Breath of Heaven

My name is Lauren. I am married to Joshua and have two “bonus daughters,” Madison and Emma. I have been a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Community for 4 years and am involved in the Flock, a Small Church Community, CRHP Team 3, and the music ministry. (You may have seen me recently as a cantor for the 11 and 4 o’clock services.)

Music has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up playing piano, singing songs with my sisters, and listening to a very eclectic collection of music with my parents. To me, Christmas and music go hand-in-hand. As a child, I always looked forward to the day after Thanksgiving when we would pull out all the Christmas CDs and fill our house with joyous music. My two older sisters and I would create musical shows in which we would dance around and sing carols while my mom played the piano and my dad played guitar. It was such a treat to perform as a family for our grandparents and relatives, and I will cherish those memories forever. Songs like “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” or anything from John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together were some of our family favorites. (Seriously, if you haven’t heard their version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” you are missing out!)

As I grew up and my faith walk matured, I began to really focus on the meanings and lyrics of some Christmas songs. Suddenly the words to “Oh Holy Night” could bring tears to my eyes thinking of God’s revealing promise in the birth of our Savior.

“Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

‘Til he appeared and the soul felt its worth.”

These words humble me to the core. I think about a world in turmoil patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for the birth of a child who will come to save the world and wash away our sins.

And then I think about Mary; a fourteen-year-old girl who said yes to God. This humble, immaculate, graceful girl agreed to fulfill a promise.

Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

As much as I try to imagine what it must have been like to be in Mary’s place when the angel of the Lord appeared to her, I simply cannot. I cannot imagine how scary it must have been to face Joseph, her parents, or her family. I cannot imagine how scary it must have been to journey to Bethlehem, a place without family or a familiar face, and give birth to the most Holy Child. Yet Mary completely trusted God by saying yes to His will for her.

Luke 1:38

“And Mary said, ‘Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’”

I can’t help but wonder: was Mary scared of what was being asked of her? How did she feel about taking on such an amazing and critical role? Did she know the importance of her role in Jesus’s life?

Whatever the answers to the questions, I feel Mary is such a strong, graceful, faithful woman, and one I hope to model my life after. My love for our Most Blessed Mother and my longing to live my life as she lived hers is exactly why “Breath of Heaven” is my favorite Christmas carol of all time. I cannot hear the song without it stirring my soul and bringing tears of joy to my eyes. I feel that the song truly expresses what Mary must have been feeling throughout her life; from the time the angel appeared before her until her assumption into Heaven.

“But I offer all I am

For the mercy of Your plan”

My hope for you is that this song will touch your life this Christmas season as it has touched mine. May God bless and keep you always…. and may you always find the strength to say yes to God’s will for you, just as our Most Holy Mother was able to do.

The Gift of Time

Who doesn’t feel the time crunch this time of year?  So many things demand our time: holiday parties for school, church groups, employers; shopping; baking; cleaning for relatives to visit or packing to travel to see family; keeping family traditions alive and starting new ones—shall I go on?  Yikes.  It wears me out just to think about it!  So when someone mentions the idea of spending time at a nursing home, shopping for a gift for an angel from the angel tree, volunteering at a homeless shelter, spending extra time in daily prayer, or committing to an hour of Eucharistic Adoration, it probably puts you over the edge, huh? 

 

Do you remember the Gospel reading a few weeks ago about the widow who gave 2 coins amidst the wealthy who were giving so much more?  Jesus called his disciples to him and pointed her out, saying she had given more than the wealthy because she gave from what little she had. Well, what if we think about our time as the 2 coins the widow was holding out?  We don’t have much extra time this month.  So, if we spend even a small amount of it in service to others or in prayer, Jesus will treasure our gift of time; perhaps the most precious commodity during this Advent season!

 

Abbie is a happy wife and mother who is busy trying to practice what she just preached!

Advent Traditions

As parents of four small children, my husband Ryan and I learned very quickly that starting family traditions can go one of two ways.....fun and chaotic, or just chaotic. Images in our heads of our children sitting around creating the perfect Advent wreath translated into a scene from a horror movie as someone grabs the wrong end of a glue gun, someone knocks over the glitter and someone else is eating the candles, while mommy huddles in the corner thinking “why do I do this to myself?”

After several years of “failed” expectations, I learned quickly that the problem was not my children being out of control and wild. It was us (Ryan and I) having unrealistic expectations for creating that perfect kodak moment. Looking back at pictures from when the kids were “really” little, my favorite moments are not the ones that look perfect. My favorite moments are the ones where glitter is everywhere, a kid has wax in his teeth and our wreath is less than perfect. Some how along the way, even though we stumble through, get sidetracked and desperately try to avoid ER trips, our kids “get it”. While we may not do EVERY craft Mom pins on Pinterest, those we do are done with few expectations and LOTS of laughter; all the while stressing the story of Jesus and his birth. Here are a few that we have incorporated into our celebration of the birth of Jesus:

Making a wreath

Good Shepherd has provided a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and make a wreath that can be enjoyed for years to come. There is also a book called Advent Begins at Home . I use this every night during advent. It is full of prayers, crafts and ideas for things to do as a family.

Sing

We are always singing songs about christmas during the advent season. We have a song book and our oldest is very good about finding the Christmas songs and leading the younger children.

Attend a concert

We have been attending the Good Shepherd Choir Concert for years and the children look forward to it every year. They even believe that some of the singers are famous because of how beautiful their voices are.

Adopt an Angel

We save our change in a jar throughout the year and with the money we adopt a family. We also go through our things and donate what we don’t use to charity. There is a fantastic book by Dave Ramsey for kids that speaks to the spirit of giving called The Big Birthday Surprise. It really drives home the act of giving in a way the kids understand.

Advent Calendar

This is a great way to focus on Jesus during the Christmas season. This, for us, is not the commercialized calendar that you see in the store.  While those are great, the Advent Begins at Home book provides a daily activity for you to do as a family or individually. Each day provides an opportunity to do something for someone or reflect on what Christmas means to you. For example, my kids’ favorite activities are the ones that have them draw a picture.

Of course these activities are not all perfectly played out.  The effort is there and the kids look forward to them every year. While in the trenches of parenthood these opportunities of sharing and talking about our faith really make the days of tantrums and tears all worth while. I leave you with my favorite “Kodak moment” and yes this went on the Easter card......

                

Bio-
My name is Leslie. My husband Ryan and I are high school sweethearts from Colleyville. I went through RCIA at Good Shepherd in 2003. Ryan and I were married at Good Shepherd in 2004 and have four children, Cameron (7), Riley (5), Bradford (3) and Elijah (1).

When Does Christmas Begin for Me....

Right after Halloween, I went to Walmart to pick up a few items, by myself (a rare occasion) and found myself walking through the Christmas isle.  I was immediately transformed.  A warm fuzzy feeling, excitement and anticipation radiated through me as I looked at all the glitzy ornaments and mesmerizing lights.  I LOVE Christmas! I love the smells, sights, sounds, and feelings involved in Christmas.  Growing up, Christmas was always such a magical time for me.  My parents made it so special.  We would decorate, make cookies, have parties, give presents, get presents and, of course, go to church.  With all that said...ONE HOLIDAY AT A TIME, PLEASE!

My Jack-O-Lanterns haven't even rotted yet!  I still need to pull out my Thanksgiving decorations.  Why is Christmas pushed so early?  For me, the Christmas season begins the week after Thanksgiving.  I can only do one main event at a time. 

It used to take forever from Thanksgiving to Christmas and now with the advertising and decorating starting so soon, it may be physically longer--the Christmas season-- but it seems like Christmas is here before you know it.  I know, that sounds crazy, but stick with me.  I will give you a quick glimpse into my brain's train of thought...My philosophy is that we are so used to seeing Christmas stuff up and think, “oh, we have FORVEVER until Christmas,” that when it actually gets here we are so desensitized to the holiday “stuff” that it really does surprise us and we feel like it sneaks up on us.  That may not be right, but that is what I am sticking with.

One reason I loved Christmas so much as a child is it was stress free.  Now with all the stresses involved, we forget the most important part of Christmas: Why we celebrate.  We are desensitized to the point that we miss our focus.  We are all so worried about what to get for people, who is coming, what parties we have, what our house looks like, what cookies we are going to make...all to impress others.  When our real focus should be WHY we celebrate Christmas.

I put up all of the decorations this weekend (except the tree – my live tree will be in on Monday!) But the first thing I put out, front and center, was our Nativity scene.  This Nativity scene was Tony (my husband) Grandmother's and there are all sorts of animals and shepherd from all sorts of sets.  It has seen lots of Christmases and it is just beautiful to have in our house.  I had the girls help me and really wanted to emphasize the true meaning of Christmas.  If you ask my kids why we celebrate Christmas, they will tell you it’s Jesus' birthday.  I hope that by teaching my children the true meaning of Christmas, it will help ME refocus on what's truly important.  I hope that by refocusing, I can again feel the excitement and anticipation of this magical season. Just let me get through one holiday at a time...if I start seeing Fourth of July stuff next week, I may implode!

Bio -

Kathy is blessed to be a stay-at-home mom of three girls and one baby (unknown gender) due in May. She has been married to her extremely understanding and handsome husband for seven years.

"Thanks Be To God"

First off, a little about me. My name is Channan and I was just “inducted” into the Catholic church this past Easter of 2012. It was one of the greatest experiences. I married my husband in the summer of 2007 and life took off. 5 years into our marriage and we have been blessed with 3 beautiful children. I grew up in the plains of Oklahoma, Sooner born and Sooner bred, and now make our home in Texas. Hope you enjoy my first of hopefully many blogs to come!

“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” (President Abraham Lincoln, Proclamation, October 3, 1863)

Thanksgiving. A time for crisper weather, changing of leaves, a roasted Turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, and football! I’m sure any human would automatically revert to this thinking when hearing the word “Thanksgiving.” That, and pilgrims. Abraham Lincoln wanted to ensure despite American’s differences, we were giving thanks to the source from whom all blessings flow.

Growing up, I have a ton of wonderful Thanksgiving memories of my grandmother and grandfather’s home, her cooking like a mad woman, hiding the rum in her coke somewhere in a corner, all of us grandkids with our fingers constantly in the relish tray, and all the men miserably full from the amazing food she would prepare. Sure, these are all fabulous memories to me. But one memory that has to be my most favorite Thanksgiving memory is my Thanksgiving with my 2^nd born, Ainslee.

There was a turkey, there was gravy, there was a relish tray. There was my baby. She was perfect in every way at only a month old. She of course slept wonderfully up until it was time for me to enjoy my Thanksgiving meal. Then she wanted her Thanksgiving meal. I took her upstairs to nurse her and remember how incredibly blessed I felt to have this beautiful dark haired baby to spend Thanksgiving with. Another wonderful blessing to be truly thankful for.

That would be our only Thanksgiving together but it would lead me to a place I never thought possible to reach. Her love and short life lead me to Him, our Creator. Sure I always had a faith filled life and considered myself to be a Christian. But she would lead me to His love and ultimately experience the satisfaction of what Thanksgiving meant.

“Do this in memory of Me.”

Jesus Christ offers Himself under the form of bread and wine. He surrenders Himself unto us for our nourishment, for our salvation, for the cleansing of our humanly bodies, to save us. By receiving Him, we accept rejuvenation for ourselves and divine vitality which can only come from His Thanksgiving. So naturally the sacrificial banquet of remembrance is called the Eucharist, or “thanksgiving.” “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.”

Thanking Him during this time and for our salvation and giving all praise to Him is what has always been intended during this time of thanks. He gave His whole, entire self to us-body, blood, soul and divinity.

Thanksgiving isn’t separated from sacrifice and the Mass itself is a celebration of God’s undying love through His very own sacrifice. This is how we truly accept Christ and live a Christian life, by allowing Him to be our nourishment, our Thanksgiving. True thanksgiving means self-giving. This is the meaning of the Eucharist.

I can think of no American holiday that so closely resembles the symbolism and meaning of the sacrament of the Eucharist. We celebrate Thanksgiving as a sign of American unity and thanksgiving to God who has given us great gifts.

Today I am thankful for my family, my job and my home. I’m thankful for the salvation of Jesus Christ and the hope of Heaven. I am thankful for His sacrifice. I thank Him every day for that dark haired baby girl. That she lead me to where I need to be spiritually. I am so incredibly thankful to have spent a Thanksgiving with her and for the chance to be shown and taught about true Thanksgiving. I’m thankful God trusted me to be her mother, knowing what her 3 months on this earth would do for this broken Christian.

Today I am thankful for the Eucharist. I am thankful for Thanksgiving.

I Am Mute

Today is my 4^th day without a voice.  No, this is not a political statement, I mean I am not able to verbalize my thoughts.  I was fighting a cold, stressed my vocal chords and wound up with laryngitis. The first day without my voice was funny.  People, my children especially, would laugh at my voice; I would laugh at my lack of voice.  My husband joked that this was an early Christmas gift to him.  By day two, annoyance with not being able to communicate set in.  By day three, I realized that I had to make the best of the situation.  I have always been a “glass half full” kind of gal, and for those of you familiar with Living Your Strengths or the NY Times Best Seller, StrengthFinders my third top strength is “Positivity.”  So, I started to pray about how I could put this muteness to good use.  I researched figures presented in the bible as mute and learned that most of those people were struck mute due to lack of faith.  Not really the uplifting message I was looking for.  But as I delved deeper into The Word, this is what I discovered.

Picture Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, wife to Elizabeth.  When the angel Gabriel foretold of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Zechariah was doubtful.  He was struck dumb due to his disbelief and his speech was not returned until the prophecy was fulfilled.

Now this, along with the myriad other individuals in the bible who were also struck dumb due to lack of faith made me start to wonder if God was trying to tell me something.  I read the Gospel account further and learned that once John was born, on the 8^th day when he was to be circumcised and named, Elizabeth said “He is going to be called John”  (Luke 1:60).  This surprised everyone because none of their relatives had this name.  When Zechariah, still mute, was asked what name he wanted to give is son, he requested a tablet and wrote, “John is his name” (Luke 1:63).  Immediately Zechariah’s voice was restored and he began to speak, praising God.  His first words were not about himself or his son.   Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, said “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.”  (Luke 1:68) He first wanted to give glory to God.  Zechariah did not praise God for ending his muteness or for giving him a child in his old age.  He praised God for sending a Savior and for keeping his promises to Israel.  Zechariah realized that God had not done this to make Zechariah and Elizabeth happy, but to keep His covenant with Israel.  Here is the rest of The Canticle of Zechariah:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

for he has visited and brought redemption to his people.

He has raised up a horn for our salvation

within the house of David his servant,

even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old:

salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,

        to show mercy to our fathers

and to be mindful of his holy covenant

and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father,

and to grant us that,

rescued from the hand of enemies,

without fear we might worship him

in holiness and righteousness

before him all our days.

And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most

 

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 

to give his people knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God
 

by which the daybreak from on high will visit us

to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow,

to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:72-77).

 

So, what did this scripture passage help me to learn about my present situation?  While we praise God for the things he has done for us, I was reminded that it is not about us.  He does these things for us to bring glory to Him and so that we might believe in Him.  When my voice is restored I know that my first words will be of praise to God.  Not thanking him for the return of my voice, or the opportunity for me to never take my voice for granted again, but for the gentle nudge from God for me to seek Him in The Word and thus, as always, become closer to God and getting to know Him better.

Many thanks to the generous parishioners of Good Shepherd. Good Shepherd Outreach collected enough for GRACE to purchase 450 turkeys for those in need this holiday season.

Our Fabulous Festival of Tables

"WOW" is the word that comes to mind to describe the tables that were lovingly decorated by members of the Good Shepherd Women’s Group for its 4th Annual Festival of Tables on Thursday, Oct. 4.

Nearly 200 ladies came together to not only decorate and dine on tables inspired by many themes and places near and far, but also to raise money for the Sister of St. Mary of Namur (SSMN).

The evening generated more than $3,200 for the Sisters. The wonderful ladies, who will be celebrating their 150th Anniversary in the U.S. and Texas in 2013, were our honored guests that evening.

Popular tables themes this year included Out of Africa, Casino Night, Queens of De-Nile, Angels, Life’s a Beach, Grapevine High School Senior Moms, College Football Alma Maters, In The (football) Party Zone, Winter magic, Autumn Harvest, Fishers of Men and Feed My Sheep. But three groups of ladies went "above and beyond" and were voted the best of the bunch by FOT attendees.

Winning inspirations for this year’s Fest of Tables were "Dr. Suess," which was voted No. 1,followed by the game of "Clue" (2nd place) and "Glamping" (3rd place).

 It was a wonderful evening of fellowship and we especially thank Stephanie and Janet who coordinated this event.

Have you ever experienced a miracle?

Sometimes someone will mention the miracle of life – especially their children.  Sometimes someone will know someone that was cured after a debilitating illness.

Actually, every one of us experiences the greatest miracle on Earth every time we go to Mass!  Just think about the ordinary elements of bread and wine becoming the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ!  There can be no greater miracle! 

Almost ten years ago, on my birthday, I prayed for this gift – a greater appreciation of the Blessed Sacrament.  Being a cradle-Catholic, I knew the teaching of our faith.  I was asking for an appreciation from my heart.  God always hears our prayers.  Less than a year later, I found myself coordinating Eucharistic Adoration at Good Shepherd.  I still have a very long way to go… we cannot understand many mysteries.  Yet spending time with Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration increases my appreciation of the awesome gift of the Mass.

We have a beautiful new Daily Chapel.  I wish everyone would stop by to spend some time with Our Lord!  I wish more people would commit to spending an hour with Him every week.  This commitment is never burdensome.  There are prayer partners and substitutes for when someone is unable to go.  The advantage of being scheduled is that once it is on the calendar, we go.  Then the Blessings come! 

Our Lady is really the Coordinator of Eucharistic Adoration, all I do is send out the emails!  Her purpose is always to bring us closer to her Son!

The Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

Father Richard comes once a month to say Mass and bring Communion to the residents at Bishop Davies Nursing Center in Hurst.  There are about 15 Catholics there and they are grateful for the visit from a priest.  It always amazes me that so many of the aged residents, who often have no idea what day or season it is, sometimes not even their own names, can make the Sign of the Cross and respond with the correct “Lord have mercy,” at just the right time.  It must be written on their hearts. 

What is unique about Mass at the nursing home is that it is not uncommon for someone to sleep through the whole thing.  Whether it is fatigue caused by medicine or just being worn out from a long life, there is usually at least one sleeper during Mass.  This week, it was Gloria.  I had to wake her up to ask if she wanted to come to Mass, but she replied “Yes,” pretty emphatically, so I wheeled her bed down to the parlor where Father would say Mass.  She slept through the readings and through the homily, then through the Intercessions and most of the Eucharistic Prayer.  However, when Father concluded the Doxology, I suddenly heard a loud, truly great, “Amen” from Gloria’s direction.  And then she prayed the Our Father, without missing a word.  But at the sign of peace, she was back asleep and couldn’t even wake up enough to receive Communion, so Father blessed her.  It was as if the coming of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist at the consecration was so powerful that it roused her from her sleep.  I know I certainly felt His presence in an amazing way that morning. 

The youth of GSCC are playing a larger role than ever in serving their church and their community.

"His Hands and Feet" service group kicked by helping serve lunch to needy children with the GRACE Feed Our Kids program.  They will complete at least one service project per month, and will begin a new partnership with Catholic Charities by devoting one Saturday per month to the Refugee Program in Fort Worth. The Hands and Feet group also helps serve the GSCC community's needs throughout the year and helps with the UGM lunch project and the Sleep-out for Honduras.

This summer, Mark Knox and Larry West, along with a host of parent volunteers held the first ever Disciple Now program. During this week which was kicked off by a concert with youth speaker Cooper Ray, the students performed a service project in the morning returning to GSCC for lunch and catechesis.

The organizations served included Catholic Charities, Tarrant Area Food Bank, GRACE,  Union Gospel Mission, Mission Arlington, Presbyterian Night Shelter, Dancing Rivers Senior Living, and Habitat for Humanity. With over 35 teens and 8 adults assisting daily, over 480 service hours were completed!

St. Bonaventure

 

I’m guessing by now that you have heard the glorious ring of our new bells!  They can be heard five minutes before weekend masses, encouraging us toward the triumphant celebration which is about to take place.  They also resound clearly at 8:30 am, noon, and 4:30 pm on weekdays, calling all the faithful to participation in Angelus, a devotional prayer reminding us of the incarnation of Christ.  During the blessing of the bells, Bishop Vann enlightened our parish to the names of these bells.  The two lower bells are named Francis (the larger one) and Clare (the smaller one).  The big bell at the top of the tower is named Bonaventure. 

                Now I suppose that most people know something about St. Francis and probably know a little about St. Clare, but relatively few people know anything about St. Bonaventure.  He is an early Franciscan saint who lived from 1221 until 1274.  His name, which means ‘of good fortune’ is said to have come from a time when he was deathly sick as a child.  His mother implored St. Francis to come and pray for Bonaventure (his name at the time was Giovanni) who when he did so, was miraculously healed and St. Francis exclaimed "O buona ventura!" At the age of 22 Bonaventure responded to God’s call upon his life and entered the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans, OFM to be exact).  He excelled in studies and pursued what today would be considered a Doctorate in Theology from the University of Paris where he taught alongside his contemporary and good friend St. Thomas Aquinas (who is a Dominican). 

St. Bonaventure acquired the name of “The Seraphic Doctor” for his mystical insights into the ways of God which he readily applied to the spiritual life, along with humility and mortification.  Some say that he is one of the greatest philosopher/theologians of the medieval times.  He is well known for the many theological treatises he wrote, as well as one of the more comprehensive biographies of the life of St. Francis (The Major Legend of St. Francis).  Unique to his theology is that he uses the love of God as the ultimate destiny for the human person, contrasted against many other theologies whose end goal was to see God (beatific vision).  Bonaventure influenced many proceeding theologians, including fellow Franciscan Blessed Duns Scotus who developed the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.

In 1257 at the age of 36 Bonaventure was elected Minister General, the highest office of governance for the Franciscans and worked diligently to restore peace and unity to the order of Franciscans which was suffering from internal discord.  He later reluctantly accepted the role of Cardinal Bishop of Albano, Italy at the persuasion of Pope Gregory X.  Bonaventure presided over the Second Council of Lyons in 1274, an ecumenical council, and died shortly afterwards.  He was declared a saint on April 14, 1482, and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1587.

Here’s a quote to reflect upon:  “When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than that coming from the mouth.” – St. Bonaventure... pray for us!

Who are the Silver Dove?

Stephanie Drenka

Stephanie grew up always singing.  She was involved in show choir and  performed in several musicals at Carroll High School. During the summer she performed at Six Flags over Texas. While attending  DePaul University she was in the advanced choir whenever course load allowed. Now she sings for fun and the challenge of helping others.

Lance Brown

Lance grew up singing in church choirs and rock and folk bands in high school and college. He eventually moved on to directing church choirs for some 20 years.  Having a chance to work and sing with great musicians and great people while helping those in need is his motivation in starting and producing this group.

Terri Leisten

Terri grew up in Fairborn, Ohio, daughter of a band director and a ballerina. Her life was always surrounded by music and performing. She performed in several family bands on her way to achieving a Bachelors in Music from the University of  Dayton. She taught several years of high school level choral music and continues to sing, direct and play piano in church and other venues.

 

Don Devous

 

Growing up in St. Louis, Don started singing in school musicals. After moving to Texas he continued his music studies receiving a Bachelors of Music from The University of Texas and his Master of Arts in Voice from the UNT. He currently works for Fort Worth ISD as the Coordinator of Middle School Choirs. For him, music has truly been a life changing experience that he wishes to share with everyone.

 



Karin Vaught

 

Karin began performing at age ten in elementary school. She studied piano for years and sang in high school  musical productions. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Music from Texas Woman’s University. She has performed all over DFW: from coffee house gigs to opening a Fort Worth Cats baseball game to singing with the Regal Opera. She currently teaches voice and piano at her Bedford studio.

 

 

 

Tom Knodell

The second of eight kids in a musically gifted family, Tom was raised with vocal music all around him. Growing up in San Antonio, he sang in many youth choirs and   performed with his family for grateful retirement home residents. As an adult, he has sung in church choirs, quartets and the world famous “Vocal Majority”. He sings to share the joy in life.

 

 

Don't miss out on this amazing show.  Tickets are still available.  Reserve yours today!

 

Power of Prayer

My name is Jeff and I was a member of CRHP 2, and the CRHP 3 formation team.  Shortly after my CRHP experience, I became really ill (Viral Spinal Meningitis). On the Sunday after Thanksgiving 2010, my CRHP brothers held a prayer service, said a Rosary, and within an hour after the prayer service was complete, my 104 degree temperature began to break, and 6 days later I was released from the hospital (much to the surprise of my doctors). My mother visiting from out of town was amazed by the support and visits from my CRHP brothers and the faith that they showed, and the support they displayed to me and my wife Terri.

My entire family heard the story of my recovery and the amazing men that had my back throughout the entire ordeal. They heard the story from me, from my wife, and especially from my mom. She told everyone about the incredible level of prayer and support, and was renewed in her own faith by the actions of these men.

Since that time, my brother and his wife had their first baby. The baby had some difficulty during delivery, and was admitted to the NICU. My brother (who has had his ups and downs with his faith and the church) called me, and asked me to pray for my nephew. I asked him if I could share the story with my CRHP brothers and include them in the prayer train to ask the Lord to help my nephew fight his way back to health. He agreed, and I instantly got on the phone and email, and all of the CRHP family responded and let me know, that they were adding their prayers to help. Within a couple of weeks my nephew was home and he has been a healthy bundle of joy ever since.

I want you to know that our faith is a form of evangelism. We are changing the faith lives of people all over the country. My siblings were raised Catholic, but were at varying levels in their own faith journeys. I want to make sure that you know that our faith in the power of prayer is, increasing the faith that others have in the power of prayer.

Now I know that Evangelism isn't a concept that we as Catholics often consider, but this is exactly what is happening. Your faith, your prayers, your willingness to share your faith journey with your families, your small church communities, and with our complete Good Shepherd family is Evangelism in its truest form. You are making our community a shining example of faith that is becoming known across the country.

I am proud to be part of this faith team, and I thank you for your prayers.

"God Moves in a Mysterious Way"

I have said this a million times thinking it was scripture. Surprise! It’s not. While this is not scripture it is a paraphrase that says a lot about living with a person like my son Dan, who has special needs. Everyday the Holy Spirit is revealed to us in mysterious ways; like when my husband, Bill, at our first Samuel Ministry meeting, was so moved that he said he felt it was time for Dan to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation; or when my prayers were answered and Terrie, Ronda and Barbara started the Samuel Ministry.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me, and I will answer you; I will tell you things great beyond reach of your knowledge.

Bill laughingly said Dan couldn't be filled with anymore "Holy Spirit". Father Richard asked us if Dan knew if he would be receiving the Holy Spirit. Dan is non-verbal so we responded for him; "Yes he can." and "Yes he does." We eagerly waited for Dan's turn to go down the aisle to Bishop Kevin Vann. Dan looked at me and tried to explain to me in his excitement that something wonderful was going to happen and "Yes" he was ready to receive more, and all, of the Holy Spirit.

My wish, with the help of the Samuel Ministry, is for all of our children to be able to fully participate in the Sacraments and never deny that God moves in mysterious ways.

Colossians 2:2,3   That their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love; to have the richness of the fully assured understanding, for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Thank you to everyone involved with the beautiful day of Dan’s Confirmation; Mark, Sarah, Barbara and the wonderful choir. Thank you also to Terrie and Ronda who give of their time so unselfishly.  -Debbie

The Feast of the Assumption

The feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary takes place on August 15 and is the most important of Marian feasts and a holy day of obligation.  The Roman Catholic Church teaches that the Virgin Mary “having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”  Catholic dogma leaves open the question of whether the Virgin Mary died before her assumption or whether she was assumed before death.  Both possibilities are allowed.  Fr. Thomas Onoda says “The catechism teaches us that God made us to love Him and serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in the next.  Precisely, the Assumption of our Lady teaches us this truth.”  Fr. Onoda explains why this is so “because the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul with her full humanity and full human nature into Heaven.”  Fr. Onoda further explains that “this historical fact reminds us that our permanent abode is not upon Earth; it is in Heaven.”

We speak of Mary’s assumption, not ascension.  Christ ascended into heaven by his own power.  Mary was taken up to heaven by the power of God.  Dogma further tells us that Mary in heaven experiences the union of a glorified body and soul.  

Father William Doyle, S.J. felt the protection of Mary on this special feast day during a German shell attack in 1916.  He proclaimed to the young soldiers in battle after a harrowing attach that “You must not thank me, boys, don’t you know it is our Lady’s feast, and Mary had her mantle spread over us to save us from all harm?”

We hope that you will join us at Good Shepherd to celebrate this feast on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 7:00 p.m. or Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 8:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m.

 

Prayer for the Assumption of Mary

Father in heaven,
all creation rightly gives you praise,
for all life and all holiness come from you.
In the plan of your wisdom
she who bore the Christ in her womb
was raised body and soul in glory to be with him in heaven.
May we follow her example in reflecting your holiness
and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Gearing up for Family Faith Formation

Middle Schoolers are the best age. They are just beginning to question many things that they never considered. It is THE time in a person's life that can secure the foundation of a life lived serving Christ. The good news is the Good Shepherd Student Life is dedicated to empowering youth to understand, fall in love with and live out their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, Sacred Scripture and Holy Mother Church. This combination is unstoppable. The BETTER news is that we now have EDGE. This is the curriculum for middle school from the ministry group called Life Teen. Check out their website. Yes, even if you are an adult! It will really lift you up. Yours in Christ - Larry

"Live like no one else, so you can later live like no one else" -Dave Ramsey

If you have ever heard of Dave Ramsey, one of his favorite quotes is “Live like no one else, so you can later live like no one else.” I rolled my eyes and heard, “Today, sacrifice SO much that you can have no fun living, so later, you will have enough money but be TOO old to enjoy it.”  Boy, was I wrong.  Dave Ramsey is a radio personality who, in his 20's, made millions buying and selling real estate.  Also, in his 20's, filed for bankruptcy.  So, why am I taking advise from this guy about money?  Dave took time to analyze his mistakes.  He interviewed lots of rich people and found common ground. Dave takes a spiritual approach, and uses common sense.  His baby steps are a discipline approach to saving, giving and living.  Dave found a way for people to manage money and to live debt free in an entertaining series that appeals to the nerds and the free spirits.

My husband and I have never been irresponsible about money.  But, if I ran the finances, we would NOT be in debt (all of the time), but we would be greeters at Walmart when we were 80 because we wouldn't have any retirement.  If my husband ran all the finances we would do NOTHING except work, eat in every night and, for fun, watch our savings grow.  Let's just say, we have had our fair share of money fights.  With Financial Peace University, a program started by Dave Ramsey, we can speak the same language about finances.  We are in control of our money.  We actually put a name to each dollar before it goes out that month.  We can give, save and still have fun!

This class is for everyone:  Single, old, married, and young (in any combination).  Whether you are about to declare bankruptcy, have millions in the bank, or just want to be able to talk with you significant other about money, this is the class for you!  -Kathy