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Saint Michael and All Angels
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CONNECTING THROUGH THE DISTANCE by Rector Chris Girata

CONNECTING THROUGH THE DISTANCE was published in the Katy Trail Weekly, "The Good Word" Column, March 27, 2020
Chris Girata is the Rector of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas, TX.


For many of us, we have experienced the first full week of social distancing. We have each walked through numerous changes and cancellations in so many areas of our lives, both big and small. These changes can be frustrating, disappointing and even heartbreaking. It seems like most people are reaching to understand an uncertain future, but we simply can’t predict what tomorrow holds.

Instead of trying to make plans when plans are hard to make, perhaps we can try to become more comfortable with uncertainty. Faith calls us away from certainty and predictability and into a state of trust. We are called to trust in God, to trust in one another and to trust in the power of love. As for me, I’m going to stay in my lane, so to speak, and offer some thoughts about how to be faithful in an ever-changing world.

... perhaps we can try to become more comfortable with uncertainty.

First, I ask you to continue supporting our leaders. When you can, pass along notes of gratitude and kudos to the people in your life who are hustling to do whatever they can to support our community. We will likely never know the full extent of their efforts, but we can certainly keep them in good spirits by praising them whenever we can.

Second, take care of one another. So much work is being done on behalf of the most vulnerable in our community. Non-profits are struggling to keep up with demand, however, their good work is our work, too! Make phone calls, write notes, and have video chats with people you know need help. The needs in our community do not stop just because of the virus, and neither should our thoughtful, safe service. Little moments that safely connect us keep our own spirits up.

Third, check in with your neighbors. Far too many people feel disconnected and isolated from the world. Even when we are physically isolated, we do not have to be alone. Each of us are also surrounded by neighbors who need us. Please be aware of them, safely check in on them and remind them that help is not far away.

We are part of a beautiful world and we can contribute to its beauty.

Lastly, I invite you to rest in the peace of knowing that you are not in charge. There is more information at our fingertips than can be absorbed and it’s easy to drown. Instead, please take care of yourself. Every religion in the world makes sacred rest or sabbath a part of their tradition for a very important reason: we need a break from the trials of our world. When the pressure of the world seems to weigh you down, pause, take a deep breath, and rest in the truth that God’s love surrounds you on all sides. God’s presence can be healing, and we all need a little healing these days.

No matter what you hear, we will have a future beyond the pressures of today. I know it’s easy to be weighed down with details today, but I encourage you to lift your head up regularly and remember that tomorrow holds great hope. We are part of a beautiful world and we can contribute to its beauty. This week, take time to be grateful, take time to show love and take time to remember to hope for what tomorrow will bring.

"The Good Word" Column is published bi-weekly, and can be picked up at the Saint Michael South Entrance.


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Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
8011 Douglas Ave
Dallas, TX 75225
(214) 363-5471

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Sunday Services:

7:30 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite I) in Saint Michael Chapel
9 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite II) in the Church
9 a.m. Joy: A Children’s Service in Saint Michael Chapel
11 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite I) in the Church
11 a.m. Contemporary Rite II Service in the Parish Hall
5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer and Eucharist Rite I in Saint Michael Chapel
8 p.m. Compline in the Church

Saturday Services

8:30 a.m. Eucharist in Bishop Moore Chapel
5:30 p.m. Candlelight Mass in Saint Michael Chapel

Weekday Services:

7 a.m. M/W/F: Morning Prayer in Bishop Moore Chapel
7 a.m. T/Th: Holy Eucharist (Rite I or II) in Bishop Moore Chapel
10 a.m. Wed.: Healing Service in Bishop Moore Chapel

Service Descriptions and Schedules

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Saint Michael Episcopal School
St. Michael's Woman's Exchange
Saint Michael Book Shop
Saint Michael's Farmers Market
Jubilee Park Community Center
The Saint Michael Foundation

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Saint Michael and All Angels is a member parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. We practice The Way of Love as members of The Episcopal Church.

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Service Times

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Sunday Services:
9 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite II)
11 a.m. Contemporary Rite II Service
8 p.m. Compline

More about services at Saint Michael and All Angels here.

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Saint Michael and All Angels
8011 Douglas Ave
Dallas, TX 75225

Contact Us
(214) 363-5471

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Welcome Children Service Times Getting Here & Campus Map Membership

Welcome! | Saint Michael and All Angels is a community of passionate people seeking to follow Jesus in a meaningful way that impacts both our own lives and that of the community around us. We are blessed with our parish home and so glad to share it with you. If you find yourself in Dallas, we would love to have you join us for worship!

- The Reverend Dr. Chris Girata, Rector

Welcome to Children and Family Ministry!

Our team in Children and Family Ministry provides children, ages 0 – 5th grade, and their parents with the tools they need to become faithful disciples of Christ. We achieve this through fun and interactive programming that allows children and families to explore their faith together.

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Sunday Services:
7:30 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite I) in Saint Michael Chapel
9 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite II) in the Church
9 a.m. Joy: A Children’s Service in Saint Michael Chapel
11 a.m. Traditional Service (Rite I) in the Church
11 a.m. Contemporary Rite II Service in the Parish Hall
5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer and Eucharist Rite I in Saint Michael Chapel
8 p.m. Compline in the Church
Saturday Services:
8:30 a.m. Eucharist in Bishop Moore Chapel
5:30 p.m. Candlelight Mass in Saint Michael Chapel
Weekday Services:
7 a.m. M/W/F: Morning Prayer in Bishop Moore Chapel
7 a.m. T/Th: Holy Eucharist (Rite I or II) in Bishop Moore Chapel
10 a.m. Wed.: Healing Service in Bishop Moore Chapel
Click here for service descriptions and more info

We are located just south of Northwest Highway off of Douglas Ave. at Colgate Ave. Via Northbound Tollroad: Exit Lovers Ln, continue straight on Lomo Alto a few blocks to Colgate. Church is on your right. Via Southbound Tollroad: Exit Northwest Hwy, turn left to Douglas Ave. Turn R on Douglas and church is a few blocks down on your right. Via US 75: Exit Northwest Hwy and go west to Douglas Ave. Turn R on Douglas and church is a few blocks down on your right.

Maps & Directions

If you are new to Saint Michael, curious about the path to membership, or simply want to learn more about life at our parish community, we invite you to join us for two different class events we have throughout the year: "Saint Michael 101" is an introduction to life here at SMAA, and "Episcopal Christians", where we explore what it means to walk as a Christian in the Episcopal tradition, discussing topics like our Anglican heritage, worship, the Bible and formation etc.

Saint Michael 101 Episcopal Christians
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Flowers in our holy worship spaces are a beautiful gift to God and those who attend services at Saint Michael as well as those being honored or remembered. A contribution to the Flower Fund is a meaningful way to honor or remember a loved one for special life events such as birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms, confirmations, thanksgivings, or in memory of a loved one.

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