BringingNorth the Good News to the Diocese Texas of Fort Worth Catholic Vol. 25 No. 18 November 6, 2009 Walking Together in Faith a great success UDMC draws 4,600 to fi rst of Fort Worth/Dallas ministry conferences By Joan Kurkowski-Gillen Correspondent Organizers planning the third annual University of Dallas Ministry Conference — Walk- ing Together in Faith — initially expected 2,000 people to attend the two-day series of talks and workshops. Then the number of registrations swelled to 3,000 and eventually to 4,000. When the doors of the Dallas Convention Center opened for the Oct. 23-24 gathering, 4,653 Catholics from parishes and schools throughout North Texas came to hear nationally-known speakers discuss issues of faith, ministry, and spirituality in the 21st century. “And it’s our expectation All Th ings Possible that it will grow even more next year,” says Bertha Escarzaga, UD events/marketing director. “The campaign announces goal is to have 10,000 people at- tend the conference by 2012.” $5.4 million pledged Jointly sponsored for the fi rst The All Things Possible cam- over 100 this weekend,” she said, time by the Diocese of Fort Worth paign has announced that with referring to the weekend of All and the Diocese of Dallas in co- the receptions for groups in the Saints. operation with the region’s only fi rst block of 27 parishes and The All Things Possible cam- Catholic university, the weekend missions completed, a total of paign will be hosting receptions event offered sessions in English, $5.4 million has been pledged, in the balance of the parishes and Spanish, and Vietnamese and or 13.5 percent of the $40 million missions, the larger portion of the featured 60 exhibitors and 56 total. And “it’s so early in the diocese’s Catholic population in speakers. Included in the sched- The posture of Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl, keynote presenter for the campaign!” said Meegan Wright, the spring. opening session of Walking Together in Faith, seems to echo the outstretched ule were a number of musical director of All Things Possible. Wright spoke with gratitude arms of Jesus in the conference backdrop behind him. (Photo by Juan Guajardo) SEE UDMC, P. 14 With most of the fi rst group of of the support the campaign has parishes conducting their in the received during this fi rst phase. pew solicitations the weekend The enthusiasm of the pastors has Bishops of Texas issue statement of Nov. 6 and 7 (or the weekend been good, she said. “The pastors before or after), Wright sees and parish leaders have been people responding well to the willing to work with the bishop opposing health care reform including case statement. “They’re thinking and the diocese.” The campaign ‘I can see the good in this case,’ has enjoyed the support of the di- abortion; with no conscience clause she said, in an interview late last ocesan and parish staff members week, ‘the points are valid, and and parish volunteers who have AUSTIN — The Texas Catho- stages of life. and strong convictions to the issue the need is there.’” helped present the campaign and lic Conference, representing “Health care reform is a vital of health care reform.” Wright was upbeat about the its goals with enthusiasm, she the Roman Catholic Bishops of concern to us in Texas, as our state The statements cites following responses of some parishioners said. She also expressed gratitude Texas, has issued a statement has one of the highest numbers of key concerns: involved in the campaign who for the support of the physical emphasizing their support for uninsured persons in the nation,” • Reform must restrict fund- made an extra effort. “We had details of the events themselves genuine, life-affi rming reform to say the Texas Bishops in the state- ing for abortion and respect some really exceptional volunteer from both staffs and volunteers. our nation’s health care system, ment. The Bishops also emphasize the consciences of health care groups who wanted to get the “We’re ready to move into the while also expressing concern that the varied health care offerings of providers; word out to more of their people, commitment time frame,” Wright current health care proposals fail Catholic facilities in Texas, stating, • Cost structures must not im- and so held some receptions after said with conviction, pointing to to guarantee fundamental rights “the Catholic Church in Texas pose excessive fi nancial burdens their Masses,” she said. Original the room behind her small offi ce and protections for humans at all brings both everyday experience SEE TCC, P. 25 plans for the campaign had called where her co-workers were busily for more than 80 receptions, but at work. “We’re entering pledges View Texas Bishops’ statement p. 3; USCCB Call to Action, p.4 with these extras added in, “we’re every day.” Page 2 North Texas Catholic, November 6, 2009 Diocesan All Things Possible Campaign provides the opportunity to give of ourselves Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, All Things Possible ver the last few hese are tough economic times for T CAMPAIGN PRAYER months I have our nation and Church, and giving written and spo- Heavenly Father, O to this campaign will take sacrifi ce. through your Son, ken to you about the “All Jesus Christ our Lord, Sometimes the gift of convenience, all things are possible, Things Possible” campaign. and without Him we can do nothing. or the gift from surplus, is the easiest This effort is very important May we seek your kingdom above all, Bishop Kevin W. Vann way to feel a release from obligation. knowing that all things work together to me personally and to the for the good of those who love You future of our Diocese. I have But the principles of stewardship ask us to enter into and are called according to your purpose. been very pleased with the discernment, to prayerfully consider how God has Grant us that we, positive response to date. blessed you, and how you can in return give back. united through your Son in one faith and by the strength Our Lord in St. Matthew’s Gospel of the Holy Spirit, tells us, “… With God, all things are The parishes conducting the All have all contributed from their surplus may be generous in our support possible.” So we proceed with hope, Things Possible campaign in the fall will wealth, but she, from her poverty, has of the All Things Possible Campaign, optimism, and confi dence in the Lord to soon have their “Pledge Weekend” in contributed all she had, her whole which seeks the furtherance breathe life into our campaign. pew. Their goal is simple: spread the livelihood.” of the Gospel We have already seen early success word about the campaign, and invite These are tough economic times for in our lives, our homes, our parishes, with over $5.4 million raised. Holy all parishioners to join in prayer, am- our nation and Church, and giving our larger diocesan family, Rosary Parish, Cisco; Holy Trinity Mis- bassadorship, and sacrifi cial giving. I to this campaign will take sacrifi ce. and our communities. sion, Azle; Sacred Heart Parish, Wichita hope all parishioners in these parishes Sometimes the gift of convenience, Falls; St. Bartholomew Parish, Fort will join me in supporting this impor- or the gift from surplus, is the easiest All this we pray Worth; St. Paul Parish, Electra; and, St. tant need. way to feel a release from obligation. through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rita Parish, Ranger are over 25 percent From the beginning, this campaign But the principles of stewardship Amen. toward their goal with just prelimi- has been based on equal sacrifi ce, not ask us to enter into discernment, to nary leadership reception results. The equal giving or gifts of convenience. prayerfully consider how God has 27 parishes and missions running the Not everyone can give at the same level, blessed you, and how you can in I know, with our combined prayer campaign this fall have already hosted but I hope all will consider the same return give back. and sacrifi ce, we will be successful. over 100 receptions. I was pleased to size sacrifi ce. How appropriate that our As Catholics, we fi rmly believe in attend a number of their receptions Gospel reading for Nov. 7 and 8 comes the power of prayer. I ask for all in our Sincerely in Christ, and see this visible sign of our faith in from Mark 12:38-44 or 12:41-44, “The diocese to pray for those parishes and action. The remaining parishes will be Widow’s Mite.” missions actively involved in this effort conducting the campaign in the spring. “Amen, I say to you, this poor and for the success of our campaign. I look forward to visiting many of widow put in more than all the other Perhaps every household can pray the † Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, JCD, DD those parishes also. contributors to the treasury. For they campaign prayer every day. Bishop of Fort Worth Bishop Vann outlines liturgical We recommend that all priests and precautions for dealing with Swine Flu deacons exercise Editor’s Note: The following priests and deacons exercise as a precaution concerning the be given in the species of the common sense statement issued by Bishop Kevin common sense precautions celebration of Mass: consecrated bread. Vann Oct. 26, details steps taken when it comes to the liturgy. • The faithful should be • Priests, deacons, and precautions when it to limit infection from Swine Flu Infl uenza is often spread from encouraged to not hold hands extraordinary ministers of at Mass.