Bulletin Letter

My Dear Parishioners,

1.   On behalf of Bishop Olson, I want to thank everyone who has made a commitment to support the Annual Diocesan Appeal.  Last weekend was Commitment Weekend and this weekend is “Follow-Up Weekend.”  All the commitment forms have arrived in the mailboxes of all registered households in the Diocese of Fort Worth.  Because of COVID-19, the Annual Diocesan Appeal will be handled by mail or online. 
   The Parish Goal given to SMG by Bishop Olson is $150,000.  The theme for the 2020-2021 Annual Diocesan Appeal is “The Reason For Our Hope.”  I am confident that we will be able to meet our goal this year as we support Bishop Olson and the many ministries in the Diocese of Fort Worth.  We strive for 100% participation by all our families.  Not everyone will be able to give the same amount as we stress equal sacrifice, not equal giving.  The Lord blesses us as we fund the mission he has given to us.
   Your generosity supports the following ministries in the Diocese of Fort Worth:  Generous operating grants to parishes and schools, care for retired and infirmed priests, deacon formation, seminarian education, Catholic Charities, Catholic school tuition assistance, campus ministry, marriage and family life, correctional ministry, stewardship, education and development support for our parishes. 
   On behalf of Bishop Olson, I “Thank You” for your financial support of the Annual Diocesan Appeal. 

2.   October is designated as the month of the Rosary.  Individually and as families, we are encouraged to pray the rosary as we trust the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother.  This great tradition apparently stems from the Church’s desire to extend its thanksgiving to Our Lady for victory in the Battle of Lepanto from one Sunday to a whole month.  In addition, when Our Lady appeared in Fatima in May 1917, she identified herself as Our Lady of the Rosary.  Our SMG parish prays the rosary before each weekend Mass.  Please come early and pray the rosary, especially during the month of October. 

3.   Our Lady of the Rosary will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 7^th, commemorating the decisive victory of the combined fleet of the Holy League of 1571 over the Ottoman Navy at the Battle of Lepanto.  We are prompted by the Holy Spirit to strive daily to form our lives more closely to Christ’s.  Praying the rosary is a wonderful way to reflect on his life and ask for the graces to live our lives accordingly.  We cannot do anything without Christ and his mother is always bringing us back to him.  Pray the rosary daily and see the difference it makes in your lives.   Please come to Mass on Wednesday, October 7^th at 8:00 am for the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary.

4.   Bishop Olson has written a letter that only applies to anyone in the Diocese of Fort Worth who may have been baptized by Deacon Philip Webb, a permanent deacon ordained in Dallas, but assigned for a period of time at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Carrollton, Texas in the Diocese of Fort Worth.  There is a positive and probable doubt that Deacon Webb baptized infants using an invalid formula.  You should presume the validity of your baptism and the subsequent sacraments you received unless you can establish positive and probable doubt in its validity.  Please click HERE to read the letter by Bishop Olson.  If you have any questions, please call our parish office.

Please be assured of my love and prayers.
Fr. Jim