We thank thee, O God, for the spiritual nature of man. We are in nature but we live above nature. Help us never to let anybody or any condition to pull us so low as to cause us to hate. Give us strength to love our enemies and to do good to those who despitefully use us and persecute us. We thank thee for thy Church, founded upon thy Word, that challenges us to do more than sing and pray, but go out and work as though the very answer to our prayers depended on us and not upon thee. Then, finally, help us to realize that man was created to shine like stars and live on through all eternity. Keep us, we pray, in perfect peace; help us to walk together, pray together, sing together, and live together until that day when all God’s children, Black, White, Red, and Yellow will rejoice in our common band of humanity in the kingdom of our Lord and of our God, we pray. Amen.

Excerpted from:  "Thou, Dear God”: Prayers that Open Hearts and Spirits

 

What Was Your Response When You Heard Pope Francis Was Named TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year?

We posed the above question to members of our parish and these are the responses that we received. 

Knowing that this holy man can change the face of the Catholic Church by resetting its priorities, is very reassuring to me.  But to see that he can also inspire hope in the secular arena, and perhaps have universal impact with his grand vision rooted in Christ's message, is truly a reason for all to rejoice!  Cyndy G

I saw it first thing this morning and thought, “That’s our Papa!! Who DOESN’T love this guy?” I am so excited that Pope Francis is able to show the world the gift of joy and hope that is found in all that we believe!   Mary C

I am beyond excited to learn that Pope Francis was selected as Time Magazine's Person of the Year. My first thought upon hearing this news was that of hope! I am hopeful for our world to know that he was chosen. What a great example the Catholic Church is to the rest of the world!  Lauren

My first thought was how wonderful it feels to have The Church portrayed positively in mainstream media again because of Pope Francis. I then contacted the marketing department at the yearbook publisher I work for and made sure it would be included in our "Year in Review" magazine supplement that goes in almost all of our school's yearbooks across the nation.   Lisa L

I've been getting calls from my Protestant friends that think it's awesome.  They feel that his incredibly humble nature will continue to strengthen all Christians.  His real life examples of Peace & Love continue his daily messages to the world. Jim C

My first thought was, "Wonderful! Terrific!" My second was, "Thank God they didn't pick another person they considered - Miley Cyrus."  David H

I felt my shoulders relax, oddly enough, and thought "it's about time". I have so many friends who are non-Catholic that have said they think he's "the man" - just a truly amazing person who actually lives like Jesus wants us to live. Jacque O

His life as a Christian exemplar merited the recognition! I fear, however, it reflects how many people want him to change the principles of the staid old Church.  Lee M

Pride! Many non-Catholic friends have shared wonderful comments on his actions and efforts for all Christians.  Sharron M

Pope Francis is reenergizing the Church through his humble life style and the way he reaches out to all people.  Through his down to earth communication and joyful demeanor, he makes Christ present to all that see him.  Mark P

To read about TIME’s choice, click this link

http://poy.time.com/2013/12/11/person-of-the-year-pope-francis-the-peoples-pope/?iid=poy-main-lead

To hear Cardinal Dolan’s Response in his podcast on Catholic Radio

http://cardinaldolan.org/index.php/pope-francis-named-time-magazines-person-of-the-year/

To read Father Robert Barron’s Response

http://cardinaldolan.org/index.php/pope-francis-named-time-magazines-person-of-the-year/

Thank you....Once again Good Shepherd parishioners have come together to meet a need in our community.  Recently, GRACE, Cassata High School and St John's Baby World expressed an urgent need for outerwear. The GSCC youth attending the Sleep Out for Honduras in early November brought gently used coats and jackets in response to this request. Wow, what an outpouring of generosity from our teens! Volunteers who delivered the over 150 pieces of outerwear to the three organizations were met with tears of joy.  Outreach team members sorted through donations and Cassata High School students try on their new coats with big smiles. Thank you, Good Shepherd for your continuous generosity.

REFLECTIONS ABOUT CHRISTMAS MASS FROM OUR CHOIR DIRECTORS

The 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass provides an uplifting, youthful approach to traditional carols and contemporary songs to ring in the Birth of Christ.  It is truly a celebration!  The message for this Mass is intended for young children.  Father conducts a “dialogue” homily where he asks the young children to come and sit at the base of the altar.  He then asks for their assistance in retelling the story of Christ’s birth.  Music for Christmas Eve Mass at 4:00 p.m. will be provided by our Sunday 4’oclock choir, 4-Hymn.  Joining this choir, we welcome back our returning college students and the children’s choir. 

Christmas is about tradition and what better tradition than Christmas carols.  The Youth Orchestra , along with the 11:00 am Sunday choir, will be playing traditional Christmas carols at the 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass that will not only celebrate the birth of Christ but will hopefully stir fond memories in the hearts of the assembly.  This Mass, like 4:00 p.m. is also intended for children and includes the dialogue homily.

 At a new time this year, Good Shepherd’s 9:00 p.m. Mass will be a treat for all with music provided by our Sunday 9:00 a.m. choir and our hand bell choir.  The blend of these voices sound like angels from heaven and the bells truly ring in the Christmas spirit.  Homily and music focuses on the adults in the congregation.

 What can you expect at Midnight Mass?  Great parking and ample seating!  As you enter the sanctuary, you are warmed by the glow of the lights from the trees at the base of the altar.  When you settle in, your heart will be warmed as well when the Sunday 5:00 o’clock contemporary choir begins the traditional Christmas carols that you know by heart.

Christmas Day Mass at 10:00 a.m. is a simple, rich liturgy and celebration.  The sacred is easily felt with the traditional music provided by the cantor and accompanist.  The community’s participation rounds out this celebration

What are you thankful for?

When I reflect on things I am truly thankful for my immediate attention goes to being a wife and a mother of 4 children (one on the way). But, what I’d like to allow you all to see and be a part of is a time in my life that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Growing up my family wasn’t a traditional family where Mom and Dad were married, worked and were at home in the evenings caring for the children. It was quite opposite. There were many times I felt discouraged by the lack of stability I saw in this make up of a family but there was an amazing alternative that was healing and what makes me who I am today.

I spent majority of my time with my grandparents and their wise souls were so enriching on every level. They took me with them in the summers to travel to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Oregon and Washington. We’d see family and the love I received from them is something I don’t take for granted now. Growing up, they put me in gymnastics, supported my cheerleading, attended most games, took me to my orthodontist appointments and lunch after before I’d head back to school.

As I headed off to college, they attended my college cheerleading, sorority events, and my Grandma would come up to have lunch with me. I could tell my grandparents anything. They were supportive, they cared for me, they loved me the way I had always wanted to be loved and supported. They financially cared for me in addition to emotionally being my strength.

They taught me faith and always had me in church on Sundays. My Mima would teach Sunday school and my Pappy taught his adult class. They were actively involved and I never questioned my place in church. I felt at home with them. They made me feel safe even in times that I questioned my safety.

During college my grandmother got mentally ill and the medications they used to treat her resulted in her passing. It’s been 7 years and I miss her terribly but am forever grateful for her and who she was and continues to be in my life. 3 months ago my Pappy had gotten ill and was admitted to the hospital. He called me on August 6th at noon to check on me and I felt it was his way to always put me first, like he always has done. It was a brief conversation but one I hold dear to my heart. I said goodbye to my Pappy for the last time and that night at midnight, he passed away. What an amazing gift God gave me through my Pappy for him to call me one last time.

My love for these two incredible people is so deep. They taught me everything I know. My Pappy showed me the type of man I should marry and how to always rely on faith. His favorite verse was Proverbs 3: 5-6….Trust in the Lord.

Reflecting this Thanksgiving on my life and the love I was given is truly humbling. They loved me so much and the feeling was mutual. One of the greatest things a parent can teach their children is a foundation of faith. Not all children are given that firm teaching and foundation but I am so thankful I was given that. My childhood was filled with laughs, beautiful Christmases at my grandparents and Thanksgivings of plenty. My memories can’t be replaced and are who I am. And for that, I am truly thankful.

Adoption

On Tuesday November 5th. Good Shepherd held its first informational meeting on adoption and foster care.   We had representatives from Catholic Charities Ft Worth and Foster in Texas. Both speakers gave great information on programs offered through these 2 agencies and the dire need to help children throughout Texas and the world. We also had 2 families tell their stories of adoption. It was a very informative and heartfelt evening. If you would like information about these programs please contact the church office and they can put you in touch with the appropriate person to answer your questions. Look for future informational meetings in the months to come.

Go Out, Go Out | spiritandsong.com

"Pope Francis is not asking us to be content with being disciples. He wants to push us further. He is asking us to becoming missionary disciples."
Go Out, Go Out | spiritandsong.com