Cristo Negro

by Fr. Casey

In a side chapel of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City hangs an extraordinary image of the crucified Christ. Against the glittering backdrop of an ornately gilded altar, this Crucifix stands out in striking contrast, for the figure of Jesus is completely black. As we walk the way of the cross this Paschal Triduum, I want to share with you the legends associated with this “Cristo Negro,” which is known as Nuestro Señor del Veneno or “Our Lord of Venom.”

The legends say that when first created in the 1600s, the figure of Jesus was actually white. According to one of the stories, there was once a priest who heard the confession of thief and murderer, and withheld absolution from the man until he fully confessed to his crimes. Worried that the priest would turn him in, the man plotted a way to kill his confessor. Noticing the priest’s habit of kissing the feet of the Crucifix every day before beginning Mass, the would-be assassin applied a poison to the feet of Christ. The next day, when the priest arrived and knelt to kiss Christ’s feet, the figure absorbed the poison, turning black in the process.

The second story is similar, and involves two business rivals: Don Fermin and Don Ismael. Don Ismael, in a fit of jealousy, decided to kill Don Fermin. He found a slow acting poison and sneaked it into his rival’s food. After unknowingly consuming the poison, Don Fermin headed to the church, as was his daily custom. When he knelt to kiss Christ’s feet, the figure...

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In this E-news:

• Easter Weekend
• St. Elizabeth's & EMF News
• Aging Faithfully Workshop
• New Campus Signage
• Youth Pilgrimage to Scotland & Holy Land Pilgrimage Slots

Mark your calendars of the kickoff of Adult Formation opportunities for the Easter Season beginning Sunday, April 23:

• April 23 at 10:15am - Presentation on the Butterfly Pilgrimage by Father Casey in Roper Hall
• April 30 & May 7 at 10:15am - Three different classes will be offered: Easter Monarchs, Poetry of Resurrection, and Becoming a Docent of The Saint John's Bible locations to be announced.

For more details and finalized locations see the Adult Formation Page on our website.

Church Office Closed Monday & Tuesday

The Church Offices will be closed Monday and Tuesday of Easter Week. As always if you need to reach clergy in an emergency you may contact them by email or call 972-233-1898 & press option 9.

St. Elizabeth's Potluck

St. Elizabeth's will be hosting their monthly potluck supper on Thursday, April 13 at 6:00pm in Roper Hall. If you wish to attend, please register as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly. All members of the parish are welcome, especially new folks among us. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and fellow members at the Fig! We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Evening Women's Book Group

This group of women meet in the Parlor on Thursday, April 13 at 7:00pm every month for a discussion for the book of that month.

If you are interested in joining this group, click the link below to view their current reading list and for information on who to contact for more information.

Learn More

EMF: Let's Talk BBQ

Don’t miss the EMF Dinner featuring guest speaker Daniel Vaughn. Daniel is the BBQ Editor at Texas Monthly magazine, and author of several books and articles on BBQ and Smoked Meats. He has traveled the world visiting over 1,800 BBQ joints, mostly here in Texas, but he’s an authority on Carolina BBQ as well. Join us Thursday evening, April 20, at 6:30PM in Roper Hall. Cost is $20 per person or $30 per couple.

Aging Faithfully

You’re invited to a half-day workshop designed to inform, guide, and spark dialogue between people in the second half of life and those facing their aging parents’ future care needs. We will explore communication, housing, caregiving, end-of-life planning, and more with keynote speaker Missy Buchanan. Join us in Roper Hall on April 22 at 8:30am. 

Pastor Nancy

Holy Land Pilgrimage Opportunity

Five slots have opened up for the Holy Land Pilgrimage this Fall and are waiting for you to fill them. The trip departs Dallas October 17 and returns November 3, 2023. These spots need to be filled as soon as possible. Previous pilgrimages to the center of three of the world's great Faiths has been a transformative experience of previous pilgrims. For more information and to sign-up contact:

Mother Rebecca

New Campus Signage

Thanks to a generous grant from Transfiguration’s Endowment Fund, interior wayfinding signage throughout the church facilities have been redesigned and replaced. Each year, Endowment fulfills grant requests that serve the needs of our church, and makes contributions to non-profit agencies in our local communities. If you'd like more information, contact Alan Dunlop, Endowment Fund Chair.

Alan Dunlop

Youth Pilgrimage to Scotland

Plans for our next Youth pilgrimage are underway. Rising 9-12 graders are invited to tour Scotland July 12-21, 2024. Pilgrims will explore Iona, Edinburgh, the Highlands, and more – with guidance and travel arrangements provided by Wonder Voyage. If interested, please make your $100 deposit no later than March 31, 2023.

Shop Our Bookstore

The Kay Andrew's Bookstore & Gift Shop offers Christian Books and Gifts. 

Store Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:00am - 2:00pm

Sundays from 8:00am – 1:00pm.

All proceeds benefit St. Hilda's Guild and our church's ministries.

For questions about books or gifts, contact Carolyn by phone at

(972) 231-1634.

Visit The

Clothes Horse

The Clothes Horse is a resale shop providing the community with a place to donate gently worn clothing and offering budget-minded customers a source of reasonably-priced, good-quality apparel.

They are open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10:00am until 2:00pm.

Clothing donations are accepted at any time the shop is open.

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