St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Newsletter — February 2021

February 2021

ST. VINCENT de PAUL

CATHOLIC PARISH

Safe Environment Training Ensures We Are All Equipped to Protect God’s Children

A Inside 3 4

Sharing Love in Different Ways

Meet the Hoelschers: Making Parish Involvement a Family Affair

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Living with the Saints in Lent

7 Celebrating the Miracle of St. Blaise Feast Day, Feb. 3

5819 W. Pleasant Ridge Rd. Arlington, TX 76016 (817) 478-8206 www.svdpcc.org

s people of faith, we are each tasked with an essential duty — to protect our children from the horrors of abuse. In a 2015 letter to bishops and Church officials, Pope Francis wrote, “Families need to know that the Church is making every effort to protect their children. They should also know that they have every right to turn to the Church with full confidence, for it is a safe and secure home.”

So, as part of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ “Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal” program, the Diocese of Fort Worth asks that all parishioners, children to adults, participate in Safe Environment continued on page 2

“Our mission is to keep everyone in our parish safe from all forms of abuse. The more people we have who are aware of the warning signs of abuse and how to report it, the better we are able to fulfill the mission. The more our children are aware of their boundaries and safe adults, the better they can help the adults around them to keep them safe.”

— RENÉE BADER, SAFE ENVIRONMENT COORDINATOR

ST. VINCENT de PAUL Safe Environment Training training. This training covers how to recognize signs of abuse as well as how to report abuse.

“Our mission is to keep everyone in our parish safe from all forms of abuse,” says Safe Environment Coordinator Renée Bader. “The more people we have who are aware of the warning signs of abuse and how to report it, the better we are able to fulfill the mission. The more our children are aware of their boundaries and safe adults, the better they can help the adults around them to keep them safe.”

Empowering God’s Children training is tailored to kindergarten to fifth-grade students, and Called to Protect is for sixth to 12th-grade students. For adults, there are the Protecting God’s Children and Keeping the Promise Alive training programs —facilitators for the adult sessions are Anne LaMere, Debbie Horn, Linda Reilly, and Lori Palacios.

The children and youth sessions are held during Faith Formation classes. Currently, adult sessions are being offered online through the Zoom videoconferencing platform and

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in-person at parishes around the diocese. Here at our parish, we have in-person sessions throughout the year. Sessions are offered on different days and at different times for everyone to find a training session that may work with their schedule.

Anyone who serves in a ministry is required to attend the training. Parents are asked to, at the very least, look over the children’s materials so they are familiar with them and can continue the conversation.

“We are only able to keep everyone safe if those in the parish know the warning signs of abuse and know what to do when they see the warning signs of abuse,” Renée says.

The children and youth sessions focus on boundaries and how to report abuse to safe adults. The adult sessions discuss the grooming process, the warning signs of possible abuse, and how to respond when warning signs are seen.

Renée says adults have appreciated the training because it has helped make them more aware of the people and circumstances in their everyday lives. It is practical information that can be used anywhere.

The Diocese of Fort Worth website points out there may be more situations involving conflicts, abuse or violence as people experience the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit fwdioc.org/safe-environment for more information on resources. Our parish sessions are listed at svdpcc.org/safe-environment-awareness.

Each person needs a VIRTUSonline.org profile. Please contact Renée Bader at 817-478-8206, ext. 204, or rbader@svdpcc.org for information on logging in.

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Don’t Forget to Return Your Commitment Card!

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Please remember to turn in your Service Formation commitment card to the parish as soon as possible. We appreciate your willingness to participate in our Stewardship Renewal.

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A Letter From Our Pastor

Sharing Dear Parishioners,

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Love in Different Ways

hat’s the most widely observed saint’s day in February — the one that’s kept even by those who aren’t practicing Catholics?

Undoubtedly, it would be St. Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

The irony is that his feast isn’t even on the General Roman Calendar of feasts to be observed throughout the world. That doesn’t mean that he’s not recognized as a real, historical person, or as a genuine saint, but only that his influence throughout the Church has not been as significant as that of other saints.

So who was St. Valentine? There are several St. Valentines, as the name was not a rare one in the ancient Roman Empire, but the saint we celebrate was a priest of Rome martyred in the late third century. Still, that doesn’t explain how his feast came to be celebrated as the day one sends letters, cards and presents as expressions of romantic love.

The truth is that the custom of sending tokens of love comes not from any direct connection with St. Valentine, but from the ancient belief that birds begin to pair off on Feb. 14. And if courtship in the natural world occurred then, it must be appropriate for humans, as well. The association between St. Valentine and love notes is a later development.

Nevertheless, it’s not wrong to connect the two. Love has many aspects, and our conception of it is richer if we keep more than one of them in mind. Martyrdom is the result of loving God more than our earthly life. St. Valentine was a martyr because of his love — his love for Jesus Christ and His Church. If he had not loved God so much, he could have repudiated his Lord and saved his life. We, in turn, express our love by sending cards and gifts on St. Valentine’s Day. But isn’t that what stewardship as a way of life is — a little martyrdom? Not to push the image too far, but when we are faithful stewards, we give up a little portion of our lives out of our own love for Christ. Most Christians will not be called on to be martyrs, in the sense of forfeiting our physical lives for God. But we are

called to give up some of our comforts, indulgences and riches because of our love for Him. So then, as you prepare to celebrate and share your love with your Valentine this month, remember St. Valentine and his love for Christ. As well, keep in mind that God loves us, and return that love with your own toward Him. Loving God will be reflected in how you prioritize your use of the time, talent and treasure God has entrusted to you. As St. John wrote (1 Jn 4:19), “We love because he first loved us.”

Happy St. Valentine’s Day! Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Philip Brembah Pastor

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ST. VINCENT de PAUL Meet the Hoelschers: Making Parish

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Bill and Jennifer Hoelscher with their children, Brett, Molly and Caroline

or parishioners Bill and Jennifer Hoelscher and their children, parish involvement is truly a family affair! Both the Hoelschers were raised in the Catholic Church by parents who modeled an active faith life. Jennifer — whose maiden name is Brett — was raised and received all of her sacraments right here at St. Vincent de Paul. Her parents and two of her brothers are also still members of our parish. Bill grew up in San Antonio, where his father served the archdiocese as a deacon. While it was never a question for the couple that they would raise their own children in the Church, they have found here at St. Vincent de Paul more than a place of worship — they have discovered a true extension of family.

“There is such a strong community here, and whether it’s going to Mass or a parish activity or taking your kids

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to Religious Ed, there is a strong community of people you know and recognize,” Jennifer says.

The Hoelschers have nurtured a lot of connections and friendships in the parish by participating in various organizations and ministries. Bill joined the Men’s Club over 15 years ago and has thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of the group, along with its fundraising and charitable works. Bill is also an acolyte. Jennifer helps with the Children’s Liturgy of the Word, and she and Bill have taught Religious Education classes for many years.

Helping with faith formation has allowed them to get to know other parents and share the faith with some of our youngest parishioners.

Following their parents’ examples of active discipleship, all three of the Hoelscher kids — Brett, 15;

Involvement a Family Affair “I think it is so important. You can’t just take your kids to church and expect them to be God-loving, faithful people — you have to get involved and show them the way. When I was growing up, family and faith were so important. There are so many times — and now more than ever — when sometimes faith is all you have. So we want our children to have that, so they realize God is always with them and they are never alone. No matter how hard things might get, we just want them to always have that.” — JENNIFER HOELSCHER Caroline, 13; and Molly, 13 — have been altar servers.

At some Masses, Bill, the three children, and Jennifer’s parents and brothers would all be serving on the altar at the same time! Those Sundays were a poignant reminder of the blessings to be found in participating fully in parish life.

“When we were all up there — when the kids were up there serving and I would be an acolyte — Jennifer would be the only one sitting in the pew,” Bill says. “It was such a wonderful feeling that we were all up there.

At Baptisms, they say the parents are the first teachers in the faith, and that helped show our kids that it’s not just about going to church each week, but also doing things with your church community to grow in the faith.”

Thankful for the strong foundation in the faith they both received from their own parents, Bill and Jennifer have continued to keep their Catholic faith at the center of family life together.

“I think it is so important,” Jennifer says. “You can’t just take your kids to church and expect them to be God-loving, faithful people — you have to get involved and show them the way. When I was growing up, family and faith were so important. There are so many times —

and now more than ever — when sometimes faith is all you have. So we want our children to have that, so they realize God is always with them and they are never alone.

No matter how hard things might get, we just want them to always have that.”

The Hoelschers know from experience that it takes a village to keep living and growing in the faith. As Bill and Jennifer continue to seek a closer walk with Christ, they are thankful for the examples of their parents, the support of their faith family here at St. Vincent de Paul, and the inspiring and loving presence of Fr. Philip Brembah.

“Fr. Philip is just phenomenal,” Jennifer says. “You would not even know he has a parish full of people — he knows and cares about you. The Holy Spirit shines through him like you wouldn’t believe.”

“He makes you feel like you’re the only one there is,” Bill agrees.

Knowing firsthand the abundant blessings that come with being a part of our faith family here at St. Vincent de Paul, Bill and Jennifer hope that all parishioners will continue to stay connected to our faith community in any way they can!

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ST. VINCENT de PAUL

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Living with the Saints in Lent

n the season of Lent, we are called to examine our lives and renew our commitment to living as Christ taught us. Traditionally, we are invited to engage in three practices that Jesus recommends to us in Matthew 6 — almsgiving, prayer and fasting. By embracing these practices, we can refresh our spiritual lives. Let’s look at three saints who were exemplars of the spirit of these disciplines.

Almsgiving is the practice of giving to those in need.

The Christian tradition tells us we have a duty to provide for the poor, the widow, the orphan and the alien. (See Exodus 22-23, or James 1.) Some saints have gone so far as to not only give of their excess, but to give all to the poor. St. Katharine Drexel, whom we celebrate on March 3, was an American heiress born just before the Civil War. She gave up her wealth — equivalent to $200 million today! — became a nun, and devoted her life to serving Native Americans and African Americans.

Prayer is central to our relationship with God. In Lent, we turn back to prayer and away from the

distractions of the world. St. Dominic Savio — whose feast day had previously been March 9, and is now May 6 — only lived to be 14 years old, but his life was marked by prayerfulness. He would spend hours in silent meditation, and would have heavenly visions while playing with others. Given to frail health, he knew that if nothing else, he could at least pray.

Fasting from goods or pleasures reminds us that, while God has made creation for us to enjoy, what we ultimately need are not the things of this world, but God Himself. St. Joseph Oriol, who is celebrated on March 23, was a 17th-century Spanish priest known not only for his miraculous healings, but also for his intense fasting.

During Lent, he ate only once a week!

Spend Lent with the saints. Two good resources are www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/calendar and the classic book, Butler’s Lives of the Saints. Learn about them and learn from their example, and pray for their intercession!

In the season of Lent, we are called to examine our lives and renew our commitment to living as Christ taught us. Traditionally, we are invited to engage in three practices that Jesus recommends to us in Matthew 6 — almsgiving, prayer and fasting. By embracing these practices, we can refresh our spiritual lives.

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Celebrating the Miracle of St. Blaise

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Feast Day, Feb. 3

his month, we reflect on the life of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, who is one of the “Fourteen Holy Helpers” — a group of Catholic saints whose intercession is believed to be effective against diseases. Every year on Feb. 3, we celebrate the feast day of St. Blaise, during which parishes around the world bless the throats of the faithful. So, as we continue to navigate the ongoing challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, we may look toward St. Blaise’s example and pray for his intercession during these difficult times.

Though we do not know much about the life of St. Blaise, tradition tells us that he was born to wealthy, saintly Catholic parents. Born in Armenia, he devoted his life to medicine and helping the sick. He was a physician, until he was begged by the people to become their bishop. He was appointed by the Church as bishop of the Diocese of Sebaste.

Around the year 313, when the Roman Emperor Licinius was persecuting the Church, Blaise lived as a hermit in the woods among animals that he befriended. One day, a group of hunters found Blaise and seized him. Upon their trip to the governor, they encountered a woman whose pig was being attacked by a wolf. Blaise commanded the wolf to leave the pig alone and, upon his command, the pig was freed unharmed. Blaise was then taken to prison, where he miraculously healed a boy who was choking to death on a fishbone. While Blaise remained in prison, the woman whose pig he had freed brought him two candles to serve as his light so that he could read the Scripture.

It was from the miracle of saving the choking boy that the custom of praying to St. Blaise to cure all ailments of the throat was born. And, so, after still refusing to recant his Christian beliefs, he was suspended from a tree and his flesh was torn with iron combs or rakes. 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

Celebrating the Miracle of St. Blaise continued from page 7

Blaise was then thrown into a lake to drown. To the surprise of his persecutors, he surfaced and walked upon the water, and he invited his persecutors to join him. They should do this, he said, to show the power of their gods. The pagans took him up on his invitation, and ultimately they were drowned. Blaise was then told by an angel to return to dry land to receive martyrdom.

He was beheaded on the shore and immediately went to heaven.

Because of his prison experience and his great reputation as a healer, St. Blaise’s intercession is invoked for the healing of diseases affecting the throat. The candles that the clergy place upon our throats while blessing them symbolize the candles that enlightened St.

Blaise’s cell as he studied Sacred Scripture — connecting his spiritual life to the physical healing. Let us remember to invoke the intercession of this great healer upon any ailments that might be affecting us, either physical or spiritual — especially those pertaining to the throat.

The blessing of the throats is done by the priest holding two blessed candles near the throat in the form of a cross. The priest says, “Through the merits and intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver thee from all diseases of the throat, and preserve thee from every other evil. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”