All
August 2016
Saints
A Stewardship Parish
\
A Letter from Our Pastor
Faithful Education
Inside
2 40th Anniversary Rejoice and Celebrate!
3 A Look Back on Recent Events at All Saints
4 All Saints Fall Festival Promises Food, Fun and Fellowship
6 A New School Year: Helping Our Children Soar to New Heights
Our Parish
Newsletter:
Spreading the news
of Christ at work
in our community.
Dear Parishioners,
I
n an address to school
teachers a few years ago
Pope Francis said, “Education
cannot be neutral. It is either
positive or negative; either it
enriches or it impoverishes; either it enables a person to grow
or it lessens, even corrupts
him.” He continued, speaking to theme of the mission of
schools, saying that they are to
“develop a sense of truth, of what is good
and beautiful. And this occurs through a
rich path made up of many ingredients.”
On August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, All
Saints Catholic School will have its opening Mass, kicking off a new school year.
With Dr. Laura McCorkle at the helm as
the school’s new principal, ASCS is set on
the road of continued academic excellence,
having all the “ingredients,” to use the
Pope’s term, for a broad and well-rounded
Catholic education. With gratitude, our
All Saints Community welcomes Dr. McCorkle to her new role, leading our students down that rich path toward the truly
good and beautiful.
At this time, at the beginning of the
school year, it is important to remember
how our Catholic faith serves
as an orienting means for
education, imbuing the many
different academic pursuits
with an overall Christian
worldview. It is our faith that
orders the pursuit of knowledge according to the values
of the Gospel and assures that
the students’ formation is a
positive force for them and for
the communities they will influence in their
maturity. I am reminded of the immortal
words of Pope St. John Paul II in Fides et
Ratio:
“Faith and reason are like two wings
on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in
the human heart a desire to know the truth
– in a word, to know himself – so that, by
knowing and loving God, men and women
may also come to the fullness of truth about
themselves.”
Fostering the union of the finest academic formation with our Catholic tradition, merging reason and faith, requires
many able educators and faith leaders, as
well as, in our case, an ever tighter bond
continued on back cover
All
Saints
page 2
40th Anniversary
Rejoice and Celebrate!
The All Saints Catholic Community was officially established as a parish
of the Diocese of Dallas by The Bishop, Most Reverend Thomas Tschoepe
on March 26, 1976. On Saturday, March 26th, 2016, All Saints began their 40th Anniversary celebration at the Easter Vigil! Salutes to our 40th Anniversary include:
•
At the 2016 Easter Vigil Liturgy, Fr. Tony blessed a special 40th Anniversary Commemorative Stone that is now located in Church courtyard. •
In celebration of our 40th Anniversary, we introduced our new Parish
logo – a cross in gold tone containing the initials ASCC, All Saints
Catholic Community. •
Our All Saints ministries continue to plan yearlong celebrations for our All Saints 40th Anniversary. Watch the bulletin
to see how you can get involved.
•
The All Saints parishioners have united in our 40th Anniversary Acts of Kindness Challenge to support the Prestonwood Elementary School (PES), a Title I School located one block south of All Saints who welcomed our parish 40
years ago and allowed us to use their building until the church was complete. In our 40th anniversary year, we are
showing our appreciation by giving back to their community. Consider joining the challenge as a ministry, as a family, or as a joint effort with other ministries/families to achieve the above 40 Acts of Kindness by November! We are
still in need of socks donations and Walmart Gift Cards. Questions or to sign up for an act of kindness, please contact
Kathy McDermott @ 972-778-0328 or [email protected].
•
Be sure to save Nov. 1 for our Anniversary All Saints Day Mass and Reception! It is a year to celebrate!
•
A 40th Anniversary Commemorative Book is being assembled, which will be available on our parish feast day, Nov. 1,
2016.
•
Our finale of celebrations is an All Saints Gala occurring on Nov. 5, 2016. Watch the bulletin for details.
•
A gallery of All Saints picture memories is on display in the Kamel Life Center Hallway. We would love to scan any of your family pictures of special moments at All Saints for the 40th Anniversary Celebration. Please send photos to [email protected]
or contact Mignon Finch at the Kamel Life Center Desk 972-778-0350 or [email protected].
•
You can volunteer to become a member of the 40th Anniversary Team by contacting Kathy McDermott at
972-778-0328 or [email protected]. We meet twice a month and would love your expertise.
All
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page 3
A Look Back on Recent Events at All Saints
A
s we reach the closing weeks of summer, we have enjoyed both numerous celebrations and opportunities for
fellowship. From Fr. Tony’s 10th ordination anniversary and Fr. Paul’s return from sabbatical, to the Knights of
Columbus officer installations, to our youth receiving their first Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation,
and the community-wide event that was our All Saints Picnic, we have enjoyed sharing in a busy and faithful summer
season at All Saints!
The All Saints Picnic
First Communion
Confirmation
Students in the orchestra
Knights of Columbus officer installation
and awards
The ASCS Eighth-Grade Walk
Graduation
Graduation
Welcoming Fr. Paul after his sabbatical
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of
Fr. Tony’s ordination
Knights repair and paint
the bleachers
All
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page 4
All Saints Fall Festival Promises
Food, Fun and Fellowship
I
A variety of prizes, donated by our parishioners, await bids
in the silent auction.
Talented members of our parish perform
during the Fall Festival.
t’s just a month away – our All Saints Fall Festival that
guarantees “Food, Fun, And Fellowship” for all ages in
this, its 14th year!
If you haven’t done so yet, be sure to mark your calendar
for Saturday, Sept. 17, and Sunday, Sept. 18, and get ready to
enjoy two action-filled days with our parish community, all
while raising funds for our parish.
The Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday
hours are 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Matt Adams, one of the Festival Committee members,
guarantees there will be entertainment, food, games, a silent
and live auction, and the traditional Cake Walk.
“It’s the largest parish-wide event we have all year, as far
as participation of the parish,” Matt says. “It is a fundraiser,
but that’s not the principal reason for it. It gets everyone out
to enjoy each other’s company – usually the weather is nice
and you can watch the kids playing, enjoy the acts on stage,
and get out and socialize. There are a variety of opportunities
to get together. It’s noisy, it’s colorful – it’s great!”
When you come to the Fall Festival, be sure to arrive
ready to eat, because our fellow parishioners cook all the
food! Woody Berry’s mesquite smoked meats, a real crowdpleaser, again will be on the menu.
“Woody’s been cooking for the festival for several years,”
Matt says. “And we’ll have hamburgers, hot dogs and brats,
and there will be pizza. Soft drinks are the only thing that are
brought in as-is.”
If you fancy something sweet, enter the Cake Walk, when
you have the opportunity to win some delicious baked goods.
And if you enjoy singing, the All Saints Idol karaoke contest
will return on Sunday.
In addition, you can test your anti-gravity skills on the
climbing wall, a new feature this year.
But while you’re enjoying all the Fall Festival has to offer, you can be sure that 100 percent of the profits go back to
our parish. Last year, more than $55,000 was raised, and the
goal this year is more than $60,000. The funds will be used
continued on next page
All
Saints
page 5
All Saints Fall Festival continued from previous page
for the “Courtyard of Saints” that will be built in honor of our
parish’s 40th anniversary.
Planning began in February when the committee first
met, and since then work has been under way to line up
volunteers, sponsors and prizes. MacKenzie Triana is the
Festival Chair.
“During the year, we’ve had collections for toys given
out at the prize table,” Matt says. “A good percentage of the
prizes are donated by parishioners. This is great! We have
collections for the silent auction, such as wine, gift baskets,
and such. The parish does support us very, very well. But we
can use volunteers at the Festival.”
Last year, there were more than 700 volunteer hours
logged at the Festival. Students looking for community service hours can volunteer and have their time validated.
“It’s an act of stewardship for the parish,” Matt says.
“You’re giving back to the church and making things better.”
Volunteers are needed during the Festival to help serve
food, run the game booths, handling set up all day on Friday,
and tearing down on Sunday.
“Before it’s dark Sunday night, everything is all done and
packed up,” Matt says.
Matt became involved when he was asked about setting
up the sound system for the stage during the first festival in
2003, and he has been taking part ever since.
“I’m in charge of sound, and lights, and the nice technical
stuff,” he says. “I’ve been doing it since high school.”
Matt works behind the scenes on physical effects, such
as the light towers to make sure the night activities are
safely lit. He also works with an outside sound engineer for
the main stage.
“We make sure all is provided for what we need,” Matt says.
In the midst of all the fun, however, is the reason for
the Festival.
“People can come out to the Festival and see people who you
don’t regularly see,” Matt says. “You get to talk and meet people. I
know, being on the committee, I’ve met a whole lot of people I’ve
never met before. It’s always good for the community.
“Come out and support the parish, meet your fellow
parishioners,” Matt concludes. “These are friends you haven’t
met before.”
Live stage entertainment always draws
an appreciative audience.
Members of the Festival Committee gather in prayer
as the Festival begins.
If you would like to volunteer for the Fall Festival, please send an email to [email protected],
or log on www.allsaintsdallas.org/fall-festival.
All
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page 6
A New School Year: Helping Our
O
New Principal Dr. Laura McCorkle with her daughter.
All Saints has become a second family for parents, students
and teachers alike.
ur parish school has a saying, chanted by the
students each day in the gym: “Fly like an eagle
with the spirit of a saint.” These simple words capture the
heart of All Saints Catholic School, which aims not only
to prepare our children for modern society, but also, more
importantly, to form young saints.
“We focus on the whole child here – academically,
socially, physically, and spiritually,” says Dr. Laura McCorkle, our new Principal. “In a Catholic school, God
is literally part of everything that we do. Prayer is intermixed throughout the day, and we are able to constantly
pull in Catholic teaching.”
As an administrator, Dr. McCorkle appreciates being
able to combine academics with our Catholic faith, working to ensure that our children are prepared not only for
this life but also the next.
“Through our school, we are preparing and sustaining
the future of our Church,” Dr. McCorkle says. “We want
these children to continue in their Catholic faith beyond their
school years and to become leaders of our community.”
Of course, in today’s fast-paced world, this is only
possible if our school also continues to evolve and
improve. This is why Dr. McCorkle is excited about the
many changes that already have and will continue to take
place over the course of the new school year. From building clean-up and renovations, the addition of new faculty
members, and the creation of a mentor program for new
families, school faculty and parent volunteers have been
hard at work this summer to ensure the upcoming school
year’s success.
Other exciting news for the 2016-2017 school year
include the addition of a Spanish program for students
in the sixth through eighth grades, the revitalization of
our school liturgy program, and new leadership for the
Academic Competitions program. In this way, our school
continues to strive to meet the needs of each and every
student, helping them identify and cultivate their Godgiven gifts and talents.
All
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Children Soar to New Heights
“We are such a small community, that we can really
focus on the academic rigor and we can really concentrate our students,” Dr. McCorkle says. “When you have
such small classes, you can really get to know your students and their individual needs.”
With a total of 281 students enrolled, our school provides an intimate environment, becoming a second home
to students and their families. Over the years, says Dr.
McCorkle, this has formed a tight-knit community with
families who truly “rely upon one another,” especially
during times of suffering and loss.
“One of the best aspects of our school, is that it truly
is a family,” Dr. McCorkle says.
Refreshed by the summer months and ready for a new
academic year, All Saints teachers, staff, and administrators eagerly await their students, hoping to continue
inspiring our young people to soar to new heights. This
will begin with ice cream socials and meet-the-teacher
evenings – Aug. 10 for PreK and kindergarten, and Aug.
11 for first through eighth-graders), designed to help
teachers and students get acquainted with one another in
a laid-back atmosphere. The official beginning to school
year, however, will take place on Monday, Aug. 15, the
Feast of the Assumption, with an all-school Mass.
“We are excited to be able to begin our school year
with this feast day,” Dr. McCorkle says. “In addition to
starting off the academic year, it will also serve as our
commissioning Mass for the new eighth-graders.”
As the new school year gets underway, parishioners
are invited to pray for school faculty, parents and students.
The school is also always looking for new volunteers.
“We would love to see parishioners getting involved
by volunteering or simply attending school Masses or
athletic events,” Dr. McCorkle says. “By parishioners
taking part in our school community, they are showing
their support of what we are doing here – it also shows
that they believe in our school and ultimately the Catholic faith.”
If you would like more information
on our parish school, please consider
visiting the school website at http://
www.allsaintsdallas.org/education/
ascs_home. If you are interested in
getting more involved in the school
community, please contact Dr. Laura
McCorkle at 214-217-3300.
Focusing on the entire child, All Saints Catholic School aims to meet the
individual needs of each child.
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ADDISON, TX
5231 Meadowcreek Drive
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 661-9282
Weekend Liturgy:
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 7:45 a.m., 9:15 a.m.,
11:00 a.m.
LifeTeen Mass, 5:00 p.m.
Weekday Liturgy:
Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, 9:00 a.m.
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Faithful Education
between our two campuses. As a sign of strengthening this
connection, the Director of Advancement and Mission has
taken on a significant role in nurturing the union that exists
between the church and the school, having an office at both
locations. The All Saints Community welcomes Mr. Gabriel
Moreno to this vital post! In his previous role as Interim
Principal of Bishop Dunne Catholic School, Mr. Moreno
excelled in building community, a talent he now brings to
All Saints. He has already begun working closely with Dr.
McCorkle, School Advisory Council, Home School Association, and me to understand the marketing, communication,
and fundraising needs of All Saints Catholic School. Mr.
and Mrs. Moreno are expecting their first child in December and regularly attend Sunday mass here at our parish, so
please stop him after mass to say hello.
I am grateful for you, your support, and your prayers
as we set out upon the road of a new school year. There
is so much promise for our Blue Ribbon school and the
continued from front cover
authentically Catholic education which it strives to deliver.
But this worthy mission cannot succeed without the wide
support of our All Saints Community. Please pray that our
students are open to the gifts of God as they continue their
studies, for our teachers, that they will be truly blessed in
their service, and for those in leadership at our school, for
their wisdom and attentiveness to the movement of grace,
according the measure of faith that God has poured out so
generously and visibly in and through them.
Thank you and God bless you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Tony,
Your Pastor