August 17, 2023
Parish and Schools Annual Festivals
To Pastors, Business Manager and School Principals
The parishes and schools of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth have historically conduct annual festivals or bazars that attract participants from not only the parish or school, but people from surrounding areas. To help parishes and schools schedule their events without conflicting with similar nearby events, we will list all scheduled parish and school festivals or bazaars on the diocesan web calendar.
Please send all information, of your event to . Include the name of your event, such as St., Patrick Annual Festival, the dates of the festival, a small blurb and any attachments. If you have any question feel free to reach out with any questions.
Wichita Falls Disaster Response
The prayers of our staff at Catholic Charities Fort Worth are with the Wichita Falls community and the families impacted by the recent wildfires and microburst. In order to help families with immediate needs, Catholic Charities will offer gift cards (until funds run out). Families who need additional assistance will be connected to our Disaster Specialist for referrals and support.
If your parish is aware of a family impacted by the recent weather events, please have them contact our NW Campus at and indicate that they were referred by your parish at 940-716-9669
We would also like to know more about what you are seeing in terms of impact on your parish communities. Please contact , Director of Parish Social Ministry, to discuss how Catholic Charities can help: 817-289-3889.
Annual Diocesan Appeal
Announcement Weekend: September 9-10, Commitment Weekend: September 16-17
Please complete the two priorities below this week:
- Priority #1: Please be sure you have approved your pastor’s letter. This was emailed to you from Rachel Martinez. If you have not approved the letter, please contact her immediately at
- Priority #2: Many parishes have the old Appeal logo (Faith, Hope, Love) and theme (A Call to Gratitude) on their websites and Facebook pages. Please update to the new logo (Catholic Stewardship in Action) and theme (Love one another as I have loved you.) Find them here bit.ly/ADAMaterials2024
- We are 3 weeks away from Announcement Sunday. Please make all digital updates now and begin designing your bulletin with bulletin materials found here.
Remember, meeting your parish goal makes an impact! For example, because we surpassed our goal last year, parish grants increased by $54,000!
#iGiveCatholic 2023
Registration to participate opens August 14 – Register Today
Join participating parishes, schools and ministries of the Diocese of Fort Worth in this year’s #iGiveCatholic Giving day on November 28, 2023. #iGiveCatholic is a giving event for the faithful from participating dioceses across the nation to unite and donate – both online and offline – to their favorite participating Catholic parishes, schools, and ministries. #iGiveCatholic presents an opportunity for Catholics to donate and support the organizations they are most passionate about on #GivingTuesday, and for our parishes, schools, and ministries to raise funds for a capital improvement, annual fund, or another project of their choosing. Participation is at no charge, it is our gift to you. For more information, please visit www.advancementfoundation.org/iGiveCatholic-en or contact , Director of Stewardship and Parish Relations-Advancement Foundation at 817-533-3178.
St. Andrew’s Breakfast
Saturday, August 26, 2023
The next St. Andrew Breakfast will be on Saturday morning August 26, 2023 at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St, Fort Worth, TX 76102, at 8:00 AM. The day will begin with Mass followed by breakfast and fellowship. We encourage young men in high school and college of the Diocese of Fort Worth to attend. With limited space, please reserve your spot by August 24, 2023 to the or by calling 817-945-9321.
St. Andrew Desayuno
El próximo Desayuno de St. Andrew será el sábado 26 de agosto de 2023 a las 8:00 a.m. en St. Patrick Cathedral, 1206 Throckmorton St, FortWorth, TX 76102. El día comenzará con Misa seguida por el desayuno y camaradería. Invitamos a todos los jóvenes varones de la Diócesis de FortWorth que estén en la escuela secundaria o en la universidad en asistir al evento. Hay espacio limitado. Por favor reserven su lugar antes del 24 de agosto de 2023 por la o llamando al 817-945-9321.
Diaconate Formation Program
Is God Calling You to The Permanent Diaconate?
If you are hearing the voice of God in your heart calling you to serve Him in the permanent diaconate, we invite you to sign up for the upcoming discernment sessions offered by the Diocese of Fort Worth to begin August 26, 2023.
Please visit fwdioc.org/deacon-formation for more information or contact for registration.
¿Le esta llamado Dios al Diaconado Permanente?
Si usted esta escuchando la voz de Dios en su corazón llamándole a servirle en el Diaconado Permanente, le invitamos a registrarse para las sesiones de discernimiento ofrecido por la Diócesis de Fort Worth que comenzaran el 26 de agosto 2023.
Por favor visite fwdioc.org/formacion-para-el-diaconado para mas información o comuníquese con para registrarse.
Msgr. McGread Stewardship Conference
Help your Parishioners Become Better Disciples of Christ! August 30-31, 2023 at the Spiritual Life Center • 7100 E. 45th St. N. • Wichita, KS.
This conference is for clergy and lay leaders and will provide a setting for you to discover how to teach your parishioners to become better Christian Stewards. Hurry, limited spaces available! Scholarships are available by contacting , Director of Stewardship and Parish Relations at the Advancement Foundation or call 817-533-3178.
Event Brochure
Online Registration
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
August 2023
Worldwide Marriage Encounter has expanded to offer the experience during the week for those who cannot commit to a weekend. This is great for priests who cannot get away as easily. It’s called a 3RE and spans several weeks with sessions twice a week. Information can be found on the WWME.org website. WWME is still offering “virtual” experiences so couples can benefit from a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend without the risks of in person gatherings. One of the benefits of this approach is that those attending do not have to live close to a central location.
Information from Worldwide Marriage Encounter coordinators is available for parishes to inform couples of upcoming Encounter events. Feel free to include this valuable information in your bulletins.
August bulletin announcement
August bulletin flyers
WWME Logo
Advancing the Mission
July/August 2023
The Advancing the Mission newsletter of the Advancement Foundation is provided to parishioners throughout the diocese via email, e-Bulletin and your parish communications with the QR code below.
In the July/August Advancing the Mission newsletter we share:
— June 22, 2023 figures on the Annual Diocesan Appeal which show us surpassing our goal early!
— Upcoming event: Aging with Grace
— How to donate your vehicle
— Why your legacy matters
— How to personalize an endowment fund
See below or visit www.advancementfoundation.org/ for more information.
Click here to view!
News you can use QR code
Diocesan Catechist Formation Program
Offering Fall Classes
The Department of Evangelization & Catechesis is excited to announce registration is now available for the Fall 2023 Catechist Certification Programs. The St. Francis de Sales classes meet once a month for about ten months. For more information on St. Francis de Sales Spanish Level 1 online and in person classes and Level 2 in person classes, please visit the diocesan website at fwdioc.org/st-francis-de-sales. The St. Junipero Serra classes meet weekly, offering a series of six-weeks courses from the fall through early summer. Level 1 classes will be offered online. For more information, please visit the diocesan website at fwdioc.org/st-junipero-serra-institute. Classes start in September for both programs so register soon.
Programa Diocesano de Formación de Catequistas
Ofrece Clases de Otoño
El Departamento de Evangelización y Catequesis se complace en anunciar que ya está disponible la inscripción para los Programas de Certificación de Catequistas para el otoño 2023. Las clases de San Francisco de Sales se reúnen una vez al mes durante aproximadamente diez meses. Para obtener más información sobre las clases presenciales y en línea de nivel 1 de español de San Francisco de Sales y las clases presenciales de nivel 2, visite el sitio web diocesano en fwdioc.org/san-francisco-de-sales. Las clases de San Junípero Serra se reúnen semanalmente y ofrecen una serie de cursos de seis semanas desde el otoño hasta principios del verano. Las clases de nivel 1 se ofrecerán en línea. Para obtener más información, visite el sitio web diocesano en fwdioc.org/instituto-san-junipero-serra. Las clases comienzan en septiembre para ambos programas, así que regístrese pronto.
Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House
"Behold, I make all things new." (Rev. 21:5). Come on retreat to grow in relationship with God, the source of the renewed peace and joy we all desire. Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House, on the shores of Lewisville Lake, in Lake Dallas, Texas wants to help you find the peace that surpasses understanding. Reserve a spot for one of our upcoming retreats today at www.montserratretreat.org! Spaces are limited due to COVID and are going fast!
Catholic Bowl III
Save the Date for Catholic Bowl III: September 9
“Faith. Freedom. Football.” Event Features Matchups with Diocese of Fort Worth High Schools
Everyone is invited to a great day of high school football on Saturday, September 9 at The Star in Frisco. Catholic Bowl III, presented in part by the Advancement Foundation of the Diocese of Fort Worth, features Nolan Catholic (Fort Worth) vs. St. Edmund (Eunice LA) at 3 p.m. and St. John Paul II (Plano) vs. Sacred Heart (Muenster) at 7 p.m. In addition to two great matchups, there’s pageantry and fun for the whole family, including activities in and around the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters, a Shroud of Turin traveling exhibit, the University of North Texas Band, a video presentation about Servant of God Emil Joseph Kapaun, remarks by Rocky Bleier, former professional football player and US Army veteran, and much, much more! Tickets are $20 general admission/$10 for students and are available now at https://seatgeek.com/catholic-bowl-tickets.
Parishes and Schools: Please promote this event in your bulletins, newsletters and social media between now and September 9. Use the promotional poster below. If you need additional materials, please contact .
Stewardship Sunday
October 14/15, 2023-Eucharistic Stewardship … our grateful response to His gift
Stewardship Sunday will be celebrated at all Masses October 14/15. This diocesan-wide event is an opportunity to teach about “Stewardship as a way of life” and complement any existing stewardship initiatives in your parish. Please take advantage of the training dates below to make the most of this celebration.
- Wednesday, September 13 – 6-7:00 p.m. or Thursday, September 14 – 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Lay Witness Testimony Training (Virtual) – Register here
For additional information on how to celebrate Stewardship Sunday, please visit: Advancement Foundation/Stewardship Sunday or contact at 817-533-3178.
Mass for Young Adults
September 14, 2023
All young adults, ages 18-35, of the Diocese of Fort Worth are invited to a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Olson on Thursday, September 14th at 6:30 PM. This Mass will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arlington and will be followed by a BBQ Dinner in the parish hall. There will also be a short reflection.
Please note, we are unable to accommodate children older than two years of age. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any questions please contact .
St. Thomas More Society
The St. Thomas More Society Fort Worth will host Jonathan J. Sanford, Ph.D., President of the University of Dallas, on Thursday, September 14 at noon at Reata. Dr. Sanford's presentation will explore the connection between virtue, the natural law, and the positive law; law's relationship to the legal profession; and the role the law should have in promoting virtue if we want to achieve a flourishing society. The talk is designed for attorneys, but everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, please visit www.stmsfw.org/events or register here.
Priesthood Sunday
Celebrate in Your Parish, School and Catechetical Programs, September 24, 2023
Priesthood Sunday is a special day set aside to honor the priesthood each year. Celebrated this year on September 24, it is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church as a central one. This nationwide event is coordinated and sponsored by the USA Council of Serra International. Please use the attached ideas for promoting Priesthood Sunday during Mass, in your catechetical programs, in your bulletin, Flocknote, Facebook page, newsletter, etc. several weeks in advance. If you need additional resources for promoting vocations in your parish, or if you want to start a vocations committee in your parish, please contact Patty Bransford, VP Vocations for Fort Worth .
Crossroads Newsletter
July – August - September Edition Now Available
The latest 2-page issue of the quarterly Crossroads newsletter for pastors, parish and school business managers and finance council members is now available: Crossroads Newsletter. Please don’t miss this important issue with information such as money your parish may be missing out on, National Make-a-Will Sunday, and upcoming trainings and webinars for the Annual Diocesan Appeal and Stewardship Sunday.
Refer back to this issue throughout the quarter for information or visit www.advancementfoundation.org/parish-school-resources.
Seminarian Daily Prayer List
We invite everyone to pray for our seminarians this year. Attached please find the 2023-2024 Seminarian Daily Prayer List. For any additional information please contact the .
Seminarian daily prayer list
Lista diaria de oración de seminarista
Danh sách cầu nguyện hàng ngày
Parish Stewardship Reflections
Summer, July-September 2023
Below please find General Intercessions and Bulletin/Website Announcements tied to the weekly readings in both English and Spanish. For additional Stewardship Resources for Parishes (including resources for prior quarters), please visit: fwdioc.app.box.com or contact at the Advancement Foundation or call 817-533-3178.
2023 Special Collection Calendar
Revised, March 8, 2023
Throughout the year, parishes in the Diocese of Fort Worth take up special collections to support the work of Christ in our Diocese, in the United States and throughout the world. If you have any questions about special collections, please contact , CFRE, Director of Annual Giving and Grants of the Advancement Foundation at 817-382-4939, or visit fwdioc.org/special-collections.
Special collections calendar (2023) |
Colectas especiales (2023) |
Diocesan Employment Opportunities
To better serve potential candidates for diocesan jobs, the e-Bulletin “Diocesan Employment Opportunities” has been streamlined into two categories with links. Click on a category to view all available jobs.
- This is a link to the recording of the webinar
- o It starts with Mike Collins from St. Brenden’s parish sharing the impact of their parish operating grant.
Diocesan Calendar
El Calendario de la Diócesis
The Diocesan Electronic Calendar is a listing of major events and activities at the Diocese as well as in parishes and schools. Parishes and schools may submit information that may be of interest to individuals outside of a parish or school for inclusion on the diocesan electronic calendar with a hotlink to details if appropriate.
El Calendario Electrónico de la Diócesis es una lista de los principales eventos y actividades en la Diócesis, así como en las parroquias y las escuelas. Las parroquias y las escuelas podrán presentar información que pueda ser de interés para las personas fuera de la parroquia o de la escuela para que se pueda incluir en el calendario electrónico de la Diócesis con un enlace directo a la información, si procede.
Diocesan Calendar / Calendario Diocesano
The following outlines what is needed when submitting events to be added to the Diocesan website calendar. For complete details, please review the PDF document below.
Requisitos para publicar eventos en el Sitio de Internet Diocesano. Para información más detallada por favor revise el archivo PDF abajo.
For any questions or concerns about the e-Bulletin please contact the
Director of Communications, or .