We had another fabulous celebration of our parish’s patronal feast day thanks to the generosity of the Lemley family!

There was great food, jet skis, tubing, shoreline exploration, swimming, more great food, live music, and a piñata to name but a few bits of the fun.

Thanks to all who came out to celebrate St. Sophia and her three martyr daughters. Our patrons have faithfully prayed for us and provided a witness to devotion to Christ we strive to emulate. We look forward to celebrating their feast again next year!

The Church celebrates and rejoices
In the feast of the three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love
And their Mother, Sophia, so named for her Wisdom;
For in them she gave birth to the three godly virtues.
Now they eternally behold their bridegroom, God the Word.
Let us spiritually rejoice in their memory and cry out:
O, our three heavenly protectors!
Establish, confirm, and strengthen us
In Faith, Hope, and Love!

Many thanks to Roman for the pictures!
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There is a Confession time this week that will work for you.

Morning, Noon, evening, and night. Dallas, Fort Worth, and everywhere between.

You pick your day, hour, and location.

St. Sophia always has Confession available before every service and by appointment. We additionally have Confession from 1-4PM on Holy Saturday this week. Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church has Confession with Fr. Mitch Pacwa from 8 PM through the overnight vigil on Wed, Thur, and Fri.

If there isn’t one listed here that is near you, check out the Dallas or Fort Worth diocesan pages for many more choices.

It’s never too late to come back to the Lord!

 

MONDAY March 25
St. Patrick Cathedral 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
1206 Throckmorton Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102 (Map)

St. John Nepomucene 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 6:00 PM
401 E. Lampasas St.
Ennis, TX  75119 (Map)

Blessed John Paul II University Parish & Catholic Center 1:00-3:00 PM
1303 Eagle Drive
Denton, TX 76201 (Map)

Good Shepherd 6:00-7:00 PM
214 S. Garland Ave.
Garland, TX  75040 (Map)

St. Pius X Catholic Church 7:00-9:00 PM
3030 Gus Tomasson
Dallas, TX  75228 (Map)

 

TUESDAY March 26
St. Pius X Catholic Church 8:30-9:30 AM
3030 Gus Tomasson
Dallas, TX  75228 (Map)

St. Patrick Cathedral 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
1206 Throckmorton Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102 (Map)

St. John Nepomucene 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM
401 E. Lampasas St.
Ennis, TX  75119 (Map)

Blessed John Paul II University Parish & Catholic Center 2:00-3:00 PM
1303 Eagle Drive
Denton, TX 76201 (Map)

 

WEDNESDAY March 27
Mater Dei Latin Mass Parish 6:00-6:25 AM, 7:05-7:30 AM, 6:15-6:50 PM, 8:00-8:30 PM
2030 E. Highway 356
Irving, TX 75060 (Map)

St. John Nepomucene 7:00-7:30 AM, 12:30-2:00 PM, 6:30-9:00 PM
401 E. Lampasas St.
Ennis, TX 75119 (Map)

St. Patrick Cathedral 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
1206 Throckmorton Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102 (Map)

Blessed John Paul II University Parish & Catholic Center 1:00-3:00 PM
1303 Eagle Drive
Denton, TX 76201 (Map)

Our Lady of Perpetual Help 5:30-6:30 PM
7617 Cortland Ave
Dallas, Texas, TX 75235 (Map)

Good Shepherd 6:00-6:45 PM
1000 Tinker Rd.
Colleyville, TX 76034 (Map)

Good Shepherd 6:00-8:00 PM
214 S. Garland Ave.
Garland, TX 75040 (Map)

Holy Spirit 6:00-8:00 PM
1111 W. Danieldale Rd.
Duncanville, TX 75137 (Map)

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 6:00-8:00 PM
3000 West Highway 22
Corsicana, TX 75110 (Map)

Mary Immaculate 6:00-8:00 PM
2800 Valwood Pkwy
Farmers Branch, TX  75234 (Map)

Holy Family 6:00-9:00 PM
2323 Cheyenne St
Irving, TX  75062 (Map)

Blessed Sacrament Church 6:00-9:00 PM
231 N Marsalis Ave
Dallas, TX, TX  75203 (Map)

Immaculate Conception 6:00-9:00 PM
400 N.E. 17th St
Grand Prairie, TX  75050 (Map)

St. Thomas Aquinas 6:00-9:00 PM
6306 Kenwood Ave
Dallas, TX  75214 (Map)

St. Michael the Archangel 6:00-9:00 PM
2910 Corn Valley Rd.
Grand Prairie, TX  75052 (Map)

St. Michael the Archangel 6:00-11:00 PM
950 Trails Pkwy
Garland, TX  75043 (Map)

St. Mark the Evangelist 6:30-8:00 PM
1201 Alma Drive
Plano, TX  75075 (Map)

Prince of Peace 6:30-9:00 PM
5100 W. Plano Pkwy
Plano, TX  75093 (Map)

St. Jude Catholic Church 6:30-9:00 PM
1515 N. Greenville Avenue
Allen, TX  75002 (Map)

St. Gabriel the Archangel 6:30-9:00 PM
110 St. Gabriel Way
McKinney, TX  75071 (Map)

St. Pius X Catholic Church 6:30-10:00 PM
3030 Gus Tomasson
Dallas, TX  75228 (Map)

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 6:45-9:00 PM
2700 W. Spring Creek Pkwy
Plano, TX  75023 (Map)

All Saints 7:00-8:00 PM
5231 Meadowcreek
Dallas, TX  75248 (Map)

Our Lady of the Lake 7:00-8:00 PM
1305 Damascus Rd
Rockwall, TX  75087 (Map)

Holy Trinity Catholic Church 7:00-8:30 PM
3811 Oak Lawn Ave
Dallas, TX  75219 (Map)

Our Lady of Angels 7:00-9:00 PM
1914 Ridgeview Dr
Allen, TX  75013 (Map)

St. Michael the Archangel 7:00-9:00 PM
652 Redbud Ln
McKinney, TX  75069 (Map)

St. Luke 7:00-9:00 PM
202 S. MacArthur Blvd.
Irving, TX  75060 (Map)

St. Francis of Assisi  7:00-9:00 PM
1537 Rogers Ave.
Lancaster, TX  75134 (Map)

St. Ann 7:00-9:00 PM
180 Samuel Blvd
Coppell, TX  75019 (Map)

Holy Family Quasi Parish 7:00-9:00 PM
919 Spence Road
Van Alstyne, TX  75495 (Map)

St. Rita Catholic Church 7:00-9:00 PM
12521 Inwood Rd
Dallas, TX  75244 (Map)

St. Monica 7:00-9:00 PM
9933 Midway Rd
Dallas, TX  75220 (Map)

Christ the King 7:00-9:00 PM
8017 Preston Rd
Dallas, TX  75225 (Map)

Divine Mercy of Our Lord 7:30-9:30 PM
1585 E. Cartwright
Mesquite, TX  75149 (Map)

St. Joseph Catholic Church 7:30-9:00 PM
600 S. Jupiter Rd
Richardson, TX  75060 (Map)

Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe 7:30-10:00 PM
2215 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX  75201 (Map)

St. Patrick 7:45-9:00 PM
9643 Ferndale Rd.
Dallas, TX  75238 (Map)

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite 8:00 PM through overnight vigil
Confessions with Fr. Mitch Pacwa
719 University Place
Lewisville, TX 75067 (Map)

 

THURSDAY March 28
St. John Nepomucene 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM
401 E. Lampasas St.
Ennis, TX  75119 (Map)

St. Patrick 3:30-4:30 PM
9643 Ferndale Rd.
Dallas, TX  75238 (Map)

Christ the King 4:00-5:30 PM
8017 Preston Rd
Dallas, TX  75225 (Map)

Mater Dei Latin Mass Parish before, during, and after 7:30 PM Mass
2030 E. Highway 356
Irving, TX  75060 (Map)

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite 8:00 PM through overnight vigil
Confessions with Fr. Mitch Pacwa
719 University Place
Lewisville, TX 75067 (Map)

 

FRIDAY March 29
St. John Nepomucene 8 AM, 12:00 PM
401 E. Lampasas St.
Ennis, TX  75119 (Map)

Mater Dei Latin Mass Parish during 12 Noon Stations of the Cross
2030 E. Highway 356
Irving, TX  75060 (Map)

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 1:30-2:30 PM (in the chapel)
2700 W. Spring Creek Pkwy
Plano, TX  75023 (Map)

St. Patrick 4:00-5:00 PM
9643 Ferndale Rd.
Dallas, TX  75238 (Map)

Christ the King 4:00-5:30 PM
8017 Preston Rd
Dallas, TX  75225 (Map)

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite 8:00 PM through overnight vigil
Confessions with Fr. Mitch Pacwa
719 University Place
Lewisville, TX 75067 (Map)

 

SATURDAY March 30
St. Patrick 9:00-10:00 AM, 3:00-4:00 PM
9643 Ferndale Rd.
Dallas, TX  75238 (Map)

St. John Nepomucene 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM
401 E. Lampasas St.
Ennis, TX  75119 (Map)

St. Sophia Ukrainian Catholic Church 1:00-4:00 PM
5600 N Colony BLVD
The Colony, TX  75056 (Map)

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 3:00-4:30 PM
2700 W. Spring Creek Pkwy
Plano, TX  75023 (Map)

Christ the King 4:00-5:30 PM
8017 Preston Rd
Dallas, TX  75225 (Map)

Mater Dei Latin Mass Parish 9:30 PM overnight through Easter Vigil
2030 E. Highway 356
Irving, TX  75060 (Map)

 

We’re leaving a light on for you!
Still can’t find a time to receive the Mystery of Reconciliation before Pascha? Call or write us and we’ll help you locate a location nearer you and we’ll make sure any who desire it are able to be reconciled with the Lord. We have Confession before every service this week and we will schedule them whenever you’re ready.

Early Church Fathers on Confession
Confession in the Bible
Guide to a Good Confession

Archangel Icons – Icon Workshops
Iconographer: Michael Kapeluck
www.archangelicons.com

June 10-15, 2013 – Archangel Icons Studio, Pittsburgh, PA
June 17-22, 2013 – Archangel Icons Studio, Pittsburgh, PA
August 11- 17, 2013 – All Saints Camp, Emlenton, PA

Michael Kapeluck is an iconographer raised in the Kyivan tradition who wrote our thirteen beautiful icons in our iconostas.

The workshop will be an intense 6 days where the student will:

• Create an icon using acrylic gouache techniques.
• Learn basic color mixing, drawing and painting techniques.
• Be instructed in the history and theology of the icon.
• Receive personal instruction and demonstration for each stage of painting.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the mystical art of the icon and its place in the Church.

Easter breads, poppyseed rolls, nut rolls, honey bread, “chrystyky”, etc

Saturday March 23, 1PM – 5 PM
Sunday March 24, 11AM – 2 PM

Visitors welcome!
St. Sophia’s Ukrainian Catholic Church
5600 North Colony Boulevard
The Colony, Texas
Driving Directions

We were blessed today by a visit from Bishop Richard Stephen (Seminack) of our St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in Chicago.

His Grace processed in with men of the parish, escorted by the Knights of Columbus from Holy Cross Roman Catholic parish across the street.

Children of the community greeted him with the traditional bread and salt.

The bread represents hospitality, the warmth of Ukrainian hospitality from the rich black fertile soil of Ukraine. The salt symbolizes friendship, an eternal friendship that will never sour because salt is never corrupted by time therefore, never loses its taste. -Excerpted from House of Ukraine

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Bishop Richard asked us to pray especially for the newly elected Pope Francis. He went on to offer a beautiful homily with a theme of service to the Lord. The homily was punctuated by a story about his grandmother. Bishop Richard was the oldest of seven children who comprised a household of 11, including his grandmother.  She could not write and could hardly read and was concerned what she might possibly have to say to the Lord upon her death. Bishop Richard told her that she need not say anything, only show Him her hands. They were a testament to a life of service to God.

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Once again I am happy to be here amongst you during this holy season of the Great Fast. In a few weeks, we will be celebrating the feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord. With great anticipation, we look to Great Week or Holy Week, with its traditional richness and expression of our Byzantine-Ukrainian faith. I am overjoyed at seeing all of you again and to spend a few moments with you while we recollect the purpose of our being here for the celebration of Divine Liturgy and the purpose of our life as Christians, or believers of Christ.

I ask you to think of the words of today’s Gospel that say, “the Son of Man Himself did not come into the world to be served, but to serve.” I think of these words in regards to my own ministry as a priest early in my young adult life. I always wanted to serve Christ and His Church with all my heart and soul and mind and I was always in the presence of good, trustworthy priests as a child and a young man. I was surrounded by men of God who served with faith and courage the Ukrainian Catholic Church in America. Many of our priests were immigrants who came to this country because they were forced away from their own country due to church persecution.

In those early days, back in the ’50s and ’60s, priests had to be men of service. The parishes were small and the duties were overwhelmingly strenuous. The stress and stain upon the lives of the priests in those early days was great. I remember when I was a child helping priests who used to go house to house to bless Easter food on Holy Saturday, and some of them would even begin on Good Friday. Homes would be annually visited by the priests with the Jordan waters. Pastors went long distances to visit the sick. Ukrainian Catholic priesthood was at that time a good indoctrination for those who wanted to serve Christ and the Church. So Fr. Pavlo can reconcile this today with his duties as pastor in your parish. The many difficulties and stresses and strains that he must go through in order to keep this flock of God, this group of sheep, together in the name of the eparchy, in the name of the whole church. 

The times have changed and today’s culture is much different. One factor remains the same: in those earlier days, the faithful made the difference. The laity were a strong body of believers who dedicated their time, talent, and treasure for the good of the church. They were service people. -Excerpt from Bishop Richard’s Homily

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Following Liturgy, the bishop greeted the children of the parish.

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Fr. Michael Holmberg from Holy Cross joined us for a scrumptious luncheon put on by his parish’s Knights of Columbus. One of the Knights, Bob Adkins, took the majority of the pictures you see here and generously shared them with the parish. They cooked an amazing fish fry to give Bishop Richard a taste of southern hospitality. We are very grateful for their presence, support and service.

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Three types of fish were accompanied by potato pierogies, green beans, rolls, salad, and cake. Some of our guests tried pirogies for the first time!

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The Vaselka Ukrainian folk choir sang 5 songs and children from the parish sang and recited poetry to the enjoyment of all. The parish gifted Bishop Richard a basket of Texas-made goods. Father Pavlo warned him to beware the sauces, saying everything is hotter in Texas. Natives Texans don’t think that’s the case, but maybe there’s a reason our Jalapeño-Potato-Cheese pierogies are the best selling variety!

We were blessed by a fruitful visit and we pray for Bishop Richard’s safe travels.

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We are thrilled to announce the second annual pysanky-making workshop that will be held at St. Sophia! Everyone is welcome to attend this wonderful opportunity! A donation of $5.00 per person will be accepted to offset costs for the snacks and supplies.

Saturday, March 9^th & 23^rd from 1 – 5 PM
at St. Sophia’s Ukrainian Catholic Church
Driving Directions

To secure your place, RSVP to
Chrystya Geremesz at 214-240-0016.

Beginner classes will be offered for children over 10 years old.  Younger students will require parental supervision. Come to one, the other, or both days! If you would like to continue to create your eggs at home, a few kits will be available for purchase on March 9^th.

Printable pysanky flyer here.

On Sunday December 9, at 11:30AM, St. Nicholas will be at St. Sophia Ukrainian Catholic Church to visit with the children, and the ones who’ve been good all year will get a gift. Everyone is welcome to attend and to bring their children!

Parents, please note a requested donation of $10 per child, or $25 for families with 3 or more children, would help cover the costs including:

• Each child will receive a pancake and sausage breakfast along with a drink and cupcake
• A picture of your child/children with St. Nicholas will be mailed to their home in a special folder
• A small gift from St. Nicholas (parents please do NOT bring a gift for your child because St. Nicholas will already provide one)

Festivities will begin at 11:30 AM starting with the breakfast for the children. Adults may also have breakfast for $5 per adult.

There will also be Christmas carols sung, art activities for the kids, and an opportunity for children to perform their talents in the spirit of the season.

All are also welcome to attend Divine Liturgy at 10AM-11AM. Fr. Pavlo Popov will present a children’s homily that will pique interest in the younger crowd.

St. Sophia Ukrainian Catholic Church
5600 N. Colony Blvd.
The Colony, TX 75056
(http://www.stsophiaukrainian.cc)

Divine Liturgy: 10:00 AM-11:15 AM
St. Nicholas event: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Please direct any questions to Janet Bogdon (972-618-3852 home, 972-522-9513 cell).

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ABOUT ENCOUNTER 2012
Every ENCOUNTER presents an opportunity for change.

An encounter is described as a ‘coming together,’ a face to face meeting, an experience, which may be unexpected and sudden.

Consider the unexpected spiritual encounters with God related through Scripture; accounts of Abraham and Sarah, Moses, David, Samuel, Elijah, and Jeremiah; Mary, Joseph, the Apostles, the centurion, the woman at the well, the blind man, the paralytic, the possessed, the adulteress, the myhrr-bearing women, and on and on. Their sudden and unexpected encounters with the living God resulted in each experiencing a personal change, a metanoia, and a call to discipleship; a burning desire, a commitment to spread the good news and good works of their God.

There are so many examples throughout church history and present times of encounters—those face-to-face meetings, sudden or unexpected experiences– with the living God. Contemporary society may refer to these as “Aha!” moments. But, when guided by the Spirit of love and the eyes of our hearts, God is encountered in the poor, the lonely, the hungry, the sick, the dying, the imprisoned, the orphans, the widows, the undereducated, the addicted, the abused, the homeless, the rejected and the persecuted. These encounters result in God’s people experiencing a personal change and the call to discipleship, with the desire, determination and commitment to become God’s eyes and heart, His hands and feet, His love and mercy. By sharing the love we receive from God, we act on our call to ministry. Led by the Spirit, this is spiritual discipleship.

One may ask, “Is a lay person really called to discipleship and to be about God’s work?” Paul guides us with these words, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,…and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Cor 12:13). And so by virtue of our baptism we are all called to discipleship, members of the royal priesthood, anointed in the oil of chrismation and sent forth as workers in Christ’s vineyard, not alone, but as co-workers. “All you who have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia!”

ENCOUNTER 2012 of the Eastern Catholic Churches invites us—each one of us—to be open to our call to spiritual discipleship through the theme “Together in Christ” and with the purpose of exploring “clergy and laity together in the vineyard of Christ” with “Unity in Mission; Diversity in Ministry.” In Romans 12: 4-8, Paul tells us, “For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Encountering God, personal metanoia, service through discipleship, co-worker in the vineyard of Christ—this is the promise of ENCOUNTER 2012 of the Eastern Catholic Churches. Many are called, will you be among the chosen? Will you accept the invitation to…ENCOUNTER?

ENCOUNTER 2012: Eastern Catholic Churches “Together in Christ” is a unique Conference embracing the entire Church family, bishops, clergy, religious and laity, who through baptism, share in the priestly, prophetic and royal office of Christ.” The Eastern Catholic Bishops of the U.S.A. invite all seekers to come and experience ENCOUNTER. Choose the most convenient location and date.
 

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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday and Friday of the Conference are reserved for clergy due to Liturgical obligations Saturday and Sunday. The Clergy Conference, which begins Thursday with registration from 1 to 2 p.m., includes prayer services, sessions, vendor visits and hospitality. The conference concludes Friday 2 p.m. Topics for the sessions are the same as the main conference.

The Main Conference, for bishops, clergy, religious and laity, begins Friday at 5 p.m. with registration and hospitality. Registration will begin again Saturday at 8:00 a.m, for those arriving. A continental breakfast will be available until time of prayer. The opening prayer service is at 9:45 a.m. The day includes sessions, visits to vendor booths, meals, prayer and hospitality. The topics of the sessions include: Who is Church? Activity of the Royal Priesthood, The ‘How’ and ‘Why’ of Lay Leadership: Action—Put on Christ, and, Blueprint for Church Growth. Sunday begins with Matins, Divine Liturgy and the keynote address at brunch—a charge to ‘Servant Leadership: Be all you can be!” Liturgical services will be according to the sacred-uniqueness of the faith traditions of the various Eastern Churches.
 

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CONFERENCE LOCATIONS
MID-WEST: Cleveland, Ohio
EAST: Hillsborough, New Jersey
WEST: El Segundo, California
 

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HOTEL INFORMATION
MID-WEST September 20-23, 2012
Holiday Inn Cleveland South Independence
6001 Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131
Rooms: $89.00/night 216-524-8050

EAST October 11 – 14, 2012
St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Center
1900 Brooks Blvd., Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Rooms: Days Inn (½ mile from St. Mary)
$59.99/night 908-685-9000

WEST November 1-4, 2012
Hacienda Hotel (at LAX Airport)
525 N.Sepulveda Blvd. El Segundo, CA 90245
Rooms: $69.00/night 310-615-0015/800-421-5900

Contact hotel directly for room reservations. Use group name Encounter for special rate.
 

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REGISTER ON-LINE
Conference registration and payment will be accepted on-line at the below links or registration may be by mail with the brochure registration form and payment sent to the regional coordinator at the indicated address. Brochures will be available at all Eparchial parishes, regional coordinator offices and on-line.

MID-WEST
EAST
WEST

Fee for the conference is $75 for individuals; $50 per person in groups of 5 or more. Reservations for hotel rooms are separate at nominal rates (see brochure or website for information).
 

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DOWNLOADS
Encounter 2012 Brochure
Mid-West Conference Schedule
East Conference Schedule
West Conference Schedule

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Christ is among us! He is and always will be!

The Catholic Bishops of the United States have called for a Fortnight for Freedom, a two-week period of prayer, fasting, and public action in support of religious freedom in our country. Beginning on 21 June and ending on the 4th of July—American Independence Day—we are calling upon American Catholics and all people of goodwill to defend and protect religious liberty—the first and most cherished freedom of our Bill of Rights. What we ask, and what all Americans should ask, is nothing more than that our God-given right to religious liberty be respected. We ask nothing less than that our Constitution and the laws of the United States, which recognize that right, be respected.

As Melkite Catholics, sadly we are not strangers to the persecution of our Church in the lands from which we have come, or to the experience of being reduced to the status of second-class citizens because of our Christian faith. How many of our people have come to America precisely for the freedom to practice their faith! This experience should stir us to a robust and unrelenting defense of our right as Americans to religious freedom and conscience protection. In America, religious liberty has been something we have taken for granted. However, today, in this country, our precious right to freedom of religion is under attack by members of the very government sworn to defend it. This is a decisive moment in America. That is why the Catholic Bishops of the United States are committed to focusing “all the energies the Catholic community can muster” on the defense of religious liberty.

My brothers and sisters, during this Fortnight for Freedom, we ask that you pray the Prayer for Religious Liberty printed in your parish bulletin each day, and that, as we are in the time of the Apostles Fast, you offer your sacrifices for the restoration of religious liberty in our country. In addition, we call on you, as American Catholics, to make your voices heard in civic and political life in defense of the Christian principles upon which our country was founded. Finally, let us entrust all our prayers and efforts to God, that His mighty hand may preserve the United States of America as “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

With my prayers and blessing for you and for our country, I remain
Yours truly in Christ our God,

Most Reverend Nicholas J. Samra
Bishop of Newton

——————————–

FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM
17 June – 4 July

Prayer for Religious Liberty

GOD OUR CREATOR, from Your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us as Your people and given us the right and the duty to worship You, the only true God, and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power and working of Your Holy Spirit, You call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society.

We ask You to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of Your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.

Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all Your sons and daughters gathered in Your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome—for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us—this great land will always be “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

For You are good, O our God, and You love mankind, and we give glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Religious Liberty Resources:

• FAQ on Religious Liberty
• Twelve Things Everyone Should Know About the “Contraceptive Mandate”
• Current Threats to Religious Freedom, Bulletin Insert
• Our First, Most Cherished Liberty (español)
• Pope Benedict XVI warns of threat to freedom of religion, conscience in US, January 19. 2012

For more info, visit www.usccb.org/conscience.

Local Fortnight for Freedom activities and resources

Fortnight for Freedom Diocesan Event in English: June 30, St. Rita, 12521 Inwood Rd, Dallas

The evening will begin with the 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass celebrated by Monsignor Robert Coerver, V.F., followed by an educational program in Sweeney Hall, presented by Frank Valenzuela of the St. Thomas More Society, the Catholic Lawyers’ Guild of the Diocese of Dallas, and closing with the Litany for Liberty. For more information, contact 214-379-2876, info@cathdal.org.

Click here for a flyer.

Evento Diocesano por la Quincena por la Libertad en español: 24 de junio, Inmaculada Concepción, 610 N.E. 17th St, Grand Prairie

La tarde empezará con Misa a las 2:30 p.m. celebrada por Reverendo Douglas Zavala, seguida por un programa educacional presentado por Aurora Tinajero, Coordinadora Diocesana del Congreso Hispano de las Americas para Respeto a la Vida y Evangelización, y cerrando con Letanía por Libertad.  Para más información, contacte 214-379-2876, info@cathdal.org.

Haga clic aquí para volante.

Many thanks to all who helped to organize and make the church rummage sale a great success!

Your generous donations of various items for the sale generated around $650 profit for the church!

All proceeds from the church rummage sale will help to pay for the replacement of the AC units.

And Jesus sitting over against the treasury, beheld how the people cast money into the treasury, and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing.

 

And calling his disciples together, he saith to them: Amen I say to you, this poor widow hath cast in more than all they who have cast into the treasury. For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want cast in all she had, even her whole living. -Mark 12:41-44

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On Sunday March 25, we hosted a Tribute to Taras Shevchenko with the Ukrainian American Society of Texas.  There was a drawing contest, a poetry reading contest, performances by the Ukrainian singing ensemble Veselka and the Ukrainian dance ensemble Zorya, and delicious food.

We hope you join us for Shevchenko 2013! You can get in the spirit through the year by reading Ukrainian poetry at Ukrainian Poetica. The website might also have poetry with themes inappropriate for children so caution is advised.

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Tomorrow is Palm Sunday and we’re having a fundraising bake sale with delicious Pascha foods. People who attended the Shevchenko celebration last week got a sneak peek.

There will be plenty available. Cookies, breads, sausages, Paska, beets, and pierogies are among the foods we’ll have.

Visitors and guests are invited and welcome! Come for Liturgy (with the blessing of the palms and pussy willows) at 10AM or come after Liturgy, about 11:30ish.

Jewelry, Easter basket rushnyky covers, and other seasonal goods will also be available in limited supply. We’ll see you there!

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Saturday was a very busy day at St. Sophia parish! Pierogie pinchers showed up first thing in the morning, by mid-day pysanky writers joined them in the parish hall, and by the afternoon the preparations for the Shevchenko celebration were underway! It was wonderful to see so many people together!

Here are just a few pictures from the activities. There’s another Pysanky workshop next Saturday on March 31 from 1-5 for any interested. We had a good number of visitors from all over the Metroplex, which was fabulous! (To the woman who asked what she needs to know before coming back to visit for Liturgy: Byzantine 101, What do I need to know?, What should I expect? We hope to see you again soon!)

To secure your place, RSVP to Chrystya Geremesz at 214-240-0016.

Beginner lessons are offered for children over 10 years old.  Younger students will require parental supervision. You don’t need to have prior experience to come. A donation of $5.00 per person will be accepted to offset costs for the snacks and supplies. If you would like to continue to create your eggs at home, a couple kits are still available for purchase with kitska, instructions and dye for $25 a piece.

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OF THE EASTERN CATHOLIC CHURCHES
OF THE U.S.A. and CANADA
“TOGETHER IN CHRIST”
Clergy and Laity in the vineyard of Christ….
“DIVERSITY IN MINISTRY; UNITY IN MISSION”

Theme:
SPIRITUALITY OF DISCIPLESHIP:
A CALL TO HOLINESS

Purpose:
EASTERN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES FOR THE
PEOPLE OF GOD LIVING THE GOSPEL.
“All you who have been baptized into Christ,
have put on Christ. Alleluia”

ONE CONFERENCE IN THREE LOCATIONS!
ONE THEME! ONE PURPOSE! ONE VOICE!

September 20-23, 2012	Mid-West	Cleveland, OH
October 11-14, 2012	East	Hillsborough, NJ
November 1-4, 2012	West	Los Angeles, CA

Please visit the Eastern Catholic Eparchial Directors of Religious Education of the Eastern Catholic Associates’ webpage (www.eced-eca.org) for more information!

Catholic Pro-Life Committee E-Alert

October Baby: Bringing Life to Theaters March 23 If you believe that every life is beautiful and that a beautifully told story can touch hearts – and even save lives – then you will be excited about the impact that OCTOBER BABY can have when it opens in theaters on March 23.

OCTOBER BABY tells the story of Hannah, a young woman who learns that her life is much different than what she’s known up until now.  After learning she was actually adopted – after a failed abortion attempt – Hannah embarks on an incredible journey to discover her hidden past and find hope for her unknown future.  Watch trailer here.

Are you in high school or a young adult?  Then join us for: YFL Movie and Lunch (age 14+), March 24: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at AMC Stonebrier and Buca di Beppo in Frisco, $20 per person includes movie and meal (more info), RSVP: jsmith@prolifedallas.org, sponsored by Youth For Life Young Adult Afternoon at the Movies, March 25:  Lunch at 12:30 p.m. at The Whiskey Cake, Plano, and 1:55 p.m. movie at Cinemark West Plano (more info), RSVP: voices@prolifedallas.org, sponsored by Voices 4Life  Not in high school or can’t make these events, then grab a friend and enjoy anytime next weekend! Click here to buy your individual tickets.

Can a movie make a difference? Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of Americans United for Life, says: “What a remarkable movie. This is a significant story, beautifully told. OCTOBER BABYweaves together an uplifting and inspiring look at redemption and the true meaning of love. It’s even funny too. It’s really a wonderful movie.” The producers of OCTOBER BABY have assigned 10% of the profits of the movie to the Every Life is Beautiful Fund, which will distribute funds to frontline organizations helping women facing crisis pregnancies, life-affirming adoption agencies, and those caring for orphans. *October Baby star John Schneider and film director Jon Erwin will be appearing in Dallas on April 14 at the annual pro-life dinner hosted by Bishop Kevin Farrell.  For more information and to purchase tickets to this spectacular event, visit prolifedallas.org/dinner.*

We are thrilled to announce a pysanky-making workshop that will be held at St. Sophia! Everyone is welcome to attend this wonderful opportunity! A donation of $5.00 per person will be accepted to offset costs for the snacks and supplies.

Saturday, March 24^th & 31^st from 1 – 5 PM
at St. Sophia’s Ukrainian Catholic Church
Driving Directions

To secure your place, RSVP to
Chrystya Geremesz at 214-240-0016.

Beginner classes will be offered for children over 10 years old.  Younger students will require parental supervision. Come to one, the other, or both days! If you would like to continue to create your eggs at home, a few kits will be available for purchase on March 24^th.

Printable pysanky flyer here.

The St. Thomas More Society (Catholic Lawyers’ Guild) of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas, Texas is open to Catholic lawyers, judges, public servants and officials active in the legal profession, and all individuals who are interested in the relationship between the Catholic faith and the law.

Together with the St. Rita Catholic Doctors’ Guild, they are pleased to extend an invitation to the parishioners of St. Sophia to a special speaker event in April. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Mr. Austin Ruse on the topic of the Status of the Unborn Child in International Law
12 Apr 2012, 12:00-1:00 PM • Haynes & Boone Room, Belo Mansion, Downtown Dallas
Registration required by April 9th. Continuing Legal Education credit will be sought for the meeting.

Mr. Ruse is the President of Catholic Family & Human Rights Insitute in New York City, NY and Washington D.C. For more information on the Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute, visit http://www.c-fam.org/.

Map to the Belo Mansion

Other free upcoming events open to the public
sponsored by the St. Thomas More Society
to which you are invited:

Speaker: Auxiliary Bishop Douglas Deshotel
03 May 2012, 12:00-1:00 PM • Haynes & Boone Room, Belo Mansion, Downtown Dallas

Speaker Nathan Helms on the topic of Christians in Iraq
07 Jun 2012, 12:00-1:00 PM • Belo Mansion, Downtown Dallas

On Sunday March 25, we’re coordinating a Tribute to Taras Shevchenko with the Ukrainian American Society of Texas, complete with food and a poetry contest. More info is available in the attached flyer. Visitors and guests are welcome!

You can see some Ukrainian poetry at Ukrainian Poetica. The website might also have poetry with themes inappropriate for children, so caution is advised.

Please RSVP at shevchenko@uast.org

Father Deacon John hosted an open house at St. Sophia. Children played in the toy room while the deacon gave visitors a tour of the church. (The church is still decorated for Christmas until the Feast of the Presentation next week.)

He gave our guests an overview of our history, theology, liturgy, and spirituality, which was followed by refreshments and a casual question and answer period with Father Pavlo and Father Deacon John.

Our next open house will be after Pascha/Easter. We look forward to meeting many more people!

Father Deacon John is hosting an open house at St. Sophia this month!

Perfect for those in the neighborhood who wonder what our church looks like, for fellow Catholics who’ve heard about us and would like an opportunity to visit, for non-Catholics who want a casual setting to see what we’re about… all are welcome!

• Guided tour of the church at 7:00 PM.
• Overview of our church including brief explanations of where we fit into Catholicism and Christendom, what we believe, and how we worship.
• Question and answer period from 8-8:30 with refreshments.

We hope to see you there!

Children are welcome and may stay with you or play in our toy room. If you think you might come, we’d appreciate an email so we know a rough headcount for preparing the food. Don’t worry if you didn’t send an email, though. Come on out! Everyone is welcome!

This is being posted on behalf of the Ukrainian American Society of Texas (www.uast.org) who will be holding a Malanka 2012 Ukrainian New Year Celebration on Saturday, January 14, 2012, in Garland, Texas. As always, they say you can expect fine food, great entertainment, dancing, performances by Zorya and Veselka, prizes, a champagne toast and that it will be a wonderful time to be had by all.

Event: Malanka 2012, Ukrainian New Year Celebration
Host: Ukrainian American Society of Texas
Date: January 14, 2012, starting at 6:00PM (Cocktail hour will be from 6:00 – 7:00. A sit down dinner will be served at 7:00PM)

Where: Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland.
5101 North President George Bush Highway,
Garland, TX 75040
(Map and directions can be found at http://www.uast.org/)

NOTE: The hotel is also offering Malanka guests room rates for a January 14 stay-over, starting at $79 and dropping to $69 dollars if more than 20 rooms are reserved by Malanka attendees. Reservations can be made directly with the hotel by explaining that you will be attending Malanka, or you can contact Sandy Kloberdanz (214-802-4034, sandydandy4@gmail.com).

* Free Parking

* Ticket Prices:
o Non-UAST members $50.00 per person, *Children 12 and under $20.00
o UAST members $40.00 per person, *Children 12 and under $15.00
o The above prices apply if purchased by January 4 2012.
o Ticket purchases includes a chance for the door prize drawing.
o After January 4, 2012 the Adult ticket price increases by $10.00 and the child ticket price increases by $5.00.

* Information about UAST Membership can be found at: http://www.uast.org/Membership.htm

* A printable flyer for ‘Malanka 2012 Ukrainian New Year Celebration’ can be found at http://www.uast.org/2012/Malanka2012.pdf

* To order your Malanka tickets, please send them your check with the following information:
***********************************************************************************************
o Name:________________________________
o Number of persons attending: # Adults__________ #Children__________
o We will try to accommodate your request for group seating, please submit your request early.
Request to be seated with:_____________________________________
o Total amount enclosed:______________________ Check#_______________
o Make check payable to UAST
o Mail check to: UAST c/o Rudy Zupanic, 1815 Forest Hills, McKinney 75070
***********************************************************************************************
For more information or to make a telephone reservation, contact Sandy Kloberdanz 214-802-4034 (Sandy Kloberdanz sandydandy4@gmail.com) or send an e-mail to malanka@uast.org.

Full Parish Catechesis

2019-2020 Dates: ALL: Sept 8, Oct 13, Nov 10, Dec 15 – Cancelled, Jan 12, Feb 9, Mar 22, May 3. KIDS Only: Sept 29, Oct 27, Nov 17, Jan 26, Feb 23, Mar 29, Apr 19, May 17. 
Schedule: Meet in the church at 11:30, after a brief meal in the parish hall. Classes run until 1:00. Help with food, art, environment, and supplies are always appreciated. Visitors and newcomers are welcome!