ST. MONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH DALLAS, TEXAS SEPTEMBER 1, 2013

Parish Staff Fr. Stephen W. Bierschenk

Pastor Ext. 107

Fr. Alan McDonald Parochial Vicar Ext.112

Monsignor John F. Meyers Pastor Emeritus

Deacon Abel Cortes Deacon Larry Lucido Deacon Bob Marrinan Deacon Brian Mitchell

Deacon Michael Weston

St. Monica Church Offices (214)358-1453 Fax: (214)351-1887 Emmanuel Espiritu Director of Youth & Youth Music Ext. 103 Melissa Franks Database Manager Ext. 111 Marilyn Hicks Business Manager Ext.144 Jared Wirths Bookkeeper Ext. 102 Jeremy Wirths Director of Music Ext. 101 Sherry Flores Communications Director Ext. 142

Faith Formation (214)357-8549 Fax: (214)351-1887 Mariangela Byrne Director of Faith Formation Ext. 132 Eldie Diaz Administrative Assistant Ext. 549

Ministerio Hispano (214)357-8549 Fax: (214)351-1887 Maria M. Gonzalez-Rocha Director of Hispanic Ministry Ext. 131

St. Monica School (214)351-5688 Fax: (214)352-2608 4140 Walnut Hill Ln. Dallas, TX 75229 Phil Riley Principal www.stmonicaschool.org

† From the Pastor † f we were with a group of people and each one was doing their best to make sure that we knew that they were the most intelligent or the most beautiful or the most important, we soon would be ready to leave. We would feel that way first of all because we

know how conceited and self-centered such attitudes are. But if we’re honest, we might also have to admit that in our heart we would be sure that we were in some way better than they are. It’s the natural human reaction to consider where we fit in the scheme of our personal importance compared to others.

There is a story told about a P r e s b y t e r i a n minister who decided to do his s e r m o n preparation one week by going out and living on the streets, as if h e w e r e homeless. His wife dropped him off one morning and picked him up 3 days later. That Sunday when he stepped into the pulpit, he told his congregation what he had learned: hospitality, for the person who lives on the street, is as simple as being treated like a person. What he really longed for, when he was hungry and wet and tired and dirty those three days, was someone to look him in the eyes, and to recognize that he was a person. That’s all it takes to welcome the stranger. To look them in the eye, and to see every one of them as a human being, a person who is created in the image of God.

It is really quite a gathering that Jesus suggests for the next party – poor, crippled, blind, unable to walk – only those who need our help, not those who have the means to be increasing the measure of wealth and influence when they enter the room. In the eyes of Jesus, possessions do not measure our value, and crosses have a different meaning, and opportunities carry with

them the responsibility to bless those around us.

Here’s a challenge for the week – treat each person as if they were meant to be the first in line, the most important, simply because they are God’s special creation. It might be a child who has been in trouble all day and is just asking for more. But, maybe they are just tired, or feeling ignored, or having a bad day. Serve them up a big heaping serving of hugs, and laughs and patience just because God loves them and so do we.

There is a neighbor we avoid, or a co-worker who dominates every conversation. And here they come again. As we give them

the seat of honor in our attention, and listen to what they have to say, and act as if they are the most important way to occupy our time at that moment, it doesn’t cost us much effort, but it

treats them as someone valued by God and by us.

We may even meet a homeless person – they’re all around inviting us to see them. And simply saying “Hello, how are you?” as we would to any passing acquaintance, or sharing a few dollars or buying them a sandwich will not change their life. But, it will acknowledge that they are created in the image of God, and deserve a blessing just as we do.

God did not create some as better than others. He created each of us to be different from each other, but equally loved by him. So, the next time we start measuring up the competition and decided who is best, we should remember Jesus’ challenge. When he makes the list of who’s invited to the party, he will make the list based on something different than do we. He will be looking only at what happens in our heart.

–Fr. Stephen W. Bierschenk Stephen Ministry Stephen Ministers are not just there for the “big” crises. They’re available for the little ones. Don’t wait until you have a really big problem. Consider Stephen Ministry if the little things have you down.

Call us confidentially at (214)290-0803.

… in our hearts

Parish Business Office Closed for Labor Day On Monday, September 2 the Parish Business Office will be

closed due to the Labor Day Holiday. The office will open the following day, Tuesday, September 3 at 9 a.m.

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Mass Intentions Sunday, September 1, 2013 8:00 a.m. Priest’s Intention 9:30 a.m. Priest’s Intention

11:00 a.m. For the People of the Parish 12:30 p.m. Priest’s Intention 2:00 p.m. Leon Aguiñaga † 5:00 p.m. Priest’s Intention

Monday, September 2, 2013 6:45 a.m. Hal Salfen † 8:00 a.m. Jim Crinnion †

Tuesday, September 3, 2013 6:45 a.m. Marta Ortiz † by Lori Senter 8:00 a.m. Anne † & Martin Simone † by Mary Marcevic 7:00 p.m. Familia Garcia †

Wednesday, September 4, 2013 6:45 a.m. Thomas Schutze † by Becky & Phil Ryan 8:00 a.m. Int. of Madden Family

Thursday, September 5, 2013 6:45 a.m. Int of Kuhn Family 8:00 a.m. Michael Marrinan † by Sharon & Brian Mitchell

Friday, September 6, 2013 6:45 a.m. Pastor Flores † 8:00 a.m. Lawrence A. Berend † by Flo & Frank Halovanic

Saturday, September 7, 2013 8:00 a.m. Dennis Wijeweera † by Wijeweera Family 5:00 p.m. Morgan Filhiol † by Virginia & Mark Filhiol For our Sick:

For our Deceased: Hal Salfen & Jim Crinnion

Sanctuary Light This week the Sanctuary Light burning in

the Chapel is in memory of Ana Monica Pascual by Sophie Pascual

Margaret Dundas Nancy Poullos Dorothy LaDue Franco Miramontes Thelma Leuck Dorothy Lucido Ed Fulbright Chris Nalborski Jill Rapsey Maria Gutierrez Louella Marx Sally Reilly Rosemary Salm Robert Smith Linda Duckworth

Alberto Gutierrez Alberto Gutierrez Mary Daniels Juanita Hoelscher Caroline Bowen Richard Rapsey Dorothy Joubert Doris Walker Riad Ghorra Lupe Cano Sandra S. Limon Victor Hurtado Rodney Doomes Jim Thixton Augustine Gaitan Frank Campise

Greg Hultgren Patricia Boehm Patricia Abshire Rosemary Elizondo Daniel Stevenson Susan Jordan Homer Ramirez Kae Stanley Helen Vega Carmen Cedillo Willie Alcala Cecilio Cardenas Andrew Rapoza Joe Ramos Lucila Flotte

Ministry News

Catechists and Aides Needed! St. Monica Parish’s Religious Education program is seeking more catechists for 4th grade and 5th grade and aids! If you or anyone you know is interested in being a catechist contact Mariangela Byrne at (214)357-8549 or email her at mbyrne@stmonicachurch.org.

Office of Faith Formation

Youth Ministry Youth Group Kickoff The Youth Group is starting the school year with a bang on Sept. 8! If you are in Middle School or High School, join us after the 5 p.m. Mass to kickoff the school year with fun and games! Pizza, fun, and fellowship are provided!

National Catholic Youth Conference—Join Us! Parish youth are invited to attend the largest pilgrimage of Catholic youth in the United States on Nov. 21-23 in Indianapolis. The participants experience some of the most amazing liturgies and prayer experiences, great speakers like Jesse Manibusan and Matt Maher. The cost of this pilgrimage will be $700, but there will be numerous fundraisers and scholarships. A meeting will be held on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. Contact Emmanuel Espir i tu at (214)366-7103 or EEspiritu@stmonicachurch.org for more information.

Music Ministry New Handbell Ringers Needed! We need new ringers for our Youth Handbell Choir (Grades 5-12) and our Adult Handbell Choir (Adults) Training is provided and will be scheduled with you either individually or in a group. If you have any questions contact Jeremy Wirths at jwirths@stmonicachurch.org. Handbell rehearsal will begin Sept. 9.

St. Monica School News

Hispanic Ministry Now Serving Breakfast! Starting the month of September the Hispanic Ministry will be serving breakfast every second Sunday of the Month after the 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Masses. You may place your order online or you can buy after Mass. All the proceeds will go towards the Church Renovation fund. Please visit our website www.stmonicachurch.org under Hispanic Ministries to see the menu and place your order.

ST. MONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH DALLAS, TEXAS SEPTEMBER 1, 2013

Parish Calendar Sunday, September 1, 2013 10:30 a.m. Safe Environment│109 12:30 p.m. Lectio Divina│201

3:00 p.m. Divina Misericordia│Iglesia 6:00 p.m.—12 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration│Chapel

Monday, September 2, 2013 Labor Day—Business Office Closed

7:30 a.m. Rosary│Chapel 8:30 a.m. Legion of Mary│Conference 9:00 a.m.—12 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration│Chapel 6:00 p.m. Centering Prayer│Bride Room 6:30 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul│129 7:00 p.m. Sacred Heart Cenacle│Chapel 7:00 p.m. Taller de Oracion y Vida│Lib

Tuesday, September 3, 2013 7:30 a.m. Rosary│Chapel 9:00 a.m.—12 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration│Chapel 7:00 p.m. Divina Misericordia│Lib

Wednesday, September 4, 2013 7:30 a.m. Rosary│Chapel 9:00 a.m.—12 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration│Chapel 6:00 p.m. Safe Environment│201 7:00 p.m. Legion de Maria│129

Thursday, September 5, 2013 7:30 a.m. Rosary│Chapel 9:00 a.m. Safe Environment│201 7:30 p.m. Lay Apostles Group│Lib 9:00 a.m.—12 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration│Chapel

Friday, September 6, 2013 6:30 a.m. Metro Serra Club│109 7:30 a.m. Rosary│Chapel 9:00 a.m.—12 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration│Chapel 6:00 p.m. Holy Face Novena│Chapel 6:00 p.m. Apoyo Familiar│201

Saturday, September 7, 2013 9:00 a.m. Centering Prayer Group│217

10:30 a.m. Baptism Class│109 1:00 p.m. Clase de Bautismo│109 2:00 p.m. Quinceañeras│Church

Stewardship of Treasure for August 25, 2013

Regular $38,627.50

“Give freely to the world these gifts of love and compassion. Do not concern yourself with how much you receive in return, just know in your heart it will be

returned” - Steve Maraboli

Total Mass Attendance for August 25, 2013

3,216

Family Vocation Chalice

September 7 at 5:00 p.m. Alexandra Hochhaus

September 8 at 8:00 a.m. Walt & June Minigutti

September 8 at 9:30 a.m. Mike & Cindy Grimshaw

September 8 at 11:00 a.m. Joseph & Elida Munoz

September 8 at 12:30 p.m. Wade & Kay Stanley

September 8 at 5:00 p.m. Jose & Jahiderles Elis

To participate call (214) 368-3640

News & Events Stephen Ministry Stephen Ministry builds and equips a caring lay ministry to share the love of Christ by providing confidential one-on-one care to all parish members who are experiencing life's challenges and difficulties. A new training class will begin Sept. 12. If you or someone you know is interested visit stmonicachurch.org or call Josie Toogood at (214)352-3404.

Tuesday Scripture Study The Tuesday Scripture Study will begin on Sept. 10. We will be studying the Acts of the Apostles and St. Paul's Letters. Please join us on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. to explore Paul's writings, enlighten our hearts and strengthen our faith. Karen Jones will facilitate the group and lead us on our spiritual journey. Call or email Madeleine Hedrick for details at (214)890-0354 or madhedrick@gmail.com.

Parish Advisory Council Open for New Members The role of the PAC is to function as a consultative body for various matters under consideration by the Pastor. The PAC also focuses on outreach activities to the parish as a whole and to its individual ministries. If you are interested email Nellie Hernandez at nh5210-gen@yahoo.com for an application .

Becoming Catholic (RCIA) Are you or someone you know interested in learning about the RCIA process to becoming Catholic? Join us for first RCIA class on Sept. 9, starting with dinner at 7 p.m. in Room 109. Visit our website or call the Office of Faith Formation at (214)357-8549 to register.

Holy Name Society The Holy Name Society will be receiving Corporate Communion and on Sept. 8 at the 8 a.m. Mass. Join us afterwards for breakfast and to hear St. Monica School Principal, Phil Riley, discuss the new school year. Families are welcome to attend! For details call Bob Noyes at (214)351-6925 or Bill Marx (214)358-5855.

Book Drive A book donation box will be in the church until Sept. 1. The books will benefit a Girl Scout Gold Award Project and will be donated to Walnut Hill Elementary. The books will be used in the library and classrooms for students of Walnut Hill Elementary to enjoy.

Thank You! The Knights would like to thank the St. Monica Community for their support of our Feast Day Celebrations! This was the fourth year and as we continue to develop the Feast Day activities our Council says

THANK YOU for your interest and participation! Congratulations to Gaspar Lopez, who won the St. Monica Statue! Many people worked together for these events. We would like to s p e c i a l l y t h a n k F r . B i e r s c h e n k a n d t h e parish communication staff for their support; Abraham Rodriguez, Manager of the Original Pancake House, for his generous donation; Michelle Stone and her daughters for their work on the St. Monica Murals; Susan McReynolds and fellow Knight, Mike Curtis for their help with our Program, and finally Brother Knight, Jack Rayome, for a deliciously diverse menu at the reception. The Knights of Columbus thank you all for your help and look forward to seeing you August 23 and 24, 2014!

IGLESIA CATOLICA ST. MONICA DALLAS, TEXAS 1 DE SEPTIEMBRE, 2013

i estuviéramos con un grupo y cada uno estuviera haciendo todo para que supiéramos que ellos, son los mas inteligentes o mas bellos o mas importante, no nos tomaría tanto tiempo estar

listos para despedirnos. Nos sentiríamos así primeramente porque sabemos lo egoísta es tener esa actitud. Pero si somos honestos tendremos que admitir que en nuestro corazón estuvimos seguros que de alguna manera nosotros somos mejores que ellos. Es una reacción natural humana considerar donde quedamos en el esquema de nuestra importancia comparados a otros. Hay una historia de un ministro Presbiteriano quien para preparar su sermón, decidió salir una semana a las calles y vivir en ellas como si fuera un desamparado Su esposa lo dejo una mañana y lo recogió tres días después. E s e d o m i n g o cuando llego al pulpito le conto a su congregación lo que había aprendido: La hospitalidad, por la persona que vive en la calle, es simplemente ser tratado como una persona. Lo que el realmente quería cuando tenia hambre y estaba mojado y cansado y sucio entre esos tres días, era que alguien lo mirara a los ojos, y que reconociera que el era también una persona. Eso es todo lo que se necesita para darle la bienvenida a un extranjero. Verlo a los ojo, y ver a cada uno como un ser humano, una persona creada a imagen de Dios. Es realmente humillante que lo Jesús sugiere para la próxima fiesta—pobres, lisiados, ciegos, paraliticos—solo los que necesitan nuestra ayuda, no los que tienen, no aquellos que tienen los medios para aumentar su riqueza e influencia cuando entran en el cuarto. Ante los ojos de Jesús, las posesiones no son medida de nuestro valor, La Cruz tiene un significado diferente y la oportunidad de cargan la responsabilidad de bendecir a los que están a nuestro rededor. Aquí esta un reto para la semana—

trata a cada persona como si fuera el primero en línea, el mas importante, simplemente porque el es una creación especial de Dios. Podrá ser un niño quien ha estado en problemas todo el día y esta por meterse en mas. Pero, quizás solo esta cansado o se siente ignorado, o esta teniendo un día malo. Sírvales una porción grande de abrazos, risas y paciencia sólo porque Dios los ama y nosotros también. Hay un vecino que evitamos, o un compañero de trabajo que domina cada conversación. Y ahí esta otra vez. A darles el honor de nuestra atención, y escuchamos lo que tienen que decir, y actuar como si fuera la manera mas importante de ocupar nuestro tiempo en ese momento, no nos cuesta mucho esfuerzo,

pero los tratas a ellos como alguien valorados por Dios y por nosotros. Quizás nos encontremos a un desamparado—ellos están a nuestro r e d e d o r inv i tándonos a v e r l o s . Y s i m p l e m e n t e diciendo “¿Hola,

como estas?” como le preguntaríamos a cualquier persona que pasa o compartir algún dinero o comprarles un bocadillo no cambiara su vida. Pero, reconocerá que son creados a imagen de Dios, y merecen una bendición igual como nosotros. Dios no creo algunos mejor que otros. El nos creo a cada uno diferente, Lo creo igualmente amado por el. Así que la próxima vez que empecemos a medir la competición y decidir quien es mejor, debemos recordar el reto de Jesús. Cuando el haga la lista de los invitados a la fiesta, el hará la lista basado en algo muy diferente que nosotros. El solamente estará viendo lo que pasa en nuestro corazón.

- Padre Stephen W. Bierschenk

† De El Pastor † Cáliz

Vocacional Familiar

1 de septiembre Familia Perez

8 de septiembre Familia Baylon

15 de septiembre Familia Rocha

22 de septiembre Maria y Israel Rocha

29 de septiembre Familia Cardona

Para llevarse el Cáliz llame al

(214) 358-1453.

... en nuestro

corazón

El que se eleva será

humillado y que se humilla será

elevado

VIGESIMO SEGUNDO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO

Noticias y Eventos Inflama Tu Corazón Para Dios! Misión Familiar La familia tiene la misión de revelar, custodiar y comunicar el amor. Ese amor es el reflejo del amor de Dios a los hombres y del amor de Cristo a su Iglesia. Sólo en un ambiente amoroso puede el hombre aprender a desplegar plenamente su personalidad y alcanzar la meta que Dios propone a todo hombre: la santidad. La familia es el medio querido por Dios para que los hombres colaboren ordenadamente en su decreto Creador y Salvador. Les invitamos a una semana de reflexión, meditación y alabanza familiar para discernir la voluntad de Dios en su vida y hogar. Nos visitara la familia Misionera Mejia de Puerto Vallarta, México. La misión se llevara a cabo del 2 al 6 de Septiembre en la Cafetería de la Escuela de 7 a 9 pm. Para más información llame a la Oficina del Ministerio Hispano al 214-357-8549.

Servidores del Altar El Servidor del Altar está muy de cerca de Jesucristo en el Sacrificio de la Eucaristía. Es una bendición para los niños y jóvenes que sirven en este ministerio poder presencia de tan cerca el milagro de amor de Jesús por el hombre. El servir en este ministerio es un llamado de Dios para colaborar con el Sacerdote en la celebración de la liturgia, sirviendo al altar y a la comunidad. Si su hijo/a ha recibido el Sacramento de la Primera Comunión y va en el quinto grado escolar o más alto grado, motívelo a llenarse de la gracia de Dios sirviendo en este maravilloso ministerio. El 15 de Septiembre a las 3:15 pm. en el salón de la Biblioteca tendremos una clase especial para todos los servidores del Altar activos y aquellos que quieran integrarse. Tendremos Pizza, diversión e información para compartir. Les esperamos!! Llame a la oficina de Ministerio Hispano para más información (214)357-8549.

Apoyo Familiar La familia es una comunidad de personas que a la luz del Evangelio pueden mejorar la sociedad, impregnar buenos valores y ejemplos en los hijos. Respondiendo a la necesidad de evangelizar el ministerio de Apoyo Familiar busca ser un apoyo para un mejor hoy y mañana para las familias.

Próximas Reuniones

6 de sept. – Inflama tu Corazón para Dios, Familia Misionera Mejía

13 de sept. - La Importancia de la Familia en la Educación de sus hijos, (invitado especial)

27 de sept. – La Santa Misa Explicada, Rev. Antonio Liberman

Las reuniones se llevan a cabo en el Centro Familiar en el salón 201 a las 7 p.m. Para más información llame a Willy y Lili Leon (469)682-4143.

Rito de Iniciación Cristina de Adultos Si eres una persona mayor de edad y aun no recibes el sacramento de Bautismo, Primera Comunión y/o Confirmación. Te invitamos a venir el próximo 1 de Septiembre a las 12 pm. en el Centro Familiar salón 201 a recibir información sobre el proceso y formación necesaria para recibir tus sacramentos. O puedes llamar a las Oficinas parroquiales (214)357-8549.

Proclamadores de la Palabra A través del estudio de las lecturas, el proclamador se enamora más del Señor y se hace más dócil a la voluntad de Dios. El lector es un creyente que da testimonio de su fe y no contradice con su conducta lo que proclama con su voz. Durante su servicio en el ministerio reciben preparación espiritual, litúrgica, teológica y técnica para que se sienta confiado y se enamore del rol que esta desempeñara. Las próximas charlas de preparación serán el 17 y 24 de Septiembre de 7 p.m. a 9 p.m. Para detalles llame a (214)517-4947.

Noche de Adoración Acompaña a Jesús Sacramentado por una hora este próximo viernes 6 de Septiembre, en la Noche de Adoración a las 7 pm. en la Iglesia. Pidamos al Dios el “sentimiento de presencia” que es un don contemplativo para creer que Jesús está realmente presente en Cuerpo, Alma y Divinidad en la Santa Eucaristía. Edgar y Abigail Palacios (972)898-5910.

Intención del Santo Padre para el mes de Septiembre El valor del silencio Que los hombres y mujeres de nuestro tiempo, a menudo abrumados por el bullicio, redescubran el valor del silencio y sepan escuchar a Dios y a los hermanos.