Grapevine the St. Francis
December 2017
St. Francis Seminarians: Answering God's CalL For the first time in our history, St. Francis is blessed to have not only one, but two, young men studying to become priests for the Diocese of Fort Worth. Here they tell us in their own words how their upbringing and our parish community has strengthened their resolve to answer God's call. My name is Austin Evans and I am in my first year of formation at St. Joseph’s Seminary College.
My name is Reed Proctor and I am a first-year Fort Worth Seminarian studying and being formed at Saint Joseph's Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana. I entered right after graduating from high school, so I am a true freshman.
I was born in Grapevine into a loving family of my one brother and my parents who raised the two of us Catholic. I have been in Catholic schools my whole life: I attended St. Francis' I am the fourth of six parish school, Holy Trinity, from pre-K through children and I grew up as a 8th grade and went to high school at Nolan Catholic on the Mississippi Catholic in Fort Worth. My family has been Gulf Coast. My parents parishioners at St. Francis for as long as I can have always been very remember. Throughout my childhood, my faith devout Catholics and made AUSTIN EVANS was important to me and I enjoyed my Catholic sure we made it to Mass education, but in my early teen years, I started to every Sunday, even when I get lost in the distractions and misplaced values would be out of town for a soccer tournament, which was of the world. I still had the desire for love and for almost every weekend. I have always been very close with holiness, but I didn't know how to achieve and my siblings. The oldest four, including myself, all went to satisfy this desire. I entered the Confirmation Mississippi State University and lived together for the two program at St. Francis unsure of what it had to years I was there. offer, but it was actually exactly what I needed I had always wanted to be a priest, since elementary school, but to make a profound turn back to God. Through it fell by the wayside once I got into high school. While I was the help of my family, studying at Mississippi State, I didn’t feel like I was fulfilling friends, and the what God was calling me to do and was reminded how much community of St. I wanted to be a priest growing up, so I started thinking Francis, I was about joining the seminary. My second year at MSU, my able to discover parents moved to Flower Mound, Texas. While I was visiting the love of God at Christmas, I really felt the need to go to a discernment which calls us meeting. Bishop Olson spoke at that meeting and, through his to greatness words, I heard God calling me to go to the seminary. I started through service. the application process right after and was accepted a few months later. I started my first semester this Fall. Continued REED PROCTOR on page 5... Continued on the back cover... A NEWSLETTER OF ST FRANCIS CATHOLIC CHURCH • 861 WILDWOOD LN, GRAPEVINE TX • SFATX.ORG
FROM THE PASTOR
OFFICE HOURS Monday - 9:15 am - 8:30 pm Thursday (closed for lunch from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm)
Friday Sunday
9:15 am - 12:00 pm 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
CHURCH HOURS Monday - Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
8:00 am - 8:30 pm 8:00 am - 6:00 pm 8:00 am - 6:00 pm 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
MASS SCHEDULE WEEKENDS (nursery/guardería) Saturday Vigil 5:00 pm Sunday (no nursery) 8:00 am 10:00 am (en español) 1:00 pm 4:30 pm WEEKDAYS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
8:30 am 8:30 am 6:00 pm 8:30 am 8:30 am
St. Francis of Assisi Church
861 Wildwood Lane Grapevine, Texas 76051 817.481.2685 // 817.488.3169 (f)
sfatx.org //
It seems that summer is finally over and the weather is now turning cooler. It has been a great fall with lots of activities going on at St. Francis, and the new school year has been great. We have over 900 children enrolled in religious education at St. Francis from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, and many adults in RCIA, Bible Study and other classes. It is great to see so many people deepening their faith in Jesus Christ. Young Church has been very busy with youth nights and events that are helping our teens come to know Christ. They will have several exciting and faith-filled events coming in the winter and spring, as well. Please keep checking the website and flocknote for more information. We will soon enter the Holy Season of Advent. This is a time of preparation for Christmas, but also a reminder that Jesus will return a second time. Advent is a penitential season of hope and expectation. I know that many people celebrate Advent as if it is already Christmas, but this year I pray that you will remember that Christmas begins December 25th, not ends. During Advent, you will have the opportunity to deepen your faith by going to confession, and we will have a half-day retreat to help you engage in this Holy Season. Our choir will again have a wonderful concert to help us prepare for Christmas, and I pray you will come to the concert, it is truly amazing. I am also very pleased that we have two men from St. Francis who joined the seminary this year. Reed Proctor and Austin Evans are two amazing young men, and they are the first young men in history of the parish of St. Francis to study for the priesthood in the Diocese of Fort Worth. Please keep Austin and Reed in your prayers, and pray for more men to answer God’s call to be priests. I pray that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a very blessed Advent. Please keep posted of everything going on at St. Francis by visiting our website at sfatx.org, or engaging with us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you are not already receiving our weekly emails, I encourage you to sign-up by visiting sfatx.org/ flocknote. In His Holy Name, Fr. Flynn Pastor
Parish happenings PARISH HAPPENINGS
34th Annual Christmas Concert: Dec. 10 Every August, the 58 members of the St. Francis of Assisi Choir begin rehearsals for the annual Christmas Concert, which draws close to 1000 parishioners and friends. Despite what seems like endless hours of rehearsals, these dedicated members joyfully commit their time. They see the concert as their gift to the parish and a way to set the right tone for the season.
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE Because Christmas Day is a Monday this year, the 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve are both Sunday, December 24. Please note the adjusted Mass schedule! DEC
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"I’m privileged to have started this choir and the concert tradition in 1983, and some days, am surprised I’m leading it 34 years later." says Denise Brooks, Director of Music & Liturgy. "We began with 15 people. Of the original 15, five are still active, and 20 have been with the choir more than 20 years. That’s dedication. We never forget our mission: to enable the assembly to join us in song at Mass. But on concert day, we perform!"
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Music is chosen with the audience in mind and is both entertaining and inspirational. Selections include favorites, such as Festival of Carols based on Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite," All is Well by Michael W. Smith, a new, rich arrangement of O Holy Night, and the Black Gospel-styled, Jesus, What a Wonderful Child. The choir is accompanied by full orchestra, making the event magical!
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As always, the parish Spanish Ensemble, the BEST Hispanic music group in North Texas, will begin the concert with both upbeat and musically rich selections, setting the stage for an exceptional evening.
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(holy day of obligation)
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Come! Come one and all, and experience the love, joy, and hope of the season! For ticket information, see sfatx.org/concert.
Christmas: A Time for Joyous Celebration Every Catholic joyously celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ - God become man! At our parish, 5 English and 1 Spanish Mass, with mostly traditional music so everyone can participate, usher in the Christmas season. Who doesn’t want to sing at Christmas?
Parish Advent Half-Day Retreat Feast of the Immaculate Conception Vigil Mass Feast of the Immaculate Conception Masses Hispanic Ministry Advent Retreat 34th Annual St. Francis Christmas Concert Reconciliation Service Taizè Prayer 4th Sunday of Advent Vigil Masses 4th Sunday of Advent Masses (Spanish) Christmas Vigil Masses
11:30 am - 5 pm 7 pm 8:30 am 12:15 pm 7 pm 8 am - 5pm 7:30 pm 7 pm 7 pm 5 pm 7 pm 9 am 11 am
(Children’s Mass) 4 pm (Family Life Center) 4:15 pm
7 pm
(Carol Service @ 11:30 pm) Midnight
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Christmas Day Masses
9 am
Solemnity of Mary
10 am
(Spanish with Mariachi) 11 am
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(not a holy day of obligation this year)
The parish offices will be closed Friday, December 22 beginning at noon until Wednesday, January 3. Daily mass will be celebrated at the usual times except January 1, but no adoration will be held. No confessions on Saturday, December 23.
The 4pm Mass on Christmas Eve is the Children’s Mass. The Children’s Choir processes and leads the singing, but we have an online program for ALL children to learn the beloved carols of Christmas so they can participate in the mass. Like the Wise Men who brought gifts to Jesus, we ask the children to bring an item for Outreach. In return, they get an LED candle to use during Mass. Find out more at sfatx.org/childrens-christmas. The 7pm Mass is led by a small ensemble and cantor, and is intimate in character. Midnight Mass is led by the adult choir and 10 instruments, and begins with a carol service at 11:30pm. This is a truly beautiful and sacred celebration of the ‘Mass during the Night’ in which darkness is turned into Light. The Christmas Day 9am English Mass is led by organ and cantor in a more traditional style, while the 11am Spanish Mass is led by mariachi. No matter which Mass you attend, expect a festive celebration! the St. Francis
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PARISH HAPPENINGS
The Advent Wreath
A Reflection by Fr. John Martin, Parochial Vicar We have good news — the beginning of a new liturgical year in our Catholic Church. We have good news in our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, and it is in this season that we begin a new commitment within ourselves to prepare for the second coming of Christ. This season of Advent is a penitential season and so we are called to include the observance of fasting, prayer, and meditation. This is a wonderful opportunity to take some time for great reflection and to build a plan for new and deeper spiritual growth. The word "advent" comes from the Latin term adventus which means "arrival" or "coming," particularly the arrival of something or someone of great significance. The lighting of an Advent Wreath is a traditional custom that originated in 16th-century Germany. On the branches of the wreath are four candles: three purple and one pink candle. In the center of the wreath sits a white candle.
2017
Community Fest
The annual St. Francis Community Fest, held October 7, was another great success, raising over $40,000 for our St. Francis Outreach and the Grapevine Animal Shelter. Our dinner auction was one of the most successful yet, with baskets, online and live items contributing to over $30,000 of what was raised. Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the festivities, including the garage sale, kids' games, and pet blessing. Your support is imperative to furthering the mission of our parish Outreach!
On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple (or violet) candle is lit. This is called the "Prophecy Candle" and recalls the prophets, particularly Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Jesus Christ. It represents hope or expectation of the coming Messiah. On the second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle, called the "Bethlehem Candle," is lit. This candle represents love and symbolizes Christ's manger. On the third Sunday of Advent, the pink (or rose) candle is lit. This Sunday is called "Gaudete Sunday." Gaudete is a Latin word meaning "rejoice." The change from purple to pink signifies the transition in season from repentance to celebration. The pink candle is called the "Shepherd's Candle" and represents joy. The last purple candle is called the "Angel's Candle." It is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent and represents peace. Traditionally, on Christmas Eve, the white center candle is lit. This "Christ Candle" represents the life of Jesus Christ that has come to light the world. It represents purity. My Sisters and Brothers, let us all rejoice and be renewed in our Faith as we prepare and await the Second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
On Sunday, September 17, over 80 golfers came out to support our St. Francis Outreach and enjoy a day on the greens. The day included friendly competion, a buffet dinner, raffle prizes, and special prizes for closest to the pin, a hole in one, and more. Congratulations to the First Place Team: Al Judkiewicz, Jacob Ricardo, Jim Custer, and Pete Hayes with a score of 55, and to the Second Place Team: Nacho Dominguez, Nachi Dominguez, J.C. Fourkiller, and Mike Doublehead with a score of 57 (pictured below). Thanks to all who participated; the tournament raised over $6,300 for our parish Outreach!
RCIA…What’s that? Come one, come all!
If you are interested in learning more about our Church’s beautiful teachings, please come to any of the RCIA classes that are in session on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings virtually every week of the year. Our sessions are not only for non-Catholics! For those of you whose catechetical instruction may have been a bit shallow, this is a perfect opportunity for you to learn what you didn’t then but should know now. Come grow in faith and love for our Church! The sessions are packed with incredible insights and opportunities to dig deeper into the truths of the Church in an atmosphere of reverence for the Word. Come prayerfully study the doctrines and dogmas of the Church with a group of zealous, inquisitive searchers who want to become full members of Christ’s Church. Don’t be bashful…be zealous!!
REED PROCTOR (continued from front cover) As I fell more and more in love with Christ and His Church, the desire for priesthood gradually grew within me. This call was difficult to deal with at first, but over time, through my little "yes"s to God's will, I continued to desire the priesthood more and more until I was able to peacefully say "yes" to the bigger steps, like applying to the seminary. In my seminary formation, I am growing very quickly in prayer and in maturity. My peace and confidence in my vocation continues to grow, as well as my deep desire for sanctity through God's will. I set out every day with the goal of following God's will authentically and with love. I fail frequently, but prayer and the sacraments always bring me back to God's ever-renewing and unconditional mercy. Please continue to pray for me and my other seminarian brothers! The St. Francis community is always in my prayers.
Ministry spotlight
ST. FRANCIS CRAFT GROUP
Did you know that St. Francis of Assisi parish has a collectible angel ornament each year? We do, thanks to one of our many parish ministries - the Women’s Craft Group. While the group members truly enjoy their weekly gatherings, not only for crafting but also for supporting each other through talking, laughing, crying and lunching, their purpose is truly to help those in need in our parish and community. Their long tradition of hosting an annual craft sale allows them to raise funds for just this purpose. At this sale, the collectible angel is available, along with other crafts and handmade items the group has knitted, crocheted, or created throughout the year. And the group then uses the funds raised to purchase turkeys for the Outreach Thanksgiving baskets, donate items to restock the Outreach pantry, purchase altar linens and other environment needs for the Church, and donate to other causes as they arise. The group meets every Wednesday at 9:30am in the Meeting Room. “Anyone interested in joining us can come any Wednesday,” says Janet Baron, one of the ministry leaders. “You don’t have to be crafty; we are happy to teach you what we do. Perhaps you have a craft you’d like to show us; we love to learn new crafts!” The annual craft sale is the 1st weekend of December after the Masses. Come start or continue your St. Francis angel ornament collection, and support this ministry and the various parish activities it helps to fund!
MINISTERIO HISPANO APARTEN LA FECHA DICIEMBRE 9!
Como preparación a la Navidad tendremos un retiro de Adviento para la comunidad. Este Retiro Espiritual del Padre Larrañaga, gran director espiritual que dejó entre muchas de sus obras, será de 8 a 4:30 p.m. con un costo de $12.00 incluye comida y un libro, más información y regístrate con la Hna. Yolanda Pineda. the St. Francis
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OUTREACH IN ACTION Volunteer Spotlight:
Carol BROWN
Tell us about yourself, your family, and your background. My husband, Bill, and I have been St Francis parishioners since 1979. We met in IL, were married in KY in 1975, and moved to Texas four years later. Our two boys and three grandchildren live in Kansas. Bill is a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, and I am a “Lady Knight.” Since we are both retired now, we have lots of time to work and enjoy the many KofC projects together. What do you do for Outreach? I’ve been volunteering at our thrift store for more than 27 years. When I first started, we were a St. Vincent de Paul Society and were located in half of what is now the KofC building. It was cozy, but we managed to help a lot of people there. I used to work three or four days a week since we had fewer volunteers. Now Tuesday is my “Outreach Day.” Over the years my duties have included sorting and pricing the thrift store items, stocking the pantry, and filling food orders, Thanksgiving baskets and our Christmas Angel Tree Program. What is a favorite memory from Outreach? Our work with the local nursing home. We used to host Christmas, Halloween, and summer luau parties for the residents. We had a fashion show each year, where we would bring our “resident models” complete outfits (clothes, jewelry, shoes, accessories, etc.) and escorted them as they walked our "red carpet” runway. Then Outreach supplied all of the residents with clothes. This brought so much joy and excitement to the residents and really made them feel loved. Is there a time you felt God working through your work at Outreach? One year before Thanksgiving I saw a lady looking at clothes. She had her little boy with her and I asked him if he was ready to have a big turkey for Thanksgiving. The mother said that they couldn’t buy a turkey as she was out of work and taking care of her father who had cancer. She knew nothing about the assistance we could give her. So I got her food and other assistance, and we signed them up for Christmas gifts, etc. They were so overwhelmed and grateful. If God hadn’t told me to ask that little boy about his turkey dinner, we never would have known about their need. Anything you would want our parishioners to know about Outreach? Our Thrift Store is open to the public. All of the money we receive through our sales goes directly to help those in need. The more we sell, the more assistance we will be able to give out. We need more parishioners to shop in our store. Our prices are the best bargain in town! How has volunteering at Outreach affected you? Outreach is a big part of my life. It is so rewarding to be able to help others and make a positive difference in their lives. God wants us to help our neighbors and, by doing so, I have received so much joy.
STAFF Q&A Fr. John Martin
Fr. Martin joined our parish as a newly ordained priest this past summer. While we have all gotten to know him a bit already through his homilies, we asked him to tell us all a bit more about himself: Describe your role AT THE PARISH. My duty here at St. Francis is to Pray,Pray, Pray. I also study under Fr. Flynn to learn from his leadership skills. Tell us a bit about your family AND BACKGROUND. I was born August 3, 1962 at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virgina. My father served in the Navy, but when he retired in 1965, we moved our way back to our homeland — Texas. I grew up in Euless, where I graduated from Trinity High School in 1980. I joined the U.S. Marine Corps for nine years, and worked on various aircraft, including the KC-130. After serving in the military, I went to work at Bell Helicopter for 22 years, until I entered seminary in August 2010. I now have a bachelors of religion degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee and a masters of divinity degree from Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology. I was ordained a priest by Bishop Olson on May 20, 2017. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR? My favorite color is clear ocean blue. If I ever go to a place where the ocean is clear, I might not come back. FAVORITE Book? I like to read various philosophy and theology, and (not surprisingly) also enjoy the Catechism and the Bible. What is your favorite THING TO DO ON YOUR DAY OFF? I like to exercise, eat, rest, nap, pray, and meditate. I also hang out in my free time with Tojo Flynn, Fr. Flynn's dog. What is AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU? I love our Country — The U.S.A. I very much consider it to be a gift from God.
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PRESCHOOL NEWS
P RESCHOOL
Our Parish Preschool is off to a great start this year! Our Director, Ms. Karen Bedore, is very excited about how well we are learning and growing through our prayers and our curriculum. We started the year off in September with a School Blessing in the Church by Fr. Flynn. The 3 and 4 year olds visit the Chapel each week and talk about the Saint we are studying each month, as well as our I Am Special curriculum about Jesus and Bible stories. Our Toddlers and Twos take walks through the Church as well, to “visit” Jesus. Our Parents were excited to visit the school at our Open House/Parent Night. They were able to see all the activities, and the children were able to show off lots of arts and crafts. The Parents also had the chance to come to a Fall Coffee after drop-off and meet with other parents from each classroom. Friendships began and play-dates were made! In October, we started out the month with our fabulous Pet Blessing! We had real pets as well as stuffed pets that were blessed by Fr. Flynn. This is also the month we learned about Community Helpers and had a visit from some of our local Fire Station. We watched one fireman get dressed in all his gear, and we walked around the fire truck to see all the tools. The Pumpkin Patch was a big hit again this year. Then we ended the month by going Trick or Treating through the Church Offices, followed by a costume parade and party. Please stop by and visit us to see the wonderful things that go on in Preschool.
MORE INFO: sfatx.org/preschool
Holy Trinity Highlights
Catholic Education Grows your Faith, your Wisdom, and your Church Community
Open House February 1, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
During Catholic Schools Week, Holy Trinity Catholic School offers an opportunity for all parishioners and guests to learn more about our school and Catholic Education. Please join us for our Open House! •Tour the School •Meet our Teachers & Principal •Learn more about Athletics, Activities, & Clubs • Serving Students PK - 8th Grade
Private Tours Available Year Round
North Texas Giving Day Cook Out & Living Rosary
To schedule a tour call 817-421-8000 x 121 email admissions@holytcs.org
Educating Beyond Academics! the St. Francis
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St. Francis Families
Paredez Family
Tell us a bit about your family. Pedro and I (Connie) have been married for 44 years. We have 3 grown children and 6 beautiful grandchildren. Our two daughters, Andrea and Danna, and their families live in Grapevine and are members of St. Francis. Our son, Peter and his girlfriend, reside in The Colony. Pedro worked for IBM almost 36 years after serving 6 years in the USAF. He retired in 2015. I worked as a nurse for 29 years and crossed over to medical management for 8 years, but decided to end my career to care for my grandchildren. What is a favorite scripture passage for your family? Colossians 3:12 — "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." In my nursing career, I had to encounter people all day long, and I prayed every morning asking for the grace to be able to see each person as though they were Jesus. Even now, I have to remind myself through this verse. What is an interesting fact about your family that people may not suspect or know? We enjoy travelling abroad and have been on 5 pilgrimages. Our first pilgrimage was when the diocese celebrated their 40th anniversary by going to Italy. Over 500 people traveled on that trip. We also have a love for scripture, and frequently are reading and studying it from the Holy Bible or other resources on the internet. We enrolled in the Catholic Biblical School program through the University of Dallas in August 2004 and graduated 4 years later.
What is one way your family prays together? When we have meals with our families, we say two meal prayers. The first prayer is the one the grandchildren learned at their preschool and then we say the traditional prayer. We also pray the Hail Mary with the grandchildren when we take them to school. Do you have any fun or interesting family traditions? We always celebrate each member's birthday by going out to eat at a restaurant of their choice which can be very interesting when the grandchildren pick. Another favorite tradition is carving out pumpkins for Halloween. Each person walks into our home with a pumpkin and picks out their favorite design and the big mess begins. It so enjoyable to see everyone in the same room having fun together. What parish ministries are your family involved in? Pedro and I are Eucharist Ministers, greeters, CRHP alumni, and just recently became Regular Eucharist Guardians, now that the young grandkids are in preschool. Pedro is a lector, catechist for RCIA and R.E.A.Ch., and I am wedding coordinator, sacristan and teach 2nd grade catechesis. Pedro and I normally attend the 5:00 pm mass on Saturday, while our children attend the 4:30 pm mass on Sunday. What drew you to St. Francis Church and what do you love most about the parish? After moving from Abilene in 1987 to Grapevine, we immediately registered at St. Francis. We wanted our children to continue their religious education as well. There are so many opportunities to become involved in the parish. I especially enjoy the spiritual retreats and classes for adults that are offered now. How would you describe our parish if you were to explain it to an outsider or fallen away Catholic? You can always find Jesus Christ here at St. Francis, whether it's in the Blessed Sacrament on the altar or through the people who enter the doors. In every issue, we will feature 1-2 families from our parish. Each of these families contributes to what makes St. Francis a thriving community. We are honored they call us home. To nominate a family to be featured, contact dmilliken@sfatx.org.
Youth MINISTRY YOUNG CHURCH: The Series Model
In the past, Young Church has had an overarching theme each semester, which has guided the topics discussed at each night for the entire fall or spring. However, this year instead of doing a theme each semester, we have broken the semester up into shorter segments, or series. A series is a three to four week theme that allows us to focus more intensely on a specific topic for that time and then switch to the next topic. This fall in high school and middle school we started the semester with “Hit Refresh,” a four-part series on how Jesus makes life better, and makes us better at life. We learned how to hit refresh on life, relationships, weaknesses, and your reputation. On October 29, high school began their next series called “Overwhelmed.” This series allowed us to focus on life, school, friends, family, work, relationships, struggles — all these things that can overwhelm us — and how to deal with being overwhelmed. In November, middle school started their second series, "Collide," a four-part series on the Fall of man, sin & suffering, Mary, and the Incarnation. Though the series starts with the bad news of original sin, it culminates in the good news of the One who conquered it. This series will lead the middle schoolers right into Advent as we prepare for the coming of Jesus; Emmanuel – God with us. The series model is the new way for us to better minister to those that attend Young Church in both the high school and middle school level. To see what series we’re currently on, or the coming series, please visit us at sfayoungchurch.com. We want to extend an open invitation to all high school and middle school youth, Catholic or not, to come experience Young Church for the first time. Invite your friends and family!
SHOUT OUT TO THE CORE TEAM All of this is possible because of our Core Team of volunteers who have answered God’s call. There is even a handful of bold high school teens who have stepped forward to join the cause as middle school core team members. From providing delicious meals, to leading games, small group discussion, and prayer, the Core Team continue to offer their time and talent to our Young Church – and they’re crushing it!
Middle School & High School Young Church are back and in full swing! We kicked off the year with an Escape Zone themed backyard party that culminated in a Gospel message and Eucharistic Adoration. It was awesome! The Knights of Columbus cooked up a storm, the Core Team built a maze and organized the Escape Games; we even had an ice cream truck! The best part was getting to see Jesus face to face, outside as the stars came out. It was amazing to see so many of our 7th & 8th grade teens, and then our high school teens, worshiping Jesus together – a perfect way to kick-start the year.
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Staff Blog Samplings
NOT YOUR SWORD OR BOW:
fall in love with Jesus. That’s a tall task and yet, day after day when I walk into the office I feel the weight and pressure - the burden- of finding a perfect solution or strategy.
Tim Jara Coordinator of Middle School Ministry
It’s scripture passages like this one from Joshua that remind me I’m not ever really going to be effective at this whole call to make missionary disciples due to my own cunning or creativity. My roar just isn’t enough. God does all the real heavy lifting. He’s leading and guarding me just as much as He guards and leads the teens I “shepherd.” He’s the real Good Shepherd.
A Reflection on God’s Providence based on Joshua 24:1-13
You know that scene in The Lion King where young Simba and Nala are cornered by the hyenas in the elephant graveyard? They’re pinned on all sides! Simba tries to scare off his enemies with a roar but it’s just not enough. Simba decides to give it another go, but this time - it’s different. What seems to come out of his mouth is truly awesome and mighty - deep and powerful. The hyenas tremble! This was not the sound of a young cub, this was the roar of a Lion King. We soon come to realize that it was not Simba’s roar at all - it was his father Mufasa who had come to their aid at just the right time. I love how surprised Simba was at that powerful sound. It was clear that something - someone - else was at work! The other day I was at Mass before work and I heard a reading about Joshua speaking to all the Tribes of Israel at the end of his life. In one mighty sermon, Joshua detailed all the ways that God came through for them over the years. How it was not because of their own strength and might that they found victory, but only because of God the Father’s intervention. Part of it goes like this: “Thus says the Lord… ‘It was not your sword or your bow. I gave you a land that you had not tilled and cities that you had not built, to dwell in; you have eaten of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant…” It was not your sword or bow. I love that. God is speaking truth to His people about His provision for them. It’s like He’s saying: All that has happened, all the guidance through the desert, all the deliverance, the manna, the water from a rock… your food and your homes… all of it I have provided. Even your success; all your enemies have fallen, not because of your strength and strategy - but mine. You have victory because I gave it to you. When I hear God’s wake up call to His people, I’m surprisingly not offended. Instead, I just feel safe; guarded. You know? I’m glad I can depend so much on God. As a youth minister, I often try to find the “silver bullet” that will make every middle school teen quickly
So what in the world am I supposed to do as a youth minister? This is a question I’ve been wrestling with for a while now and the best I can do is: nothing… with my own sword or bow. I hear Jesus asking me to just let Him do it. Perhaps God is calling me to just focus on being shepherded by Him today - in my job, in my marriage, in my interior life. Perhaps the role of the youth minister is just one more caring disciple who lives in proximity to teens. I just need to believe that God will do the shepherding through me whenever He wants. All that matters is that I let God do with me whatever the heck He wants; then real ministry will happen on His terms, and not my own. At the end of the hear Jesus tell me and my Core Team of adult volunteers, all our parents, our parishioners, and even (perhaps especially) our pastors… “It was not your sword or bow”... it was me and my love, my providence, and my plan.
day, I want to
Father, help me to trust in all that you are currently doing in my life, in my family, at work, in our parish, and in our world. Jesus, you are the one who can bring real change and new life. You’re the one with capable and loving hands. Fill me with your goodness and your love, that I would be your hands and feet today. I give you permission to steal my roar. Take over, Lord. I prefer you and your ways. I trust in you. Come Holy Spirit. Amen.
How to Give Your Witness Edmund Mitchell Director, Catechesis & Evangelization
may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing this that our joy may be complete.” (1 John 1:1-4).
Pope Francis continues to encourage us, saying “If we are not convinced, let us look at those first disciples, who, immediately after encountering the gaze of Jesus, went forth to proclaim him joyfully: 'We have found the Messiah!' (Jn 1:41). The Samaritan woman became a missionary immediately after speaking with Jesus and many Samaritans come to believe in him 'because At the heart of all of our efforts is the great comission of the woman’s testimony' (Jn 4:39). So too, Saint Paul, after his encounter with Jesus Christ, of Jesus “Go, and make disciples of 'immediately proclaimed Jesus' (Acts all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Jesus 9:20; cf. 22:6-21). So what are we invites us to share in His mission waiting for?” (EG #120). for all people, and this makes us missionary disciples. Pope Francis in Here’s an easy 3-part method to begin the document “The Joy of the Gospel” telling people frequently about the or Evangelii Gaudium (which I highly encounters with the love of God we recommend all of our parishioners are experiencing. First, we think prayerfully read), tells us “In virtue of about a time in our life that we have their baptism, all the members of the encountered the love of God, or a People of God have become missionary time recently that God has done disciples (Matthew 28:19)." (EG #120). something in our life. Then we tell the The Holy Father then explains all of story in 3 parts: us need to participate in this mission; Where was I? none of us are exempt. Not literally, but before God acted in my life, where “The new evangelization calls for personal involvement was I? Was I far from him? Was I experiencing on the part of each of the baptized. Every Christian a challenge, fear, struggle, or confusion? Was I is challenged, here and now, to be actively engaged in struggling with sin or temptation? evangelization; indeed, anyone who has truly experienced What did God do? God’s saving love does not need much time or lengthy How did I encounter God and his love? What did He training to go out and proclaim that love. Every Christian say to me or teach me? How did he care for me? How is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered did he move in my life? the love of God in Christ Jesus: we no longer say that we are 'disciples' and 'missionaries', but rather that we are Where am I now? always 'missionary disciples'.” (EG #120). What change in me did this encounter with God or action in my life cause? How did I grow as a disciple? How can we start living out the call to How did I grow closer to Jesus Christ? What am I become missionary disciples? convicted to do now? What did I learn? By telling people frequently about the encounters with the love of God we are experiencing daily. This This could be the story of your whole life and conversion is called being a witness or giving witness to Jesus in Jesus Christ, or it could be a simple two minute story of something small God did in your life just this Christ, and it allows Jesus to change people’s lives. morning. This could be a one hour conversation with a We need to tell people about that “which we have heard, close friend, or a quick conversation with the cashier at which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked Kountry Donuts. upon and touched with our hands… we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with Pray today that God would give you an opportunity to the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we share with someone about the encounters with the love have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you of God you are experiencing. What are you waiting for? the St. Francis Grapevine 11 As we continue to prayerfully unpack our parish mission of “building a Church of missionary disciples in Grapevine Texas," one question I hear echoed is “What exactly are we supposed to do?” The one powerful thing all of us can start doing today without any training is giving witness to Jesus Christ’s action in our lives.
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AUSTIN EVANS (continued from front cover)
Because my parents recently moved to Texas, and I was still attending MSU when they did, I am still relatively new to the St. Francis Parish. However, over the summer I did have the opportunity to attend on a regular basis and I felt right at home. I really enjoy the music and Father Flynn’s homilies. St. Joseph’s has truly great formators and they have helped me tremendously to strengthen my bond with God and grow in holiness. Having daily community prayer and going to daily mass has really allowed me to focus on what is most important in life: following God’s will. If there are any young men or women reading this, the best advice I can give you is to completely trust in God and surrender to his will. If you think there is even a slight chance God is calling you to be a priest, deacon, or nun, you should pray fervently to better hear his voice, and the best place to do that is at a seminary or convent. Just remember this: God’s will is much more important than your own, and He will not let you down. Since deciding to join the seminary, I have felt at peace. True happiness is not gained from what you have or how much fun you have, true joy is only felt by following God’s will. I have been very happy since realizing my vocation. Once I got to St. Joseph’s, I have made more friends, made better grades, and felt much more fulfilled with myself knowing I am doing what God has asked.
NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID GRAPEVINE, TX PERMIT NO. 87