E-Bulletin
August 24, 2023
Liturgical Workshop for Coordinators
Starting this fall!
At the desire of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi, on the Liturgical Formation of the People of God, the Office of Liturgy & Worship is offering liturgical workshops for liturgy and special celebrations. These five-week workshops will be offered at nine locations in three languages starting this fall through spring 2024. Please encourage your coordinators for various liturgical ministries and anyone interested in liturgy to attend. For locations, languages, dates, and registration click here.
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 .
Annual Diocesan Appeal
Announcement Weekend: September 9-10, Commitment Weekend: September 16-17
THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 is the LAST DAY TO MAKE EDITS TO THE PASTOR’S LETTER. Pastor’s letters will be printed FRIDAY.
Please complete these two NEW priorities this week:
- Priority #1: If you haven’t done so, design your bulletin for Announcement and Commitment Weekend. Please choose from multiple bulletin cover options, bulletin ads (found at bit.ly/ADAMaterials2024) and leave room for the printed bulletin insert for Sept 9-10.
- Priority #2: Please communicate with your pastor the importance of his homily and participation. Please communicate with your ushers the importance of handing out the commitment envelopes September 16-17.
- Rural parishes, expect a phone call from JohnSons Press’s delivery service to coordinate the delivery of ADA materials. God willing there will be rain in the coming weeks and we want to avoid the expense of reprinting rain-damaged materials. The local drivers want to deliver during your office hours.
Thank you for all you do promoting the Annual Diocesan Appeal within your parish. Your efforts impact every parish and school in the Diocese of Fort Worth. Contact , CFRE, Director of Annual Giving and Grants of the Advancement Foundation at 817-382-4939 with any questions or concerns.
Catholic University Special Collection
September 9-10, 2023
Many Catholics in the Diocese of Fort Worth are alumni of the Catholic University of America, including our own Bishop Michael Olson. Four seminarians of the Diocese of Fort Worth are currently studying at the Catholic University of America. It is important that the United States has a Catholic University that is well attended with students who are being formed by an exceptional, faith-rooted education and various research and training initiatives that support dioceses and parishes in responding to the most pressing needs of their faithful. Please promote the special collection for Catholic University in your parish with the materials provided below. Parishioners can give online and/or with the QR code at fwdioc.org/special-collections.
Parish Information
Catholic University Flyer
Catholic University QR Code Flyer
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.
Word Made Flesh
Youth Conference, September 23, 2023
Experience a transformative journey on September 23rd, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, as we cordially invite you to the Youth Conference hosted by St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arlington. This event is for youth from Grades 7-12. Contact your Parish Youth Minister by September 15th to secure your spot. Cost: $25
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 .
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.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
Uncover the secrets to a lasting, supportive, transformational marriage!
For more than 50 years, Worldwide Marriage Encounter has helped over 3.5 million couples in almost 100 countries unlock the power of their relationships with new ways to do the “I do.” The Marriage Encounter experience helps you listen, share, and connect more deeply. There’s no group discussion. It’s just about the two of you learning to be the best, most loving and thriving couple you can be.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter is accepting nominations for the 2023 Longest Married Couple (couple does not need to be Catholic). Submit the couple’s name, location, and wedding date, along with the nominator’s name, phone number and email address. Winners will be recognized in each state, as well as an overall national winner. To nominate, email , or call 321-544-3440.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Marriage Retreats
The Cana Commandments
The Cana Commandments is a one-day marriage enrichment retreat offered at three separate locations in the diocese for couples to discover how God’s gift of the Ten Commandments not only applies to their individual lives but to their marriage as well. The retreat is designed to open the hearts and minds of couples regarding their approach to their marital union. More details. Please note these retreats DO NOT fulfill the marriage preparation requirements.
Save the date! These three retreats will lead to a Big Event/Marriage Conference on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Good Shepherd Catholic Community in Colleyville with Jackie and Bobby Angel.
| Date | Location |
| October 14, 2023 | Immaculate Conception, Denton |
| October 28, 2023 | St. Andrew, Fort Worth |
| January 13, 2024 | Sacred Heart, Wichita Falls |
Sean Uno
Recibe de Dios esa palabra única que unirá tu matrimonio
Te espera una palabra única. Sin ella vivirán a la deriva o en conflicto. Abre tu corazón para recibirla de Dios y ser guiados en un extraordinario camino de unidad, gozo y nuevo compromiso. Reclama una manera sencilla de amar y vivir más poderosamente tu vocación matrimonial. Más detalles aquí. Tenga en cuenta que estos retiros NO cumplen con los requisitos de preparación para el matrimonio.
¡Separe la fecha! Estos tres retiros concluiran con un Gran Evento/Conferencia Matrimonial con Jackie y Bobby Angel el Sábado 9 de Marzo, 2024, en la Comunidad Católica Good Shepherd en Colleyville.
| Date & Time | Location |
| 7 de octubre de 2023 | Santísimo Sacramento, Arlington |
| 10 de febrero de 2024 | Inmaculada Concepción, Denton |
| 27 de abril de 2024 | Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Fort Worth |
Catholic Charities Special Collection
October 7-8, 2023
The Little Way Campaign is one of Catholic Charities’ most important annual fundraising initiatives. It bring hope where hope is needed most. Catholic Charities has worked diligently creating a special collection toolkit in English, Spanish and Vietnamese including multiple social media images, bulletin images, impact statements, homily talking points, prayers of the faithful and much more in all three languages. Please download the materials best suited for your parish and promote the Little Way campaign to support the charitable arm of our local Church, Catholic Charities.
Specific Catholic Charities Box
Little Way Campaign Parish Toolkit
Kit de herramientas parroquiales de la campaña
Chiến Dịch ‘Con Đường Bé Nhỏ’ Gồm Đầy Đủ Chỉ Dẫn cho Giáo Xứ
#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.
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.
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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.
Catholic Center & Parish Employment
School Employment
(Catholic Schools Website)
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 .