Home - Catholic Diocese of Dallas

Priests Convocation

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:23:56 -0500

Please keep Bishop Farrell and the priests of the Diocese of Dallas in your prayers, June 3-6 as they gather for the 2013 Convocation of Priests which gives them a time for to pray, to reflect upon their priestly ministry, to discuss important issues and to be rejuvenated so that they may better serve the people of Dallas.

Statement Regarding the Decision Made by the Boy Scouts of America

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:15:26 -0500

Catholic churches throughout the Diocese of Dallas have long enjoyed strong collaborations with the councils of the Boy Scouts of America. The diocese will now study the decision handed down by Boy Scouts� national leadership to determine whether churches in the diocese can continue to host and charter Boy Scout troops when the new policy goes into effect on January 1, 2014.

Special Mass for Persons with Disabilities and Caregivers on June 22nd

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:10:26 -0500

The Most Reverend J. Douglas Deshotel, Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, will be celebrating a special Mass for persons with disabilities and their caregivers on Saturday, June 22nd, at 5:00 PM. This Mass will be immediately followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.

How to help those affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:21:06 -0500

Lend a hand to the victims of Oklahoma's recent tornadoes. The disaster relief team from Catholic Charities of Oklahoma is in the impacted communities providing counseling, emergency assistance and case-management to those who have been displaced by tornadoes.

Pentecost Sunday

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:38:47 -0500

If, in a certain sense, all the liturgical solemnities of the Church are important, Pentecost is uniquely so. This is because, having reached the 50th day, it marks the fulfillment of the event of the passover, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus through the gift of the Spirit of the Risen One.

The Name, Titles, and Symbols of the Holy Spirit

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:27:41 -0500

As we head towards Pentecost Sunday, learn about the different titles and symbolism of the Holy Spirit from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

What is the Ascension?

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:17:31 -0500

This Sunday, the Catholic Diocese of Dallas will celebrate the Ascension of the Lord (transferred). On the Feast of the Ascension, the church celebrates the return of Christ to the Father, his physical body leaving the earth behind. In John�s Gospel, Jesus makes it clear that his return to the Father is necessary so that the Holy Spirit can be given to his disciples.

Bishop Seitz to Lead Diocese of El Paso: Installation Set for July 9th

Mon, 06 May 2013 05:55:20 -0500

Pope Francis has named Catholic Diocese of Dallas auxiliary bishop, the Most Reverend Mark J. Seitz, to serve as the new Bishop of El Paso. Bishop Seitz will be installed as the Bishop of El Paso by His Excellency, Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S., Archbishop of San Antonio on Tuesday, July 9th at 7 p.m. at the El Paso Civic Center.

Pope, Diocese respond to West tragedy

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:31:53 -0500

Bishop Farrell asks all in the Diocese of Dallas to please continue to pray for the community of West. Learn how you can help those affected by this heartbreaking event.

Prayers for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:18:38 -0500

Bishop Kevin Farrell asks all people to pray for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing.

Questions and Answers Regarding the Catholic Church�s Position on Immigration

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:29:05 -0500

The Catholic Church believes that the current U.S. immigration system is broken and needs to be reformed in all aspects, or, comprehensively. The Church has taken a position on immigration because, besides being an economic, social, and legal issue, it is also a humanitarian one, and, ultimately has moral implications. Read more about the Church's stand on immigration and immigration reform.

Meekness sows harmony in church; gossip sows division, pope says

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:43:31 -0500

Christians need to recover the value of meekness, particularly when they are tempted to speak ill of one another or gossip about each other, Pope Francis said April 9 during his early morning Mass.

Cathedral Guadalupe to offer new English language Mass for Young Professionals

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:51:14 -0500

Starting on Sunday, April 7th, Cathedral Guadalupe in downtown Dallas will be offering a 5:30 p.m. English language Mass for young professionals who live and work in the Downtown/Uptown areas of Dallas.

Spring 2013 Theology on Tap Schedule - Journeys in Faith

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:03:55 -0500

Theology on Tap is a speaker series for young adults in their 20s and 30s, married and single. It provides an opportunity to mingle, listen to expert speakers, engage in conversation, and gain new insights into the Catholic faith.

Confession: It puts you straight with everyone

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:52:02 -0500

During this penitential season of Lent, the Catholic Diocese of Dallas is offering another opportunity for all to participate in the Sacrament of Reconcilation. On May 27th, every parish in the diocese will have the Sacrament of Reconcilation available. Confession has very tangible benefits - here are ten of them.

Coat of Arms selected for Pope Francis

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:23:20 -0500

Crests or coats-of-arms tell about the history of a place or a family. Learn about the Coat of Arms selected by Pope Francis, as well as the symbolism behind the Coat of Arms of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas and the bishops of Dallas.

Homily for inaugural Mass of Petrine Ministry

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:46:48 -0500

Read the text of the homily of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, at the Inauguration of his Papal Ministry.

Habemus Papam!

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:15:22 -0500

O God, Shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,Look favorably on your servant Pope Francis I, whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd; grant, we pray, that, by word and example, he may be of service to those over whom he presides so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care, he may come to everlasting life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

VIDEO: Bishop Kevin Farrell talks about the Papal Conclave on Fox 4 Dallas

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:02:02 -0500

Catholic Diocese of Dallas Bishop Kevin Farrell joined Tim Ryan at Fox 4 Dallas this morning to discuss the Papal Conclave and the selection of the new Pope.

VIDEO: History of the Stations of the Cross devotion

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:17:02 -0600

Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, TX presents "Living Stations of the Cross" on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. The event is open to the public and will be followed by reception. To learn more about the Stations of the Cross, an ancient Christian devotion, please watch this video by Holy Trinity Seminary.

Two Diocese of Dallas Seminarians instituted as Acolytes by Pontifical North American College

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:53:31 -0600

On Sunday, 3 March 2013, sixty-two seminarians of the Pontifical North American College were instituted to the ministry of acolyte during a celebration of the Eucharist. Paul Bechter and Emmett Hall of the Diocese of Dallas who are in their second year of theological studies, were among those seminarians instituted.

Homily for Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Benedict XVI - Bishop Doug Deshotel

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:49:21 -0600

Auxiliary Bishop Doug Deshotel of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas delivered the homily for the Mass of Thanksgiving for Pope Benedict XVI on Benedict's last day as Sovereign Pontiff, February 28th, 2013. The video and transcript of that homily are available here.

Bishop�s Awards for Service to the Church

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:32:38 -0600

Bishop Kevin J. Farrell presented the second annual Bishop�s Awards for Service to the Church to 139 lay men and women during a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe on February 23.

Vicar for Clergy Named New Monsignor

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:10:53 -0600

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Father Greg Kelly, Vicar of Clergy for the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, as a Chaplain to His Holiness effective February 1. Father Greg will now have the title of Monsignor.

Prayers for Pope Benedict XVI and for the Papal Transition

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:03:42 -0600

Please continue to keep Pope Benedict XVI and the Consistory of Cardinals in your prayers, that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit. The Secretariat of Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has prepared these liturgical and musical resources to assist parishes and other groups to pray for Pope Benedict XVI, to give thanks for his pontificate, and to pray for the Church as we look to the future and the election of a new Pope.

VIDEO: Bishop Kevin Farrell talks about the election of the next Pope

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:58:02 -0600

Bishop Kevin Farrell from the Catholic Diocese of Dallas spoke with Cynthia Izaguirre for more perspective and what's to come with the election of the next Pope.

VIDEO: Bishop Kevin Farrell's message for Ash Wednesday 2013

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:33:37 -0600

"Repent and believe in the gospel" - that is the mission of Lent. Lent is not only a time for repentance, but it is also a time for us to look at how we live our Catholic faith. During this Year of Faith, Bishop Kevin Farrell invites us to spend time in union with God through the scriptures, listening to the word of God and asking ourselves, What is that God is asking us to do this day?

Pope Benedict XVI announces his resignation at end of month - Full Announcement

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:19:35 -0600

Pope Benedict XVI on Monday said he plans on resigning the papal office on February 28th.

Pope Benedict XVI Resigns - Press Conference with Bishop Kevin Farrell

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 07:48:41 -0600

In light of the resignation of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, from the Papacy of the Roman Catholic Church, Bishop Kevin Farrell spoke at a press conference at the Catholic Diocese of Dallas headquarters at 10:00 AM this morning. A video of the livestream for the press conference is now available.

HHS Proposal Falls Short In Meeting Church Concerns

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:53:19 -0600

The Feb. 1 Notice of Proposed Rulemakingfrom the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services related to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) shows some movement by the Administration but falls short of addressing U.S. bishops' concerns.

Living Simply: A Lasting and Fulfilling Way of Life

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:18:43 -0600

The season of Lent is an opportunity to find ways to simplify our lives so that Christ can more easily enter our hearts. As we celebrate National Marriage Week and prepare for Lent, consider ways to simplify your life in pursuit of a stronger marriage and growth in holiness during Lent this year.

National Marriage Week - February 7-14

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:15:07 -0600

National Marriage Week, now in its fourth year, is a collaborative effort to promote marriage as a benefit to husbands, wives and the community, as well as the best environment in which to raise children.

Essay Contest Highlights Evangelization Initiative; Observes African-American History Month

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:42:27 -0600

In observance of African-American History Month, the Catholic Diocese of Dallas is sponsoring an essay contest, offering some students a unique opportunity to give their input on �Why Black Catholics Should Return to the Catholic Church.� The contest will highlight the Diocese�s annual �Come Home� initiative, which will culminate in a major community event to be held at Bishop Dunne Catholic School�s Orender Family Athletic Complex, on Saturday, April 13, 2013, from 2-4 p.m.

Pope's Lenten message 2013: Believing in charity calls forth charity

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:06:41 -0600

With less than two weeks to Ash Wednesday, Pope Benedict XVI has concentrated his reflections for the 40 days of prayer, penance and almsgiving to "the indissoluble interrelation" between faith and charity.

Michael T. Weis appointed as USCCB Chairperson of Accounting Practices Committee

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:46:16 -0600

The Chief Financial Officer for the Catholic Diocese of Dallas, Michael T. Weis, has been appointed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to a 3 year term as Chairperson of its Accounting Practices Committee, after election by the committee.

USCCB Chair Calls Senate Immigration Framework Important First Step, Seeks Bipartisan Cooperation For Just, Humane Legislation

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:58:40 -0600

Archbishop Jos� H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration, welcomed principles set forth by a group of eight U.S. Senators as a blueprint for reform of our nation's immigration system.

Living Sunday as the Lord's day

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 12:20:02 -0600

�What does Sunday, the day of the Lord, mean for us? It is a day for rest and for family, but first of all a day for Him.� - Pope Benedict XVI Sunday is a propitious day for people to entrust themselves, their prayers and intentions to the Lord, because on Sunday, through the Eucharist and living to His life-giving Word, we have a direct channel of communication to the Lord.

Homily for Closing Mass of National Prayer Vigil for Life 2013

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:42:57 -0600

Bishop Kevin Farrell delivered the closing homily for the National Prayer Vigil for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. We have the text of Bishop Farrell's homily available in both English and Spanish as well as an interview of Bishop Farrell from Vatican Radio.

A Reflection on Lenten Fasting

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:46:59 -0600

How did fasting become such an important means of preparing for the Eucharist and of learning virtue through self-discipline? Christian fasting is revealed in an interdependence between two events in the Bible:the "breaking of the fast" by Adam and Eve; and the "keeping of the fast" by Christ at the beginning of his ministry.

Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord - January 6th

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:43:03 -0600

With the Magi, humanity�s pilgrimage to Jesus Christ begins � to the God who was born in a stable, who died on the Cross and who, having risen from the dead, remains with us always, until the consummation of the world.

Vatican II Where are You? Who stole my Church?

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:22:59 -0600

Recently a priest friend asked �Vatican II where are you?� He was expressing disappointment and frustration over his feelings that the bright promise that the council would bring about a �true� aggiornamento had been dissipated, the windows opened by Pope John XXIII slammed shut and the Church again filled with musty air. On the other hand many of my contemporaries are bemoaning the fact that �the council stole my church.� Both comments are sincere expressions from good people. So what is the answer? Where is Vatican II and has the church I grew up in been stolen?

New Year�s Resolutions For Couples

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 15:54:02 -0600

What can you do for your marriage in 2013? Try making a New Year�s resolution to improve your relationship. Here are some ideas to get started.

January 1st - The Solemnity of Mary (Holy Day of Obligation)

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:50:23 -0600

On New Year's Day, the octave day of Christmas, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Holy Mother of God, which is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics in the United States. Learn more about this Holy Day, as well as prayers honoring this first day of the new year and the mother of our Lord.

Call to Prayer for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 14:31:27 -0600

The U.S. bishops have approved a pastoral strategy to advance a Movement for Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty. It is essentially a call to prayer, penance, and sacrifice for the sake of renewing a culture of life, marriage, and religious liberty in our country.

Pastoral Letter on the Year of Faith

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:50:52 -0600

In observance of the Year of Faith as decreed by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, Bishop Kevin J. Farrell has written a Pastoral Letter entitled The Mystery of Faith. Every parish is receiving a copy of the Pastoral Letter in booklet form. You may read it here in its digital format in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Bishop Kevin Farrell has a new Spanish-Language Twitter

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:35:38 -0600

Bishop Kevin Farrell continues to embrace social media to share the message of Jesus Christ in both English and Spanish. And now, Bishop Farrell is the only bishop in the US with a dedicated Spanish-language Twitter feed. El Obispo Kevin Farrell contin�a utilizando los nuevos medios de comunicaci�n social para compartir el mensaje de Jesucristo en ingl�s y espa�ol. El Obispo Farrell es, hasta este momento, el �nico obispo en los Estados Unidos con un twitter dedicado a seguidores de habla hispana.

Our Lady of Guadalupe / Nuestra Se�ora de Guadalupe

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 10:53:15 -0600

Today we celebrate the feast of the Patron of the Americas, Our Lady of Guadalupe (Nuestra Se�ora de Guadalupe). Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe in downtown Dallas will be celebrating eight Masses today to honor our Blessed Mother. Find the schedule for the Cathedral and learn more about this feast day. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

Readiness to Come Home

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:20:47 -0600

I hope you are compiling in your mind the list of those you will invite back to the Church this Christmas. How dearly God would like to bring them back! How happy we would be to welcome them in His Name!

Finding Christ During Advent

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:14:35 -0600

The problem of Advent is its way of rushing by. In what can seem just the blinking of an eye, Advent�s weeks are completed; Christmas arrives.

Matthew Kramer named President, CEO of the Catholic Foundation

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:39:52 -0600

Bishop Kevin Farrell and the staff of of the Pastoral Center at the Catholic Diocese of Dallas congratulate Matt Kramer in his role as the new President and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. Kramer, a longtime corporate executive in Dallas, will succeed current president and CEO Ed Schaffler who will retire at the end of 2012.