St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish Grand Prairie, Texas
Gospel Meditations
January 11, 2026
The Baptism of the Lord
Matthew 3:13-17
Apple ran a commercial not long ago called “Behind the Mac – Greatness.” It shows artists and creators, such as Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Lady Gaga, working behind their MacBooks. The narration says, “There’s a certain kind of person who doesn’t wait for greatness. They make it.” It’s a compelling message. There’s beauty in using our gifts with passion and purpose. But there lies a hidden weight in that idea: If you are what you make, what happens when you can’t anymore? When the project fails, the passion fades, or the spotlight moves on, where is greatness then?
Today’s Gospel offers a differing vision of greatness. Jesus steps into the Jordan River. He hasn’t preached, healed, or performed a single miracle. Then the heavens open, and the Father speaks: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” It’s not a reward for success. It’s not earned. Before he does anything “great,” Jesus receives the greatness of his identity from the Father.
And so do you. At your baptism, God said the same thing over you: “You are my beloved.” That is your true identity, not constructed or earned but received. When we see ourselves and others this way, everything changes for the better. We discover a greatness that can never be taken away.
This week, reflect on your baptism: look up the date, thank God for it, pray for those baptized with you, or visit the church where it happened. Let your identity be rooted there.
— Father John Muir
©LPi
11 de enero de 2026
EL Bautismo del Señor
Mateo 3:13-17
Las lecturas de hoy nos presentan al prometido por Dios desde el Antiguo Testamento. Al ser bautizado por Juan, Jesús asume su misión pública, nada fácil, por cierto. Sin embargo, no está solo. El Espíritu Santo lo acompañará a lo largo de su vida y misión. “En ese momento se abrieron los cielos y vio al Espíritu de Dios que bajaba como una paloma y se posaba sobre él. Al mismo tiempo, se oyó una voz del cielo que decía: ‘Este es mi Hijo, el Amado; en él me complazco”. (Mateo 3:16-17). La liturgia de este domingo nos invita a descubrir la magnitud de nuestro bautismo. Desde ese día, el Espíritu Santo nos acompaña y guía en cada momento de nuestra vida. Solo basta con dejarlo actuar, y hará maravillas en nosotros. ¿Sabes la fecha y el día de tu bautismo? ¿Conoces el nombre del sacerdote que te dio el sacramento?
“Los bautizados se han revestido de Cristo” (Gálatas 3:27). “Por el Espíritu Santo, el bautismo es un baño que purifica, santifica y justifica” (Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, #1227).
Gracias, Señor, por amarnos tanto, porque por nuestro bautismo nos acogiste y abrazaste en tus brazos, y nos manifestaste ante la comunidad para formar parte de la familia cristiana. Todos somos hijos e hijas de Dios por el bautismo. Desde su bautismo, Jesús pasó haciendo el bien durante su vida terrena. Por lo tanto, nuestro compromiso como bautizados debe ser el mismo: ¡hacer el bien!
©LPi
PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Please note that our Christmas decorations will be taken down next week. If you placed a family ornament on the parish Christmas tree, we invite you to retrieve it during this time. Thank you for helping us keep this tradition alive.
Volunteers Needed for Masses- Audio & Visual Techs
Can you click a button or push a slider? The Tech Team needs you! Every Mass needs volunteers to run the slides or run the sound system. The person would need to arrive 30 - 45 minutes before Mass to setup the slides and the sound equipment for their Mass to not interfere with the Rosary; then put the sound equipment back into the basic setup after Mass. There is mandatory training for new and existing tech team, music directors and Sacristans especially those who serve the daily Masses on either Sunday, Feb 1 at 3:00pm or Thursday, Feb 5th at 6:45pm.
For questions please see our Music Director Lori Tassin after Mass or email her at musicandliturgy@stmichaelgptx.org
Blessing of Candles on Candlemas
On February 2nd the Church celebrates the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, also known as Candlemas. To join in this celebration and tradition, we will have a blessing of candles at all weekend Masses January 31 and February 1. We invite you to bring your devotional and prayer candles to be blessed.
Adult Bible Study
Saint Paul reminds us in Romans 10:17 that “faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preaching of Christ.” Join us as we hear God’s Word proclaimed in Scripture and listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. This welcoming and engaging Adult Bible Study is a wonderful opportunity to grow in faith, ask questions, and build community with fellow parishioners. We meet every Thursday at 7:00 PM in Mazaika Hall, and all adults are invited to attend.
DCYC
Middle and high school students are invited to attend the Dallas Catholic Youth Conference (DCYC) on February 13–15. This exciting weekend of prayer, community, and worship brings together teens from across the Catholic Diocese of Dallas and beyond. Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus through powerful speakers, high-energy praise and worship music, vibrant liturgies, recreation, Reconciliation, and Adoration. For more information or to sign up, please contact our Youth Director, Kaleb Trojacek, at kaleb@stmichaelgptx.org.
Faith Formation Registrations for 2026-2027
Our Faith Formation department will begin accepting 2026-2027 registrations for Faith Formation classes after all weekend Masses on February 21 & 22, 2026. This will be the first of three in-person Weekend registrations. Registrations forms will also be accepted during office hours. Payment is due at the time of registration. Faith Formation Fees for the 2026-2027 academic year are as follows:
Eucharist I, Confirmation I: $100
Eucharist II & Confirmation I w/ First Eucharist: $140 (includes retreat fees)
Confirmation II: $180 (includes retreat fees)
New OCIA Students: $140 (Kids) | $180 (Teens)
Continuing OCIA Students: $80
Mystagogy (Post-Sacramental Classes): $80
Nuestro Departamento de Formación en la Fe comenzará a aceptar inscripciones para las clases de Formación en la Fe del ciclo 2026–2027 después de todas las Misas dominicales el día 21 y 22 de febrero 2026. Esta será la primera de tres inscripciones presenciales que se llevarán a cabo en domingo. Los formularios de inscripción también se aceptarán durante el horario de oficina. El pago debe realizarse al momento de la inscripción. Las cuotas de Formación en la Fe para el año académico 2026–2027 son las siguientes:
Eucaristía I, Confirmación I: $100
Eucaristía II y Confirmación I con Primera Eucaristía: $140 (incluye cuota de retiro)
Confirmación II: $180 (incluye cuota de retiro)
Nuevos estudiantes de OCIA: $140 (Niños) | $180 (Jóvenes)
Estudiantes de OCIA que continúan: $80
Mistagogía (Formación Post-Sacramental): $80
