9933 Midway Road, Dallas, Texas 75220214∙358∙1453 • Fax: 214∙351∙1887

www.stmonicachurch.org

MASS TIMESWeekend:

Saturday: 5:00 pmSunday: 7:30, 9:00, 11:00 am & 12:30 p.m.,

2:00 pm (Español), 5:00 pm

Weekday:Monday - Friday: 6:45 am

Monday - Saturday: 8:00 amFirst Friday: 5:30 pm

CONFESSIONSSaturdays: 3:30 - 4:30 pm in Main Church

6:30 - 7:00 pm in Chapel

BAPTISMThird Sunday of each month 3:30 pm (English)

Tercer sábado cada mes 3:00 pm (español)

Parents and godparents required to attend preparation class, offered the first Saturday of each month,

10:00 am. Call Faith Formation Office to register.

Padres y Padrinos deben de asistir a una clase de preparación que se otorgan los primeros sábados cada

mes a la 1:00 pm. Llame a la oficina de Ministerio Hispana.

MARRIAGEContact a priest or deacon at least six months before

the planned marriage date.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL HELPLINE972∙994∙1121

STEPHEN MINISTRY Message Line (confidential)

214∙290∙0803stmonicachurch.org/stephenministry

BULLETIN DEADLINEMonday, 12:00 noon

Please submit notices in writing or email: SFlores@stmonicachurch.org

WELCOME TO ST. MONICA! We are pleased to have visitors join us in worship and to become an active registered parishioner.

Registration forms are found in the vestibule or at the Parish Offices.

ST. MONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH DALLAS, TEXAS JANUARY 1, 2012

Parish Staff Fr. Stephen W. Bierschenk

Pastor Ext. 107 Fr. Alfonse Nazzaro

Parochial Vicar Ext.112 Monsignor John F. Meyers

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

Deacon Michael Weston

St. Monica Church Offices (214)358-1453 Fax: (214)351-1887 Annette Díaz Parish Administrative Assistant Ext. 453 Emmanuel Espiritu Music Director of Family, Youth and Children Ext. 103 Melissa Franks Database Manager Ext. 111 Marilyn Hicks Business Manager Ext.144 Nedra Rideau Accounts Payable/Receivable Ext. 176 Jared Wirths Bookkeeper Ext. 102 Jeremy Wirths Director of Music Ext.101 Sherry Flores Communications Director Ext. 142

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

Faith Formation (214)357-8549 Fax: (214)357-7802 4140 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas TX 75229 Noe Vielma Administrative Assistant Ext. 549 Mariangela Byrne Director of Faith Formation Ext. 132

Ministerio Hispano (214)357-8549 Fax: (214)357-7802 Maria M. Gonzalez-Rocha Director of Hispanic Ministry Ext. 131

Youth Ministry (214)357-8549 Fax: (214)357-7802 Michelle Tomlinson Director of Youth Ministry Ext. 135

Parish Organizations Visit www.stmonicachurch.org

† From the Pastor † little boy was settling in at summer camp. The counselor watched in amazement. He unpacked a sweater and an umbrella

and rain jacket and a large assortment of lotions and sunscreens and insect repellant. Finally the counselor said, "What are you going to do with all that?" The little boy looked up and replied, "Sir, did you ever have a mother?"

W e a l l u n d e r s t a n d t h e protective nature of a mother's love. It surrounds us all the days that they are with us -- even when they are far away.

It is interesting that the Church does not begin the New Year challenging us to make resolutions to reform our life. After all, we all know how soon they are forgotten. Instead we remember a great mystery. Mary had a pivotal role in our salvation. She chose to accept God's invitation to bear his Son. And at that moment God had a mother.

The gospels do not give us details about the early relationship between mother and Son. We don't know the first prayer she taught him. We don't know how closely the beautiful spirit of welcome and generosity and service we see in the adult Jesus is a reflection of what he learned at home from the example of his mother.

As we begin this year we cannot know all the blessing and all the crosses that will be offered to us by our Father. But the example of our Mother Mary shows us all the things we need to make it through this year. She was in prayer when the Angel Gabriel came to her. And if we are faithful to our habit of prayer we too will discover that God will make his

plan for us clearer day by day.

Mary sa id "Yes" to God's i n v i t a t i o n a n d changed the world by giving human nature to God. As we choose to do our best to accept our daily situation and be a source of inspiration

and loving service to each person, we can do our part to bring the message of Jesus into the world.

As Jesus began his public ministry by turning water into wine at Cana, Mary preached a powerful sermon with simple words to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." That continues to be the prayer of our Mother Mary for us, that we will follow the example of her Son in all things 2012 will be a year of blessing for each of us, Our Mother has given us all we need to accomplish great things for God this year. We call him Jesus.

– Fr. Stephen W. Bierschenk

We call him

Jesus

New Year’s Mass Times Mass Times for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day will both remain the same as the regular weekend schedule.

Rectory and Church Offices Closed Due to the New Year’s holiday the Rectory and other Church Offices will be closed on Monday, January 2. Both offices will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3.

Mary treasured all

these things and reflected on them

in her Heart

MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Ministry News Mass Intentions SUNDAY, JAN. 1, 2012 7:30 a.m. Priest’s Intention 9:00 a.m. Priest’s Intention

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

MONDAY, JAN. 2, 2012 6:45 a.m. Int. of Deacon Brian & Sharon Mitchell 8:00 a.m. In Thanksgiving by the Cordero Family

TUESDAY, JAN. 3, 2012 6:45 a.m. Ida Beall † by Mary Burgess 8:00 a.m. Int. of Madden Family

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 4, 2012 6:45 a.m. Dennis Wijeweera † by Wijeweera Family 8:00 a.m. Mabel Weston †

THURSDAY, JAN. 5, 2012 6:45 a.m. Ellis T. Baudai † 8:00 a.m. Int. of Cynthia C. Gonzales

FRIDAY, JAN. 6, 2012 6:45 a.m. Special Intention 8:00 a.m. Ben Abeyta, Sr. † by Andazola Family 5:30 p.m. Leahy † & Jenkins † Families by Terry Jenkins

SATURDAY, JAN. 7, 2012 8:00 a.m. Barry Mitchell † by Joan & Walter Minigutti 5:00 p.m. Int. of Bulletin Sponsors by Bill Strait

For our Sick:

For our Deceased: Suzanne Dudek and Michael Vance

Sanctuary Light This week the Sanctuary Light burning

in the Chapel is in for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

Joe A. Cedillo Margaret Dundas Nancy Poullos Victor Sanchez Baby Rebecca Muhlenkamp Dorothy LaDue Louise Flournoy Franco Miramontes Francine Holmberg Thelma Leuck Janice Salas Stephen Davila Cynthia Gonzales Dorothy Lucido Kevin McKool Dennis Gatlin John Lucido Joe Alcala, Sr. John Perlitz Gary Love Elizabeth Mancarrel Ed Fulbright

Chris Nalborski Collette Kelley Paul de la Torre Roy & Juanita Hoelscher Don Timm Jill Rapsey Irene Ammon Gloria Benavides Cindy Benavides Lorenzo Cano Alton Perry Jim Batteas Maria Gutierrez Jim Thixton Louella Marx Rosanna Gonzales Rosemary Salm Mary Haba Sally Reilly Christina Nalborski Sharon Dudek Eunice Houle

Wow! Wednesday and Soul Seekers There will be no Wow! or Soul Seeker Youth Gatherings on Wednesday, January 4, 2012. Youth sessions will resume on Wednesday,

January 11, 2012 at 7 p.m. For more information contact Michelle Tomlinson at (214)357-8549 or MTomlinson@stmonicachurch.org.

Youth Ministry

Broadway Dinner Auditions Auditions are planned for the second annual St. Monica Broadway Dinner Theatre. The auditions will be held by appointment Jan. 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Jan. 21, 2-4 p.m., and Jan. 22, 10-10:45 a.m. The performances will be March 24 and 25. Anyone age 7 or older who would like to perform as solo or in a small ensemble should audition. Audition requirements will be given upon scheduling an appointment. To schedule an audition or ask questions, contact Catherine Karam Nodurft, cmariekaram@yahoo.com or Jeremy Wirths, jwirths@stmonicachurch.org, or call the parish office at (214)358-1453.

Join the St. Monica Choir! Please consider singing in the St. Monica Choir this spring. Now is a great time to join! The choir has many exciting musical events planned for the spring and summer, including our Broadway Dinner Theatre, a performance of the Lent/Easter portion of Handel’s Messiah, and our Independence Day Patriotic Concert. We want you to be a part of our group. Please visit one of our rehearsals on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Church. You will find a warm, welcoming group made up of people of all ages and skill levels. For more information, please contact Jeremy Wirths, jwirths@stmonicachurch.org, or Jeanne Santa Cruz, jeanneiowagirl@yahoo.com.

Music Ministry

News & Events CATHOLICISM Journey around the world and deep into the faith! Join us as we view an extraordinary presentation of what Catholics believe and why while being immersed in the art, architecture, music, and literature of the Catholic tradition. This 12 week program is offered Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. starting January 29 and Monday evenings at 7 p.m. starting January 30. As part of the program viewers are encouraged to purchase the workbook for $40. To register or for more information contact the Office of Faith Formation at (214)357-8549. Registration can also be done online by visiting stmonicachurch.org/catholicism.

Family Vocation Chalice

January 7 at 5:00 p.m. Jim & Dorothy Batteas

January 8 at 7:30 a.m. Fred & Jacquelin Seitzinger

January 8 at 9:00 a.m. Henry & Joumana Arraj

January 8 at 11:00 a.m. Joe & Darina Padian

January 8 at 12:30 p.m. Leonard & Maureen Labiche

January 8 at 5:00 p.m. John & Molly McHugh

To participate call (214)368-3640

ST. MONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH DALLAS, TEXAS JANUARY 1, 2012

Stewardship of Treasure for December 25, 2011

Regular $53,890 Christmas $13,880

Total Mass Attendance for December 24-25, 2011 was:

4,955

News & Events

Married Couples—It’s New Year’s Resolution Time! Resolve to start a new love affair with your spouse that's beyond your wildest dreams. It can happen on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. Sign up soon so you can renew your love for one another. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter is January 20-22. For details visit www.dfwme.org or to register call Angelo & Shanna Nasche, (972) 317-2400, or e-mail register@dfwme.org.

Young Catholic Professionals All young professionals are invited to attend an Executive Speaker Event at 7 p.m. on Jan. 10, in the St. Anne Hall at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Our speaker this month is Ed O’Brien, CPA and Regional Managing Partner of Grant Thornton LLP. Ed has spent more than 36 years in the public accounting industry, and has extensive experience serving publicly traded businesses. YCP is a professional networking group for Catholics in their 20s and 30s. Through executive speaker series and monthly networking events, members learn to Work in Witness for Christ.

Roe vs. Wade Memorial Rosary, Mass and March for Life On Jan. 21 at 7:30 a.m. the Diocese of Dallas will mark the 39th anniversary of the tragic January 22, 1973, Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision, which made abortion available on demand in America. In memory of the more than 52 million babies who have died and in prayer for the mothers and fathers who have been hurt by abortion, a bilingual Mass will be concelebrated by

Bishop Kevin Farrell; Auxiliary Bishops Mark Seitz and Doug Deshotel; Bishop Kevin W. Vann of Fort Worth; and diocesan clergy at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe (2215 Ross Ave. at Pearl St., Dallas) with homilist Fr. Jason Cargo and music led by Curtis Stephan. For details visit www.prolifedallas.org/roe or call 972-267-LIFE (5433).

Feeling Alone? Don’t be. God wants us to turn to others when things are bothering us. Stephen Ministers will walk with you through your troubles and be there when you need them. Call (214)290-0803, leave your name and number. Please do not hang up before leaving a number.

St. Monica Social Club Potluck Updates There will be NO potluck dinner on Monday, Jan. 2, due to the holiday. We will resume in February with a night out at Luby's! More details will be provided later this month. For more information contact Michelle Tomlinson at (214) 357-8549.

Friday Food Basket The North Dallas Shared Ministries, to which St. Monica Church has been a member for 30 years, has a special program, Friday Food Basket, designed to assist those seniors living on a fixed income. Any one 65 years of age or

older is invited to contact NDSM at 2875 Merrell Rd. to apply for this program.

Young Adult Bible Study Starting Jan. 3, the St. Monica Young Adult Bible Study will be discussing the Book of Revelation using Michael Barber's "Coming Soon: Unlocking the Book of Revelation." We meet in Room 212 every Tuesday at 7 p.m. No prior knowledge of the Bible is necessary and everyone ages 20-35 are welcome! For details, contact Julia Rooney at juliarose86@gmail.com.

Parish Calendar Sunday, January 1, 2012 11:00 a.m.—12 p.m. Nursery│114 6:30 p.m.—12 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration│Chapel

Monday, January 2, 2012 7:30 a.m. Rosary│Chapel

10:30 a.m. Mom’s Circle│220 9:00 a.m.—12 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration│Chapel 7:00 p.m. Imm. Heart Cenacle│Chapel

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 7:30 a.m. Rosary│Chapel 9:00 a.m.—12 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration│Chapel 5:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus Mtg.│201 7:00 p.m. Imm. Heart Cenacle│Chapel 7:00 p.m. Divina Misericorida│Library

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 7:30 a.m. Rosary│Chapel 9:00 a.m.—12 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration│Chapel 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice│Church

Thursday, January 5, 2012 7:30 a.m. Rosary│Chapel 9:00 a.m.—12 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration│Chapel 6:00 p.m. Safe Environment Class│Lib. 6:30 p.m. Pastoral Familiar│ PF Rooms 6:30 p.m. Stephen Ministry│129 7:30 p.m. Lay Apostles Group│Library

Friday, January 6, 2012 7:30 a.m. Rosary│Chapel 9:00 a.m.—12 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration│Chapel 6:00 p.m. Holy Face Novena│Chapel 7:00 p.m. Apoyo Familiar│201

Saturday, January 7, 2012 9:00 a.m. Centering Prayer Group│217

10:00 a.m. Baptism Class│109 4:30 p.m. Saturday Rosary│Church

IGLESIA CATOLICA ST. MONICA DALLAS, TEXAS 1 DE ENERO, 2012

† De El Pastor † n niño estaba desempacando en un campamento de verano. El consejero lo observó con mucha admiración. El niño desempacó un suéter y una chaqueta de paraguas, y una

gran variedad de cremas y protectores solares y repelentes de insectos. Por último, el consejero dijo: "¿Qué vas a hacer con todo eso?" El niño levantó la mirada y respondió: "Señor, ¿alguna vez tuvo usted una madre?" Todos entendemos de la naturaleza protectora del amor de una madre. Ese amor nos rodea todos los días que están con n o s o t r o s — i n c l u s o cuando están lejos. Es interesante que la Iglesia no comienza el Año Nuevo desafiándonos a hacer reso luc iones para reformar nuestra vida. A d e m á s , t o d o s sabemos que tan pronto son olvidados. En su lugar nos acordamos de un gran misterio. María tuvo un papel fundamental en nuestra salvación. Ella optó por aceptar la invitación de Dios a tener a su Hijo. Y en ese momento Dios tenia una madre. Los evangelios no nos dan detalles acerca de la relación temprana entre madre e Hijo. No sabemos la primera oración que le enseñó. No sabemos cómo de cerca el hermoso espíritu de bienvenida y generosidad y servicio que vemos en Jesús el adulto es un reflejo de lo que aprendió en casa del ejemplo de su madre. Al comenzar este año no

podemos conocer todas las bendiciones y todas las cruces que serán ofrecidos a nosotros por nuestro Padre. Pero el ejemplo de nuestra Madre Santa María nos muestra todas las cosas que tenemos que este año para seguir en adelante este ano. Ella estaba en oración, cuando el Ángel Gabriel se acercó a ella. Y si somos fieles a nuestra costumbre de la oración, también descubriremos que Dios hará su plan para nosotros más claro día a día. María dijo "sí" a la invitación de Dios y cambió el mundo, dando la naturaleza humana a Dios. Al escoger a

hacer nuestro mejor para aceptar nuestra situación cada día y ser una fuente de inspiración y de servicio de amor a cada persona, podemos hacer nuestra parte para llevar el mensaje de Jesús al mundo. A medida que Jesús comenzó su ministerio público al convertir la agua en vino

en Caná, María predicó un poderoso sermón con palabras sencillas a los sirvientes: "Haced lo que Él os diga". Que sigue siendo la oración de nuestra Madre María para nosotros, que seguemos el ejemplo de su Hijo en todo 2012 será un año de bendición para cada uno de nosotros, nuestra madre nos ha dado todo lo que necesitamos para lograr grandes cosas para Dios este año. Lo llamamos Jesús.

—Pdr. Stephen W. Bierschenk

Cáliz Vocacional

Familiar 1 de enero Eldie Diaz

8 de enero Maria D. Rojero

15 de enero Tacho Dimas

22 de enero Gavino Sanchez

29 de enero Ivan Villanueva

Para llevarse el Cáliz llame a Annette Diaz al

(214) 358-1453. Lo llamamos Jesús

La Rectoría Estará Cerrada La Rectoría y las Oficinas de Formación en la Fe estarán cerradas por el día feriado del Nuevo Año el lunes, 2 de enero. Ambos oficinas estarán abiertas el martes, 3 de enero a las 9 a.m.

Estudio Bíblico para Jóvenes Adultos Empezando el 3 de enero el grupo de Estudio Bíblico de Jóvenes Adultos estará discutiendo el Libro de Revelación usando el libro de Michael Barber: “ C o m i n g S o o n : Unlocking the Book of R e v e l a t i o n ” . L a s reuniones serán cada martes a las 7 p.m. en el Centro Familiar cuarto 212. No es necesario tener conocimiento de la Biblia y todos de edades 2 0 - 3 5 e s t á n bienvenidos. El estudio sera en ingles. Para detalles llame a Julia Rooney a l coreo juliarose86@gmail.com.

MARIA, MADRE DE DIOS

Noticias y Eventos

Solemnidad de María El próximo domingo 1 de Enero es la solemnidad de María la Madre de Dios. La respuesta firme y amorosamente de María, permitió que Dios se encarnara y nos liberara de las heridas del pecado.

Es por ello, que María es modelo para todo cristiano que busca día a día alcanzar su santificación. En María encontramos la guía segura que nos introduce a la vida de Jesús. Todos los días pero en especial el primero de Enero les invitamos a consagrar sus vidas a ella a través de esta pequeña consagración

¡Oh Señora mía, oh Madre mía!

Yo me ofrezco todo a ti, y en prueba de mi filial afecto

te consagro en este día mis ojos, mis oídos.

mi lengua, mi corazón: en una palabra, todo mi ser.

Ya que soy todo tuyo. oh Madre de bondad,

guárdame, defiéndeme y utilízame como instrumento y posesión tuya.

Amén.

Memorial de Roe vs. Wade Rosario, Misa y Marcha por la Vida El 21 de enero a las 7:30 a.m. la Diócesis de Dallas estará marcando el 39o aniversario de la decisión trágica que hizo la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos el 22 de enero en 1973 la que hizo el aborto solicitado disponible en los Estados Unidos. En memoria de los 52 millones de bebes que han muerto y en oración para sus madres y padres quienes has sido dañados por el aborto, una Misa bilingüe será concelebrada por el Obispo Kevin Farrell; Obispos Auxiliares Mark Seitz y Doug Deshotel; Obispo Kevin Vann, Obispo de Ft. Worth y Cleros Diocesanos en la Catedral de la Virgen de Guadalupe (2215 Ross Ave. Dallas) con una homilía de el Pdr.

Jason Cargo. Para detalles llame al (972)267-LIFE (5433).

Noche de Adoración Queremos su gloria! El 6 de enero a las 7 p.m. e n l a i g l e s i a acompáñenos con tu familia para una Noche de Adoración. Cada primer v i e r n e s d e l m e s tendremos una noche de adoración. Para informes llame al (972)3 4 1 - 4 6 4 6 o v i s i t e a www.pastoralfamiliardallas.org

Clase de Bautismo En Santa Mónica es necesario asistir a una clase que se ofrece el primer sábado de cada mes. Los bautizos en español son el tercer sábado de cada mes a las 3:00 p.m. Si los padrinos están casados, deben estar casados por la Iglesia; si son solteros, deben

vivir solos y poder recibir los Sacramentos. Para información llamar a María Gonzalez-Rocha, (214) 357-8549 ext. 131.

Sacramento del Matrimonio La comunidad de Santa Mónica se complace en celebrar su sacramento de Matrimonio. Necesita inscribirse por lo menos 6 meces antes de la fecha que desea. La pareja debe de estar libre para casarse y tener sus sacramentos de iniciación (Bautismo, Primera Comunión y Confirmación) Si alguno de los contrayentes no tiene sus sacramentos llame para inscribirse a las próximas clases. Las clases pre-matrimoniales están próximas a comenzar por favor llame a la Oficina de Ministerio Hispano para más información 214-357-849.

Retiro Eucarístico El 14 y 15 de enero el grupo Pastoral Familiar estará teniendo un Retiro Eucarístico en la cafetería de Sta. Mónica. Los invitados incluyen Dr. Fernando y Sra. Lissette Casanova y Grupo Emmanuel de Ciudad de México. El donativo será $20 por persona. Para mas información llame al (972)341-4646.

Clases de Ciudadanía El 21 de enero hasta el 31 de marzo Caridades Católicas de Dallas estará presentando

clases para residentes legales interesados en a d e l a n t a r e l p r o c e s o d e naturalización. Las clases serán de 9 a.m. hasta las 12 p.m. cada sábado. Las clases serán gratis y ofrecidos en ingles y español. Para mas información llame al (214)553-9909.

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Robert W. Griffin, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™For Kids’ Education, Insurance, Investing, or Estate/Tax

Guidance, Call Robert. He will show you the way.www.cornerstoneri.com

Parishioner 972-814-5795Securities offered through Cantella & Company, Inc., Member, FINRA, SIPC