Dear Friends in Christ,
Merry Christmas!
On behalf of the friars and staff, I sincerely hope that the celebration of our Lord’s birth brings you much peace and hope.
As we continue celebrating the Christmas season until the Lord’s Baptism this Sunday, I would like to thank you for your support and prayers for our parish family of Good Shepherd Catholic Community.
This season always reminds me of the Fourth Eucharistic Prayer that we use for Mass that points out so well, “you so loved the world, Father most holy, that in the fullness of time you sent your Only Begotten Son to be our Savior.”
We see the unfolding of God’s love for the world throughout the Old Testament. The fullest expression of that love is found in the Incarnation when the “Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us (Jn. 1:14).” Jesus still dwells among us in the assembled people of God, in the Word of God in Sacred Scripture, in person of the priest during Mass – and in a very special way in the Eucharist broken and shared, and in the reserved hosts in the tabernacle.
Let us celebrate the daily presence of the Lord not only today but every day.
Please know that we pray for you, your loved ones and for your intentions.
Thank you for praying for us as well.
May you find happiness and joy this Christmas and throughout the New Year of 2022… and may we meet each day in our prayers!
In fraternal hope and love,
Most Rev. Michael J. Higgins, T.O.R.
Pastor
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Social Seniors
Friday, January 7
12:00pm - St. Aloysius Gonzaga
This is a ministry for senior parishioners. Join us to meet up with old friends and make some new ones! Feel free to bring a sack lunch and drink. We also enjoy monthly lunch dates and occasional trips to the theater and other places of interest.
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Office & Liturgical Schedule
Please note that our offices will be closed on January 17 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr Day. Daily Mass will continue as scheduled followed by Reconciliation. However, there will be no Adoration.
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Welcome Weekend
Sunday, January 23
12:00pm (after 11am Mass) - Upper Room
Are you new to Good Shepherd? Come join us as we “Welcome All” at our Welcome Weekend Gathering! You will meet our priests, staff members, and ministry leaders, as well as learn more about our parish and our mission. RSVP is required. We hope to see you there! “Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.” - Romans 15:7 |
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Year End Contributions
Tax statements for all contributions will be mailed by the end of January, 2022.
If you no longer wish to receive stewardship envelopes, please contact Teresa Isakson at tisakson@gscc.net or 817-421-1387 to stop your envelopes. |
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Christ Renews His Parish Upcoming Retreats
Women's Retreat: February 5 from 7:00am-10:00pm and Sunday, February 6 from 7:00am-4:00pm
Men's Retreat: February 19 from 7:00am-10:00pm and Sunday, February 20 from 7:00am-4:00pm
Location: Good Shepherd Campus
CRHP is a two-day retreat unlike any you have previously attended. Get away for a while to refresh yourself spiritually, grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, and connect with others in our faith community. Click here to learn more. |
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Sunday Reflection
January 9, 2022
The Baptism of Our Lord
“John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming…he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit... ’” (Luke 3:16)
The Catholic Catechism states that “Jesus’ immersion in the water is a sign for all human beings of the need to die to themselves to do God’s will.” In other words, as baptized Catholics there is only one gift that we need to give to Jesus – the gift of ourselves. Surrender yourself to God, place your trust in Him and allow the Holy Spirit to work through you for the greater glory of God.
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Young Catholic Professionals Leadership Opportunity
Young Catholic Professionals Fort Worth has leadership opportunities in your city! YCP’s mission is Working in Witness for Christ and offers young adults (age 20-39) the opportunity to develop professional and leadership skills while serving in a dynamic apostolate. Email us here to request an application today or visit our website to learn more!
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Sodality of St. Monica
Thursday, January 13 & 27
7:00pm - Pope St. John XXIII
Many Catholics experience sadness when a loved one is disconnected from the Catholic faith. Does this describe you? Or someone you know? How can we help? Come to discuss with your fellow parishioners. The Sodality St. Monica prayer team will be starting a new session Thursday January 13th meeting the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. We will be reading and discussing the book St. Monica Club: How to Wait, Hope, and Pray for Your Fallen-Away Loved Ones by Maggie Green. Book can be purchased here. |
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Holy Trinity Annual Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday, January 22
6:00pm - Parish Hall
Join us for our Annual Spaghetti Dinner hosted by Holy Trinity! Spaghetti Dinner benefits Holy Trinity Tuition Assistance. The cost is $8 per person or $30 per family. Dinner includes pasta, meatballs, salad, bread, a drink, and a dessert. To-go meals are available!
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St. Junipero Serra Courses Available
The following is a description about this initiative, according to the diocese's website:
Our Catholic faith requires us to embark on a continual call to conversion. One steeped in the mystery of Christ and His Church. It is with this pastoral understanding that the Diocese of Fort Worth desires to foster and engage this call to conversion through the development of our new program, St. Junipero Serra Institute (SJSI).
The objective of the St. Junipero Serra Institute (SJSI) is to prepare the laity to be effective witnesses of the Gospel within their parish communities. Through the application of a faithful and effective evangelization and catechetical process rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ the laity will have the opportunity to grow in their faith while at the same time discover new and practical ways of communicating their faith. St. John Paul II reminds of the important mission of placing emphasis on building an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through sound catechetical instruction. (CT, 5, 20)
One of the main tenets of the institute is to assist the laity in developing and forming a mature faith; one that is rooted in sacred Tradition and sacred Scripture and affirmed through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Through the various catechetical courses offered by the Institute the lay faithful will have the opportunity to develop a mature faith in Christ and His Church. In concert with the tenets of the Deposit of Faith we look towards the Catechism of the Catholic Church as the seminal tool in assisting the faithful to grow in their daily understanding and application of the Catholic faith.
In keeping with the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mt 28:17-20) the (SJSI) will offer a two method approach of teaching the fundamentals of sound evangelization practices in relation to the courses taught and providing the catechetical methodology to complete this task.
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Men's R&D Catholic Conversations
Saturday, December 4 - January 29
7:00am - Church
Catholic Conversations - A new series brought to you by men’s rosary and discipleship (R & D).
Our world is fallen. Truth is obscured. Have you ever found yourself struggling to talk to a family member, coworker, or acquaintance about something going on in the world, but you don’t want to offend them? Do you feel like you’re being called to share moral truth, but don’t wanna be canceled. Come to Men’s R&D starting in December for a new series that teachers basic moral principles taught by the church and basic skills on how to engage others in conversation in a way that honors them and honors the truth. 1 Peter 3:15. It’s difficult, but not impossible. Are you up for the challenge? Watch this. |
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Feed Our Sheep - UGM Sack Lunch Project
Thursdays January 6 & 20
7:00pm - GSCC Outreach Center
Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County is dedicated to providing love, hope, respect and a new beginning for the homeless - striving to to end homelessness one person at a time.
Help us prepare 120 sack lunches to be delivered to Union Gospel Mission for distribution to the homeless.
We gather at 7:00pm on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at the GSCC Outreach Center (6125 Colleyville Blvd).
In the last week of the month, we also provide an opportunity to prepare 20 sack lunches at your home to deliver to GSCC the following morning.
If you would like to donate, we are in need of creamy peanut butter (large), chips, grape jelly, bottled water, and fruit cups. Thank you for your generosity!
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Samuel Ministry
Friday, January 7
6:00pm - St. Maria Goretti
Your special needs family member is invited to join us for scripture study, crafts and lots of fun. Please come hungry - we will have pizza.
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Knights Breakfast Burritos and Donuts
Sunday, January 9
After 7, 9 & 11am Masses - Parish Hall
Breakfast Burritos and Donuts will be served in the Parish Hall Sunday, January 9 following the 7:00am, 9:00am and 11:00am Masses.
Purchase burritos and Donuts in the Parish Hall and sit with your family or carry out. Online burrito sales for carry out only will also be available at gscc.net/burritos
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Baby Looms Monthly Gathering
Friday, January 14
9:30am - St. Dominic Savio
The Good Shepherd Baby Looms Ministry is seeking knitters to help knit baby hats, booties, and blankets. These items are given to babies served by Baylor Hospital, Mid-Cities Women's Clinic, Mercy House, and other charitable organizations, and are a great support of pro-life efforts. No knitting experience or supplies are required. Just join us at our monthly meeting and you can learn how to make the distinctive loom-knitted hats! We meet the second Friday of every month from 9:30-11:00am in St. Dominic Savio Room.
WANT TO MAKE HATS ON YOUR OWN?
The Baby Looms Ministry happily accepts baby hats you make on your own and will deliver them to various charitable partners. For more information about getting involved in the Baby Looms Ministry, please visit our webpage. |
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Bunco
Thursday, January 6
7:00pm - Blessed Imelda Lambertini
Bunco players have talent: They can roll the dice and talk at the same time! All women of the parish are welcome!! Come roll the dice with us! Child care is available.
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Women's Group Gathering - Ring in the New Year
Monday, January 10
6:30pm - Parish Hall
Ring in the New Year with us as we have a PJ Party!! Yes, a PJ Party. :) We will have games, lots of snacks, fun, laughter, and fellowship.
All ladies are welcome! Join us each month as we gather for fellowship and fun. Be sure and check the events tab for our next gathering. We keep the events calendar updated with all of our scheduled dates. We look forward to you being a part of the Women's Group!
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Innocence Lost to Human Trafficking
Thursday, January 13
7:00pm - Webinar
Human Trafficking is a global problem and happens more often than we think. Dr. Robinson is an ambassador for Shared Hope International, a nonprofit organization that combats human trafficking. Please join us for a special Zoom presentation by Dr. Kim Robinson, Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 6:30pm, to learn why Dallas/Fort Worth is one of the most highly trafficked areas for this crime and how to recognize the signs of recruitment. No cost to attend.
For mature audiences only. To register, click here.
Questions: Safe Environment Office, The Catholic Diocese, 817.945.9342
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Vocations Rosary
Saturday, January 15
4:30pm - Marian Garden
Join us every third Saturday of the month to pray a Rosary for Vocations before the Saturday 5:00pm Mass. Inclement weather location: Daily Chapel
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March for Life Events
Please consider marching for life at one of the following events. Contact Barb with any questions.
National March for Life—1/21/2022 in Washington, D.C.
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Men's Club Monthly Meeting
Monday, January 17
6:30pm - Parish Hall
GSCC Men's Club will be having a meeting on January 17th at 6:30pm. Members of the Women's Group are invited to attend this special meeting. A free dinner will be served before this meeting, but we also take donations to defray the cost. Dinner is at 7pm, immediately followed by our special guest speaker, Bishop Olson. This is a great opportunity to have an evening with the Bishop.
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Novena for Life
January 19-27
5:30pm - Zoom
The Knights of Columbus are dedicated to the sanctity of Life. Join us January 19-27 we will conduct our annual 9 day Novena for Life via Zoom.
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Back to Super Casino Night XIII
Saturday, February 12, 2022
7:00pm - Good Shepherd Campus
Each February, the night before the Super Bowl, the Good Shepherd MEN’S CLUB hosts our Super Casino Night. It’s a terrific evening of food, fun, fellowship and fundraising with proceeds benefiting Catholic education and our local community neighbors in need. Over the last 5 years, thanks to the generosity of our parishioners and our local community, the event has generated over $750,000 in net contributions to help our worthy beneficiaries.
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Our Parish School: Holy Trinity Catholic School
Schedule a Tour Today!
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Financial Assistance through ChristCare
The Covid-19 pandemic is affecting everyone. Many are dealing with financial strains caused by loss of job or underemployment. For those struggling financially at this time, Parish Outreach Ministries may be able to provide some assistance through our ChristCare program. ChristCare is Good Shepherd Catholic Community’s program that works in partnership with Catholic Charities Fort Worth to provide parishioners and individuals from our surrounding communities with certain types of emergency financial assistance. You can click here to learn more about the program and see if you might qualify for assistance.
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Good Shepherd Catholic Community's Plan to Relocate the Tabernacle
Please read this letter from our pastor, Fr. Michael Higgins, regarding plans to relocate the tabernacle.
Young Adults
All parishioners ages 21-39 are invited to join Good Shepherd's Young Adults. Focusing on faith, service, and evangelization, we hope to create a community where young adults can gather together and openly discuss their faith while building lasting friendships! Learn more and see our upcoming events here.
Scripture Studies
Adult Scripture Studies are back and registration is now open! Visit our page here to learn about each study and to register.
Spiritual Adoption
Please join us in the Spiritual Adoption prayer campaign for moms and their unborn babies. Door hangers with prayer reminders are available in the church office. Our Spiritual Adoption will culminate in May with a collection of baby items such as diapers, clothing, bottles, wipes, etc. These items will be donated to pregnancy centers throughout the Fort Worth Diocese which assist mothers / families in need.
Men's Rosary & Discipleship
Good Shepherd Men: Start the weekend energized by the power of men praying the Rosary and supporting each other through true fellowship and brotherhood – all by 8:30am! Through Men's Rosary and Discipleship, parish men bring the spirit and power of Jesus to life by coming together in prayer and fellowship to share personal intentions and pray for others through the power of the Rosary, building a bond of brotherhood and developing their roles as spiritual leaders. Interested in joining Men's Rosary & Discipleship? Join us this Saturday! Want more information, first? Contact us here.
Going Through a Tough Time or Know Someone who is?
Stephen Ministers are members of Good Shepherd who have been through extensive training and provide confidential, one-to-one, Christian care to people who are experiencing a difficult time. They listen, care, encourage, pray, and provide weekly support for as long as the need persists. If someone you know is hurting, find out more about Stephen Ministry by calling the Parish Office and asking for a Stephen Minister. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to bring God’s love and care to those in need.
Attention Families with Kids Ages 5-18!
You are invited to learn more about our troops!
American Heritage Girls is a Christ-centered national scouting program for girls, that emphasizes leadership, patriotism, and community service as girls earn badges in areas of interest as diverse as Outdoor Skills, The Arts, and Science and Technology. Contact Jessica Smith at JessicaSmith.AHG@gmail.com or Click Here.
Trail Life USA is a national organization with a mission to guide courageous young men to honor God, lead with integrity, serve others and enjoy outdoor adventure. Finally, a Christ-centered character, leadership, and outdoor adventure experience for your son! Contact us to learn more about how you can join the Trail! Zach Smith TrailLifeGSCC@gmail.com or Click Here.
These Good Shepherd Catholic Community ministries meet in person and provide a family friendly environment on Sunday evenings. Email us if you want to visit a meeting, we would love to meet your family.
Knights of Columbus - Join Us!
Council 15789
Good Shepherd Catholic Community
Interested in becoming a Knight at our parish? Contact John Borley, Grand Knight: 817-565-8573, email mr.john.borley@gmail.com OR Join online by clicking here.
Wedding Anniversaries
Those celebrating their 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70th wedding anniversary may request a blessing by contacting the parish office. Other anniversaries will be a private blessing by arrangement with the clergy, Deacon or Priest, individually. Thank you!
Pre-Baptism Class
Parents must attend a Baptism Preparation class within 2 years prior to this baptism. Expectant parents are encouraged to attend the Baptism Class before the birth of their child. Baptism Classes are held once a month on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon at the parish. When you arrive, check in at the Parish Office Reception desk for classroom assignment. For more details, please click here.
Secular Franciscans
First Sunday of each month
We invite you to consider becoming a member of the Franciscan Order. Secular Franciscans are members of the Catholic Church, men and women, married and single, living at home and following Christ more deeply through the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. To learn more, please come to a gathering of the Order of Franciscans Secular on the first Sunday of each month from 1:30pm to 3:30pm in the St. Maria Goretti Room the Shepherd Center at Good Shepherd Catholic Community. We invite you to come! We welcome you!
Marriage Preparation Sponsor Couple
In a relaxed and informal setting, Good Shepherd Catholic couples who have been married for at least 3 years will meet with engaged couples four times (typically completed within 1 - 2 months). Using materials provided by the Church, the married couple helps the engaged couple identify and talk about potential issues important to their marriage, and assists the engaged couple in reaching a deeper understanding of how they can live in a sacramental marriage. A Sponsor Couple simply needs to be willing to share their experiences as they discuss important issues couples are likely to encounter on their engagement and marriage journey. Bring your marriage experience and we’ll provide the necessary training! For other questions, please contact Johna Kacir at jkacir@gscc.net.
Montserrat Retreats
Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House Dallas
Are you spiritually hungry, tired, or restless? Jesus asks, “What do you want me to do for you?” Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House offers a holy space and a beautiful place by the lake to deepen your relationship with Jesus. Retreatants experience restorative peace and transformative renewal on these grounds made sacred by prayer. Come and tell Jesus what you want Him to do for you, register today for your retreat! Please contact David Brockman for more information.
Senior Emergency Relief Fund
Do you know a senior-aged parishioner on a fixed-income who occasionally cannot afford to pay monthly expenses? SERF might be able to help. Through the Good Shepherd Senior Emergency Relief Fund our parish can provide assistance to help pay for those unexpected emergencies. Visit our website by clicking here.
AmazonSmile
GSCC is now set up as a charitable organization with smile.amazon.com. AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible purchases, at no additional cost to you! If you’re interested in using this simple way to donate, please follow the instructions below to set up GSCC for your purchases. You will need to log into smile.amazon.com/ for us to receive these funds.
Got Life Questions?
Bring your questions and join us for Inquiry, an 11-week “no obligation” dip into the basics of Spirituality. All ages are welcome! You can jump in anytime since the standalone topics repeat every 11 weeks. We gather Monday evenings at 7pm in the St. Louis of France room (enter through the West parking lot door). If you choose, you can then continue on an in-depth journey into Catholic beliefs through our Catholic education study group which also meets Monday evenings. Click here for more details or contact Father Ronald 817-421-1387 / rmohnickey@gscc.net
Sponsor a Family through Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities partners with families for the long-term and walks alongside them on their journey to their bigger, brighter future. Can you sponsor a family ready to start this journey? A $500 gift allows Catholic Charities to sponsor one family, but no amount is too small to make a difference. Click here to sponsor a family today.
Social Justice
What do you know about the poor? Who are they? How many are of your gender, age, ethnicity? Why do so many live in poverty? Learn More about the poor
If you perform works of charity now, what will you do for justice?
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Join the Social Justice Ministry!
- Work with us to support our Bishops’ advocacy for human life, dignity, and justice!
- Work to resolve root causes of injustice, e.g., a living wage for all!
Adoration Sign-ups
We have resumed Adoration hours. For more information please visit our page. To sign up to spend an hour with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, please click here.
Liturgical Schedule
Important Announcements & Resources during Coronavirus
Catholic Resources for Daily Use
Do you want to incorporate more prayer into your life? Are you interested in learning more about your Catholic faith? There are many accessible ways to begin! Here you will find available products in a variety of formats.
Stewardship
All are encouraged to mail their financial contributions directly to the parish or use the online giving resource Faith Direct - click HERE for more information..
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New OR Longtime Parishioner? Start Here! |
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GSCC exists to call each of our members, wherever they are at, to a lifestyle of discipleship that involves welcoming God’s people, encountering Jesus Christ, growing in Jesus Christ, serving God’s people, and sharing the Gospel. As we seek to live out these five characteristics of a disciple, we may find that we are a new, growing, or missionary disciple. Click here to take our Disciple Self-Discovery to see where YOU are on your journey as a disciple of Jesus. Your results will offer practical suggestions for taking the next step forward as a disciple.
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If you're new to Good Shepherd, welcome! You can also visit our "I'm New" page for an at-a-glance view of opportunities to grow in faith and connect with others. |
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