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Weekend Masses
Sat: 5:00pm | Sun: 9:00am, 11:00am, & 4:00pm
Daily Masses
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 8:30am
Tues: 7:00am | Wed: 7:00pm
@GoodShepherdCatholicCommunityColleyville Follow us on social media:
Our Mission:
Be Disciples. Make Disciples.
In welcoming all, we form disciples
who know, love, and serve
God and neighbor.
Who is a disciple?
A disciple welcomes God's people,
encounters Jesus Christ, grows in
Jesus Christ, serves God's people,
and shares the Gospel.
@GoodShepherd_TX
“COME, FOLLOW ME.” - MT. 4:19 | “GO, MAKE DISCIPLES.” - MT. 28:19
PARISH ROADMAP FOR EVANGELIZATION & DISCIPLESHIP Taking the next step forward as a parish community to more deeply live out evangelization
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2019 | FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
gscc.net/disciples
Good Shepherd Catholic Community
Has your contact information or address changed? Email Bryan Trachier: [email protected]
Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.
PARISH OFFICE Phone: 817-421-1387 | Fax: 817-421-4709 | gscc.net 1000 Tinker Road, Colleyville, TX 76034
OFFICE HOURS Mon - Thurs: 8:00am - 5:00pm | Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm | Sun: 8:00am - 5:00pm
PARISH OF THE DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH STAFFED BY FRANCISCAN FRIARS THIRD ORDER REGULAR Pastor: Rev. Richard Eldredge, TOR Parochial Vicar: Rev. Jason Wooleyhan, TOR Parochial Vicar: Rev. Ronald Mohnickey, TOR
Deacons: Rev. Mr. Patrick Lavery, Rev. Mr. John Clark, Rev. Mr. Klaus Gutbier, & Rev. Mr. Richard Griego
Facilitator of Liturgy: Amanda Bacon | [email protected] Dir. of Worship: Brian Bacon | [email protected] Exec. Assistant: Donna Campbell | [email protected] Coord. of Outreach Min: Kathy Guarino | [email protected] Discipleship Coordinator: Diane Kain | [email protected] Coord. of Middle Ministries: Laura Landry | [email protected] Communications Mgr: Liz Origenes | [email protected] Coord. of High Sch. Youth Min: Johnny Philp | [email protected] Coord. of Young Disciples: Kim Philp | [email protected] Dir. of Faith Formation: Tammy Sandoval | [email protected] Business Mgr: Michael Vinez | [email protected] Complete listing of pastoral staff: gscc.net/staff
Pastoral Staff
At Good Shepherd, we seek to foster a lifestyle of discipleship focused on the five characteristics of a disciple: welcome, encounter, grow, serve, and share. Learn more at gscc.net/disciples
If you are visiting, we hope you will stop by our Welcome Desk in the Narthex for a gift! If you’d like to become a member, visit gscc.net/register. To learn more about becoming Catholic, visit gscc.net/becomingcatholic
Weekend Masses: Sat: 5:00pm | Sun: 9:00am, 11:00am, & 4:00pm Daily Masses: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 8:30am Tues: 7:00am | Wed: 7:00pm Sacrament of Reconciliation: Mon: 9:00 - 10:00am | Wed: 6:00 - 6:45pm Thurs: 7:00 - 8:00pm | Sat: 3:30 - 4:30pm By appointment: 817-421-1387 Sacrament of Anointing: Please see a priest after Mass or contact the parish office: 817-421-1387 Sacrament of Baptism: To register for Pre-Baptism Class, visit gscc.net. Sacrament of Matrimony: Before scheduling your wedding, contact the parish office to begin preparing for the Sacrament at least eight months prior. Marriage Validations: To have your marriage validated as a sacrament by the Church, contact Tammy Sandoval: 817-421-1387 Funeral Rites: Before making arrangements with the funeral director, contact Brian Bacon: 817-421-1387 Eucharistic Adoration: Mon & Thurs: 9:00am - 5:00pm Tues & Wed: 9:00am - 9:00pm Fri: 9:00am - 2:00pm | Sat: 9:00am - 3:00pm
This Week at a Glance
A = Adults | Y = Youth | P = Parish-Wide
Sunday, May 19
Y// YDA: Sunday B 9:30am
P// EM Training 12:30pm
A// Adult Safe Environment Training 1:00pm
P// Baccalaureate Mass 4:00pm
A// Young Adults 5:00pm
Y// Senior Dinner 5:15pm
Monday, May 20
A// Monstrance Blessed by St. John Paul II 9:00am
A// Men’s Club Meeting 6:30pm
A// Inquiry, RCIA, & Mystagogy 7:00pm
Tuesday, May 21
A// Monstrance Blessed by St. John Paul II 9:00am
A// Women Growing in Faith 9:30am
A// DivorceCare 7:00pm
A// Financial Peace University Info Night 7:00pm
A// Handbell Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm
A// Tuesday Evening Scripture Study 7:00pm
Wednesday, May 22
A// Monstrance Blessed by St. John Paul II 9:00am
A// Parish Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm
Thursday, May 23
A// Modern Worship Band Rehearsal 3:00pm
P// Confirmation Mass 7:00pm
A// GriefShare 7:00pm
Saturday, May 25
A// Men’s Rosary & Discipleship 7:00am
A// Women’s Rosary & Readings 7:00am
A// Baby World Collection at all weekend Masses
For a quick and easy way to access all web pages mentioned in this bulletin, visit gscc.net/bulletin
Liturgical Art & Environment Ministry
gscc.net/
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Vocations Corner
Last Weekend’s Mass Attendance
For information on vocations, contact Fr. Jason ([email protected]) or visit gscc.net/vocations, fwdioc.org/vocations, or franciscanstor.org. For details on our Vocations Icon (seen at Sunday Mass) and an opportunity to pray as a household for vocations, visit gscc.net/vocations.
MISSIONARIES OF MERCY Paul’s back! After last week’s “violent abuse,” opponents organized a lynch mob that beat Paul nearly to death. But call Paul the “energizing evangelist,” transforming deadly cruelty into life-giving zeal. Paul’s past courage should inspire our commitment; Revelation’s future “new heaven, new earth” should inspire our optimism. But Revelation’s present assurance, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race,” should challenge us to become “missionaries of mercy.” Because Pope Francis declared that the Church’s credibility is completely dependent on our showing unconditional mercy. Mercy, said Francis, makes the Church, the world, and everyone young again, reawakened to life’s noblest virtues. Fittingly, in today’s Gospel Jesus reinforces that theme: “This is how all will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
PASTOR’S VISION STATEMENT The Catholic Community of Good Shepherd is intentional about evangelizing and making disciples in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare, especially by seeking out the lost in need of reconciliation and conversion of heart to God, the Church, to oneself and others, so that all may experience the peace and joy of a personal relationship with Jesus.
Pastor’s Corner
Mon 8:30am
Acts 14:5-18; Jn 14:21-26
Tues 7:00am 8:30am
Acts 14:19-28; Jn 14:27-31a
Wed 7:00pm
Acts 15:1-6; Jn 15:1-8
Thurs 8:30am
Acts 15:7-21; Jn 15:9-11
Fri 8:30am
Acts 15:22-31; Jn 15:12-17
Sat 8:30am
Acts 16:1-10; Jn 15:18-21
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Rv 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn 14:23-29
Sat 5:00pm Sun 9:00am Sun 11:00am Sun 4:00pm
5:00pm: 1,066 | 9:00am: 1,269 | 11:00am: 1,343 | 4:00pm: 735 Total: 4,414
Mass Readings & Intentions: 5/20 - 26
Good Shepherd Sunday Thank you for accompanying our seminarians on their discernment journey! Your generosity of prayers and financial support on Good Shepherd Sunday will be a help to our seminarians as they continue to study and discern God’s call for their vocation. There’s still time to give by visiting bit.ly/Seminarians or text SEF to 91999. For a deeper connection with seminarian support consider learning more about the St. John Paul II Shepherd’s Guild: www.advancementfoundation.org/sjp2-shepherds-guild
Liturgical Training: This Weekend
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Training May 19 in the church after 11:00am Mass (12:30-2:30pm)
Join us in the St. Francis/St. Claire meeting rooms at 12:30pm, then proceed to the Church from 1:15-2:30pm. Learn more about becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at gscc.net/ministries
For College Students
www.gscc.net/cc
Upcoming Meeting
Monday, May 20 | 6:30pm Parish Hall It’s election night! Refreshments at 6:30pm followed by dinner, elections, and guest speaker Deacon Jeff. gscc.net/mensclub
A disciple WELCOMES God’s people.
As a community of faith, we welcome all who come through our
doors as Jesus Christ, and we challenge each member of Good
Shepherd to practice radical hospitality by actively seeking out
and inviting others to Good Shepherd.
Be Disciples. Make Disciples.
Audio/Visual Ministry
Interested in joining our Audio/Visual Ministry? Contact Joseph Kerr: [email protected]
Prayer Requests
WOULD YOU LIKE PRAYERS FOR A LOVED ONE? Submit a prayer request at gscc.net/prayerrequests and we will send out a prayer request email to those who have signed up to pray for your loved one. WOULD YOU LIKE TO PRAY FOR OTHERS? Visit gscc.net/prayerrequests to sign up to receive prayer emails so that we can intercede for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Join Us!
Fri, June 7 | 12:00pm in Sts. Francis & Clare Rooms
Come to hear, and comment on, the many new ideas and plans for the coming months. Among them, each month one member who previously volunteered will tell their life story in 20 minutes or less and all can ask her/him questions. Everyone has an interesting story! We hope to see you there.
Holy Land Pilgrimage
Join Fr. Stephen Hauck of St. Martin de Porres Church (Prosper) for a Holy Land pilgrimage Jan 8-17, 2020. Cost: $3546 (includes everything but lunches). For info, call Rebecca Jacobsen: 310-707-7584. Flyers are at the Narthex Welcome Desk. Space is extremely limited!
Audio/Visual Ministry
Greeters
New Member Welcome Ministry
Noon Receptionists
Social Seniors
Ushers
Visit gscc.net/ministries to learn how you can get involved!
Our Welcome Ministries
A disciple ENCOUNTERS Jesus Christ.
We desire that parishioners, seekers, and guests experience the
love of God the Father through a transformative encounter with
Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, leading them to
commit their lives to Jesus as disciples.
Be Disciples. Make Disciples.
Summer Alpha
www.gscc.net/alpha
Little Flower Ministry
Each week, we take our altar flowers and make small flower arrangements, which are delivered to residents of Bishop Davies Nursing Center who do not receive any visitors.
Volunteers needed! Visit gscc.net/ministries to get involved.
Handbell Ringers Wanted!
Join Us to Pray for Church Vocations
Monday, May 20: No Adoration Tuesday, May 21: 9:00am – 9:00pm Wednesday, May 22: 9:00am – 9:00pm, except 7pm Mass
If you can read music and commit to the schedule of our handbell choir, we need you! We will be happy to teach you to ring handbells! Recently, we have acquired more
handbells, and we are looking to expand and grow our handbell program. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm. This is an exciting, rewarding part of the Music Ministry. We try to ring in church monthly and look forward to some opportunities in the community as well. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Ed Asten, the handbell choir director, by emailing him at [email protected]. Thank you!
A disciple GROWS in Jesus Christ.
We accompany all who have made a commitment to follow
Christ as intentional disciples, walking with them and encouraging
them to grow in divine intimacy with God.
Be Disciples. Make Disciples.
Interested in becoming a trainer for Pre-Baptism sessions offered to parents? Contact Amanda Bacon: [email protected]. Couples are especially welcome!
Pre-Baptism Trainers Needed!
Adults and children will love the online content from FORMED. E-books, podcasts, movies, DVD-based studies, and more. Visit formed.org | Enter parish code: 981586
How to Apply Our Faith to Our Families With simplicity, grace, and wit, Kimberly Hahn shares her personal experiences and insights on how to apply the truths of our Faith to everyday life. She offers rich
food for thought and concrete ways to let the Lord be the top priority in the daily life of the family. (74 min audio)
Online Faith Resource of the Week
Opportunities for Married Couples
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND June 7 - 9
RETROUVAILLE: A LIFELINE FOR MARRIAGES
MARRIAGE ON TAP AT GOOD SHEPHERD Next Date Night: June 1
For details on each: gscc.net/marriageenrichment
CATHOLIC INQUIRY Monday Evenings | 7:00pm | Rooms 2 & 3 RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
is the process whereby those who are not Catholic can explore the teachings of the Catholic faith. RCIA is also open to all who would like to learn more about the Catholic faith. All are welcome! For information, contact Father Ronald: [email protected]
Learn More About the Catholic Faith
INFO NIGHTS: Tues, May 21 OR Tues, May 28 7:00pm | Parish Hall Financial Peace University is a 9-week program empowering individuals and families to beat debt, build wealth, and give like never before. Good Shepherd will be hosting sessions on Tuesday evenings beginning June 18.
Want a taste of the sessions before committing? Attend a free info night on May 21 or May 28 at 7:00pm in the Parish Hall! No RSVP is required to attend an info night. SESSIONS STARTING SOON: Tuesdays, June 18 through Aug 13 7:00 - 9:00pm | Parish Hall Financial Peace University’s 9-week program is coming to Good Shepherd! Mark your calendar and stay tuned for registration details.
Upcoming Info Nights
Vacation to the Fullest
August 16 - 18, 2019 | Gaylord Texan, Grapevine
Merging vacation with a spiritual retreat/conference, the Steubenville Encounter Conference is a unique opportunity for adults to grow in their faith. Speakers include Bishop Olson & Fr. Mike Schimtz, with music led by Matt Maher. Childcare & camp
options available for children 3 months - 17 years. GSCC parishioner Carrie S. is an ambassador for this event, so use code CARRIE at checkout to save $20. www.encountertx.com
Single or Married & in Your 20s/30s?
gscc.net/youngadults
Merging Date Night & Faith Formation
DivorceCare
Tuesdays | 7:00 - 9:00pm | March 5 - May 28 You may join us at any time, on any week of the series. Learn more: gscc.net/divorcecare
Gscc.net/marriageontap
Empty Carpet Rolls
Large Stuffed Animals
Live or Fake Plants
Please drop off any donations in the Parish Office. If you have any questions, contact Kathy Schiml, VBS Director at [email protected]. Thank you!
VBS Donation Needs:
Little Lambs (Open for 4 Year Olds!)
Registration is still open online for children 4 years of age: gscc.net/littlelambs
K - 12 Faith Formation for 2019-2020
K-12 REGISTRATION DATES
May 20 at 10:00am: Opens to volunteers & families with multiple children
June 3 at 10:00am: Opens to all parishioners
Registration closes on September 8 at 10:00am
Our Parish School
Confirmation Mass
Thursday, May 23 | 7:00pm Mass will be followed by a reception in the Upper Room (cake and refreshments). Confirmation Students and Sponsors need to arrive by 6:15pm. Confirmation Certificates will be handed out at the reception following Mass.
www.holytcs.org
A disciple GROWS in Jesus Christ.
We accompany all who have made a commitment to follow
Christ as intentional disciples, walking with them and encouraging
them to grow in divine intimacy with God.
Be Disciples. Make Disciples.
A disciple SERVES God’s people.
We give our grateful response to God’s gifts through a life of
service to God and neighbor by daily personal prayer, by
generously supporting the needs of the Church, and by
participating in parish ministries and initiatives.
Be Disciples. Make Disciples.
Thanks to your continuous donations, prayers, and support, this year has been an exciting one for the Institute. Wilson Romero, director of the Fray Casimiro Cypher Technical and Professional Formation Institute, and his staff kicked off the 2019 school year on February 5. Over 700 very enthusiastic students and their parents reunited for the ceremony and Mass celebration to begin a new year. This year they have 80 students enrolled in the bilingual program that now goes up to Grade 7. Wilson and his staff continue to explore new skills needed in the community, and they keep incorporating new workshops to develop these skills. Students and staff continue to find creative ways to market and sell products made by the students in their small business management program.
With your generous donation to the Honduras Program thru the Angel Tree Collection and weekly donations, we were able to help purchase this year’s textbook and to continue helping with subsidies to increase teachers’ salaries. This year we are excited to start testing a “pilot Scholarships Program” with the help of the Mission Outreach Council, benefiting 33 students.
We have also helped them update and add equipment for the new workshops on the Trade School, such as seamstress, beauticians and barbershop, electronics for cell phone and computer repair and motorcycle repair to name a few. We continue to prioritize equipment needed to improve the existing workshops and needs to help them increase water production profits.
Honduras Mission Weekend: June 1 & 2 Wilson Romero’s next visit to GSCC will be on June 1 & 2, 2019. He will have the opportunity to speak at all Masses to provide an update on the progress he has made in the last year at the Institute and of his plans for the future for the school that we support. We hope you have a chance to stop by the Honduras Mission table outside the church to say hello, to ask about the NEW scholarship program, and to welcome Wilson.
Your donations make a huge and positive difference in helping the poor in Honduras, so please continue to give generously to our Honduras Mission Program and pray for all the students and staff at the Institute that Good Shepherd supports.
On behalf of our brothers and sisters from Honduras, “Muchas gracias!” -Tere Martin, Coordinator of Mission Ministries
Honduras Mission Program
Baby World Collection: Next Weekend, May 25 & 26!
Help Good Shepherd support families in need through our Annual Baby World Collection, serving St. John ’s Outreach and other GSCC outreach partners. Please consider donating:
Large-Sized diapers (5 & 6); any brand
Pull-Ups Training Pants; any brand
Baby Toiletries (Baby Wash, Baby Lotion, Baby Shampoo, Baby Powder & Baby Oil)
Baby Wipes
A Newborn Layette Set OR
A monetary donation that St. John’s can use to purchase items most needed by families with infants & toddlers.
Please bring donations to the Bride’s Room before and after Mass on May 25 & 26. Thank you so much for your generosity! Please Note: Donations for babies can always be taken directly to St. John ’s Outreach, 4101 Frawley Drive, N. Richland Hills. For more info, please call 817-284-5912
A disciple SERVES God’s people.
We give our grateful response to God’s gifts through a life of
service to God and neighbor by daily personal prayer, by
generously supporting the needs of the Church, and by
participating in parish ministries and initiatives.
Be Disciples. Make Disciples.
Prayer Requests
Sign Up to Help!
One week each summer, Good Shepherd supports GRACE in their initiative to Feed Our Kids. Through this program, children who receive free or reduced lunch during the school year continue to receive a meal every weekday during the summer. This summer Good Shepherd will Feed Our Kids June 24-28 and we are looking for adult and teen volunteers to prep the meals at Good Shepherd and travel to our GRACE location to serve the meals and spend more time in play and fellowship with these children. To learn more and to sign up, please visit the Feed Our Kids webpage at gscc.net/fok Questions? Contact Kathy Guarino: [email protected]
Have You Lost a Loved One?
Join us at our ongoing GriefShare sessions
here at Good Shepherd: Thursdays | 7:00pm gscc.net/griefshare
We are seeking men who are interested in serving their parish and community. Monthly Business Mtgs: 1st Mon | 7:15pm | Upper Rm
Knights of Columbus Council 15789
John T, Maria S, Elizabeth B, Dianne/Glynn C, Donna K, Mary Sue A, Lisa Lynn B, Sherry B, Gregory K, Pedro B, Philip P, Maryann P, George S, Ann C, Al C, Anne K, Ken E, Joseph H, Marianne C, Grace C, David L, Mary Frances B, Reymunda R, Daphne B, Andrea V, Esperanza B, Jessica S, Noemi D, Christopher P, Jane Y, Jacqui S, Ronald P, Michael T, Wade C, Beverly O, Greg & Cindy R, Shirley T, Elaine D, Robert I, Rita F, Brandon K, Kathy M, Maureen B, Rosemary M, Gavin B, Andrew B, Jim F, Margaret D, Xuan P, Hien N, Douglas H, Thim C, Matthew P, Dan M, Shirley G, Sam P, Lenora B, Jack S, Jack B, John F, Brent S, Joseph S, Abby F, Bill T, Charles M, Judy R, Joy R, Alferio B, Thomas Gene V, Tim M, Al & Debbie M, Frank L, Vince A, Dan H, Margaret K, Father Richard, Ralph V, Greg B, Ruben C, Kellie B, Nancy W, Judy L Active Military: Ryan P, Stephen A, Chris M, Lt. Alyssa M, Jason H, Timothy N, Scott L, Jordan O, Cpl Zachary R, Matthew G, Lt. Col. Vincent M, Matt B, Josh R, Aaron B, Christopher S, Samuel G, Lt. Ryan R, Nick S, Peter H, Christopher B, Alexander S, Clare S, Brandon S, Bradley L, Joseph P, Michael S, David F, Justin A, Derek W, Major Patrick P
Stephen Ministers are here for you. Christ Caring for People Through People: That’s the motto of Stephen Ministry. The Stephen Minister’s role is to bring God’s love into the lives of people who are going through a difficult time or experiencing a crisis. What do Stephen Ministers do? They listen, care, support, encourage, and pray with and for a person who is hurting. And in the midst of this confidential, one-to-one, caring relationship, God’s healing love comes pouring through. If someone you know is facing a crisis—large or small—and could benefit from the caring presence of a Stephen Minister, talk visit our web page: gscc.net/stephenministry
Going Through a Difficult Time? Baby Looms
Join Our Baby Looms Ministry! The Good Shepherd Baby Looms Ministry is seeking knitters to help knit baby hats on a loom. These hats are given to babies served by Baylor Hospital, Mid-Cities Pregnancy Center, Mercy House, and other charitable organizations, and are a great support of pro-life efforts. No knitting experience or supplies are required. Just join us at our monthly meeting and you can learn how to make the distinctive loom-knitted hats! We meet the second Friday of every month from 9:30 - 11:00am in St. Dominic Savio Room (formerly Room 4). Mark your calendars for these upcoming Friday meetings: June 14, July 12 & August 9
WANT TO MAKE HATS ON YOUR OWN? The Baby Looms Ministry happily accepts baby hats you make on your own and will deliver them to various charitable partners. For more information about getting involved in the Baby Looms Ministry, please contact Kathy Guarino at [email protected]
Ad Altare Dei Award For Boy Scouts who are interested in learning more about the seven Sacraments and how our faith can be expressed in our daily life. Scouts must be at least 13 by March 2020. Bishop Olson bestows a medal to the successful participants at a special ceremony.
Pope Pius XII Award For Boy Scouts who are interested in developing a Christian way of life within our faith community and reflecting upon their baptismal call and what future calls from God may be received. The program is for Scouts who will be at least 15 by March 2020. Bishop Olson bestows a medal to the successful participants at a special ceremony.
Boy Scouts
Serving Seniors on a Fixed Income
If you are a senior-aged parishioner on a fixed income who occasionally cannot afford to pay your monthly expenses, Good Shepherd may be able to help. Through the Good Shepherd Senior Emergency Relief Fund (SERF), our parish can provide assistance to help pay for a medical co -pay or prescription, or even groceries and fuel, as well as other minor expenses that occasionally pop up. For information and to apply, please visit gscc.net/SERF. You may also contact Kathy Guarino, Coordinator of Outreach Ministries at [email protected] or 817-421-1387.
Catholic Respect Life Social Justice
“I give you a new commandment: love one
another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” Jn 13:34
How do you love others as Jesus loved? Who do you exclude from being loved? How are you known as a disciple of Jesus? How do you share with those in need?
If you are performing works of charity and mercy now, what more can you do?
Work for justice!
Donate and volunteer with GSCC Outreach, GRACE, or Catholic Charities.
Support our Bishops in advocacy for the vulnerable.
Join the Social Justice Ministry to help solve root causes of injustice by contacting Robert Torres at [email protected]
Learn more at gscc.net/socialjustice
FINDING PEACE IN OUR LORD “I found my way back to a loving God! I know He forgives me and I know He still loves me.” If you are hurting, please know that you are not alone. Our Lord offers us
hope and healing. Has abortion impacted your life? For resources on post-abortion healing, call 817-923-4757. All calls are confidential.
PRISON MINISTRY, Jim Tell me about your ministry and what it does. “I am privileged to serve in our parish Prison Ministry. Our focus is very simple. It is to "lift the spirits" of our incarcerated brothers and sisters, demonstrating that there are people on the "outside" who really do care about them. There are many ways in which we do this. One way is through group visits. Every other Friday evening, GSCC volunteers visit with a group of inmates at the Ft. Worth Federal Men's Prison, to watch religious programs and then discuss them. Then we have a 30-minute communion service. Another avenue is one-on-one monthly visits with inmates at one of the two men's federal prisons or the women's federal prison in the DFW area. And another really wonderful way is through writing – by being a pen pal!”
Why did you join this ministry? “As I have evolved in my spirituality and Christianity, I felt a strong need to interact
face-to-face with the ‘least among us.’ I believe any one of us -- or our kids -- are just an incident or a decision away from falling into this category, whether it be prison, poverty or ill-health. I feel I have been truly blessed in my life in many worldly ways, but I’m also empty and needing to fill a void - a void that can only be satisfied through living the Gospel - such as through the corporal acts of mercy.”
How have you personally grown in Christ through your ministry? “My heart has softened immensely. This experience has been extraordinarily humbling and fulfilling. I have discovered a vast well of mercy, love, and forgiveness that I never knew I had. Many of the inmates that come see us are the ones who have hit rock bottom, suffered substantially, have faced repeated rejection, are lonely, and have this innate human-need for others (from the outside) to see and treat them with basic dignity and respect. Such a condition of the human soul is powerful for anyone seeking spiritual growth in Christ. I've never been anywhere else where I have truly felt the rich presence of Christ. I simply don't see ‘bad’ people. I see Christ in each of them.”
How have you served others through your ministry? “I have served the incarcerated by giving them the invaluable gift of human interaction, as Pope Francis has been quoted as saying. As Jesus said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. I try to constantly keep in mind that I need to allow Christ to love each of the inmates through me. In other words, I must allow the ‘Light of Christ’ to pass through me to them. Notably, it never fails, their ‘light of Christ’ comes to me, tenfold greater.”
Visit gscc.net/ministries to get involved!
A disciple SHARES the Gospel.
We are empowered as Spirit-filled missionary disciples to share the
Good News of the saving victory of Jesus Christ in our families,
places of work, friendships, and neighborhoods.
Be Disciples. Make Disciples.
SHARE Ministry Spotlight
