deacon in liturgical celebrations. One of the most common honors for an acolyte is to help serve during the celebration of the Most Holy Mass. Wayne Sulak is an acolyte here at St. Vincent de Paul. He has been an acolyte long enough that he
can’t remember how long it has been, and he is very familiar with the honor of serving at the altar during Mass. “Any time you serve at the altar, you are placing yourself that much closer to the Eucharist,” Wayne says. “When you receive the Eucharist, you are receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. Whenever you assist at the altar, you are honored to be able to assist the priest and deacon.” An acolyte performs many duties during the Mass. Typically, an acolyte will carry the cross during the entrance and exit processions. They hold the book for the priest and assist the deacon in setting up the altar prior to the presentation of gifts. An
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continued on back cover
“Being an acolyte allows you to be more implicitly aware of every detail of the Mass. Any time you serve at the altar during Mass, you are more aware of the details and this helps you to grow spiritually.” — WAYNE SULAK 7
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/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
The Acolyte Ministry acolyte will also act as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion during Mass, and after Communion, they assist the priest and deacon in purifying the sacred vessels. Some of these duties may be carried out by other lay ministers, such as altar servers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, if an acolyte is not present. However, the ability to help purify the sacred vessels is a unique responsibility of an acolyte that other lay ministers cannot perform. “Being an acolyte allows you to be more implicitly aware of every detail of the Mass,” Wayne says. “Any time you serve at the altar during Mass, you are more aware of the details and this helps you to grow spiritually.” To become an acolyte and to have the honor of assisting the priest and deacon, you must be a confirmed male Catholic. You must also be dedicated to attending Mass and partaking in the sacraments regularly. Here at St. Vincent de Paul, acolytes are trained by Deacon Bruce before becoming installed by the bishop.
continued from front cover
Acolyte Wayne Sulak carries the cross during the exit procession.
If you are interested in learning more about the Acolyte Ministry, please email Wayne Sulak at acolytes@svdpcc.org.
