SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGEL S EPISCOPAL CHURCH THE E V E OF THE NATI V IT Y OF OUR LOR D DECEMBER 24, 2025
10 PM TRADITIONAL CHURCH
MISSION & OUTREACH
Christmas Plate
At Saint Michael, we have a cherished tradition of giving 100% of our undesignated Christmas offerings to outreach efforts—locally, nationally, and internationally. This year, the Mission and Outreach Committee has chosen to support ministries that promote Family Stability, Security, and Safety. Your generous gifts will be shared among the following organizations:
Thank you for giving generously during this Christmas season.
SaintMichael.org/ChristmasGiving
A H C I M T N I SA
OurCalling
Provides safety, support, and individualized solutions to end homelessness in Dallas.
Episcopal Diocese of West Texas Disaster Relief Fund Offers aid to Texans impacted by the July 4th flooding.
Amistad for Families
Strengthens families to prevent child abandonment in Bolivia.
E C I V R E S F EL DAY O 1, 2026 1 IL R P A , Y A SATURD
All Parishioners, All Ages
Join us for a fun-filled, fast-paced day of giving back at Saint Michael where we will pack 50,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger! All ages are invited to help from 8:30 – 10 a.m., 9:30 – 11 a.m, or 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Enjoy music, meals, and the chance to make a real difference. Sign up online for this lively, impactful event! SAINTMICHAEL.ORG/DOS
Welcome to
SAINT MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people!’” – Luke 2:10
Welcome to Christmas at Saint Michael and All Angels! I am so glad you’ve joined us for worship. Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus— the greatest gift to us all! Together, we are called to become the good news of Jesus. We are called to become the hands and feet of God’s love in the world. We’d love to get to know you better, so please take a moment to fill out the welcome card, either physically or digitally, that can be found in the pew back in front of you. With God’s help, we can make the great promise of living a life of hope and love a reality. When we commit to one another in this church, the work we do at Saint Michael is more than good. The work we do at Saint Michael, the relationships we build, and the vision we carry bring us all closer to God’s kingdom on Earth, now. God’s promise is for you: God came to be with us and God walks with us each day. As we celebrate the beauty of Christmas and prepare to move into a new year, I invite you to take a moment and center yourself on God’s presence. In this new year, I pray renewed strength and energy upon you. I pray that our passion will spread, and that together, we will inspire our world. May God bless you today and every day, and I hope to see you again very soon! With the greatest hope,
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata Rector
We extend our gratitude to the hundreds of people who have given generously of themselves to make this Advent/Christmas season of Saint Michael and All Angels such a joy. We are grateful for those who have made special contributions for the adornment of church and chapels, in memory and/or in thanksgiving of their beloved.
The Eve of the Nativity of our Lord Holy Eucharist Rite I Incense will be used at this service. The music today is sponsored by the Campbell Music Fund at the All Angels Foundation.
The Word of God Prelude Puer natus est
Everett Titcomb
Adoration
Florence Price
Pastorale
Domenico Zippoli
The Holy Boy
John Ireland
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The Opening Acclamation and Collect for Purity (standing) Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. Celebrant
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Song of Praise (standing, sung by all) “Angels we have heard on high” Gloria
Hymn continues on the next page.
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The Collect for the Nativity of Our Lord (standing) Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And with thy spirit. Celebrant Let us pray. O God, who hast caused this holy night to shine with the illumination of the true Light: Grant us, we beseech thee, that as we have known the mystery of that Light upon earth, so may we also perfectly enjoy him in heaven; where with thee and the Holy Spirit he liveth and reigneth, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. The First Lesson (seated)
Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Chanted by the Choir to a psalm setting by Samuel K. Sweet.
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The Psalm (seated)
Psalm 96: 1-3, 6-8
Sing to the LORD a new song; * sing to the LORD, all the whole earth. Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; * proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations * and his wonders among all peoples. Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! * Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary! Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; * ascribe to the LORD honor and power. Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; * bring offerings and come into his courts. The Second Lesson (seated)
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Lector The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Sequence Hymn (standing, sung by all) “God rest you merry, gentlemen” God Rest You Merry
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The Gospel (standing) Gospeler People
Luke 2:1-20
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. Glory be to thee, O Lord.
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Gospeler
The Gospel of the Lord.
People
Praise be to thee, O Christ.
The Sermon (seated)
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The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
The Nicene Creed (standing) All We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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Parish Prayers of the People As of December 8, 2025
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James Albergo John Aldridge Roland Anderson Rami Angir Kathryn Anschutz Linda & Greg Austin Don Baty Larry Been Barbara Hart Bell Shirley Blackman Bob Buchanan Len Bourland Dianna Bowen Elise Broer Helen Bustamante Cosette “Coco” Cathey Carolyn Cochran Jean Coleman Carlos Cuellar Sonja Elliston Terese Finitzo Sande Wilkinson Ford Jean Fuller Curtis Green Forest Germany Jody Guenther Roberto Hernandez Josh Hight Earle Hill Barbara Hornback Charles Hosch Jack Hubbell Amanda Huerta Wade Hyde Ada Lynn Jones Lynne Kent John Khoury Trina Lake Danny Landeros Frank Lauinger Kenneth Lindh Tom Luce Leigh Ann McCartin Celia Smith McGrath Sarah Margaret Mannes Dimitri Margetis Janie Meyer Tink Moir John Morelock Heather Nemec John Oncken Bob Paddock
A Christmas Litany (standing) Celebrant Sisters and brothers, on this holy occasion when we celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord, let us pray for the peace, joy, hope, and strength offered by God’s Word made flesh: Lector People
For the Church, that it may faithfully and boldly proclaim to every human heart the Good News made known this Christmas that salvation has come to God’s holy people. Lord, empower your Church.
Lector
For peace in our troubled world, that every darkness of war,
People
injustice, persecution, and oppression may be cast out by the light shed into the world by the Prince of Peace. Lord, grant peace to all.
Lector People
For our families and all those, far and near, to whom we are bound by the love of Christ, that the bonds which unite us may be strengthened. Lord, build our love.
Lector
For all those in need, those whom we might otherwise forget at this joyous time: the homeless, the unemployed, the hungry, the sick, the grieving, those in prison, those caught by addictions, and all who know any great trial or sadness this
People Lector People Lector
People
Christmas. Lord, comfort them. For all who labor during this season on behalf of others: physicians, nurses, medical technicians, police officers, firefighters, the military, and all whose duty prevents them from sharing this holy time with those they love. Lord, sustain them. For all who have known the wonder of God’s presence in their earthly pilgrimages and who now live in larger life, remembering especially those in whose loving memory the church and chapels are adorned, that following their example we may remain faithful to the end of this earthly life and live forever in the light of Christ’s eternal glory. Lord, hear our prayers.
Celebrant Almighty Father, we rejoice in the coming of Christ our Lord. We pray that, as he has taken on our humanity, through your grace and goodness we may share in your divinity, and so partake in the radiance of your glory; through him who came down for us and is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Peace (standing) Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And with thy spirit.
Paul Rogers Celso Rocha Joe Sando Carl Shore Arden Showalter Brad Smith Chandler Wade Smith Dianne Smith Fadey Suleiman Byrd Teague Travion Waites John Wieden Jack Winlow Mary Wolf Hannah Wood
Announcements (please be seated)
The Holy Communion Offertory Anthem (sung by the Saint Michael Choir) Benedicamus Domino Procedenti puero Eya, nobis annus est! Virginis ex utero Gloria! Laudes! Deus homo factus est et immortalis. Sine viri semine Eya, nobis annus est! Natus est de virgine Gloria! Laudes! Deus homo factus est et immortalis. Sine viri copia Eya, nobis annus est! Natus est ex Maria Gloria! Laudes! Deus homo factus est et immortalis. In hoc festo determino Eya, nobis annus est! Benedicamus Domino! Gloria! Laudes! Deus homo factus est et immortalis. A boy comes forth, Eya, this is our time, From the womb of a virgin. Glory! Praise! God is made man and immortal.
Peter Warlock
Peter Warlock’s “Benedicamus Domino” is a vibrant choral miniature that blends early music influences with modern harmonic color. Written in 1927 for unaccompanied choir, the piece sets the traditional Latin text meaning “Let us bless the Lord.” Warlock combines lively rhythmic energy and clear contrapuntal writing reminiscent of Renaissance polyphony with distinctly 20th-century harmonies. Despite its brevity, the work displays clarity of texture, bold tonal shifts, and festive spirit, making it a choral favorite for its concise brilliance and exuberant character.
Anthem continues on the next page.
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Without the seed of a man Eya, this is our time, He is born of a virgin. Glory! Praise! God is made man and immortal. Without the means of a man, Eya, this is our time, He is born of Mary Glory! Praise! God is made man and immortal. On this appointed feast, Eya, this is our time, Let us bless the Lord. Glory! Praise! God is made man and immortal. - Poem from Sloane MS 2593 (time of Henry VI) Presentation Hymn (standing, sung by all) “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow” Old 100th
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The Great Thanksgiving: Eucharistic Prayer II (standing)
All baptized persons of any age regardless of their denomination and tradition are welcome to share in the banquet of the Lord’s Supper.
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God. Because thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost, was made very Man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother; that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become thy children. Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying, Sanctus (standing, sung by all) “Holy, holy, holy”
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Please kneel as you are able. All glory be to thee, O Lord our God, for that thou didst create heaven and earth, and didst make us in thine own image; and, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption. He made there a full and perfect sacrifice for the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again. At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it, or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.
For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks to thee, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.” Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, we thy people do celebrate and make, with these thy holy gifts which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; and looking for his coming again with power and great glory. And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us, and, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, to bless and sanctify these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be unto us the Body and Blood of thy dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ. And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, whereby we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies. Grant, we beseech thee, that all who partake of this Holy Communion may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction; and also that we and all thy whole Church may be made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord; By whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. AMEN.
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And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say, All
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread (sung by all) “Alleluia”
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
All are invited to come forward to the Communion rail at the direction of our ushers. Stand or kneel at the rail as you are able, and receive the wafer in the palm of your outstretched hands. If you desire a gluten-free wafer, clasp your hands in front of you with your palms down. Receive the wine by drinking from the chalice as it is offered to you, or by retaining the wafer, to dip lightly into the chalice for yourself. If you are not receiving, you may cross your arms over your chest and receive a blessing. If you are unable to physically come forward, please indicate to an usher that you would like to receive Communion at your seat.
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Communion Hymn (sung by all) “Away in a manger, no crib for his bed” Cradle Song
Communion Anthem (sung by the Saint Michael Choir) Written in 1984, John Rutter’s “Candlelight Carol” has quickly become a beloved modern Christmas anthem. With gentle melody and flowing harmonies, the piece invites listeners into the quiet intimacy of the nativity scene, focusing on Mary’s tender love for the Christ Child. Rutter’s gift for lyricism and warmth shines through, creating an atmosphere of peace and reflection. This carol continues to touch hearts with its simple beauty and message of light in the darkness.
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Candlelight Carol
John Rutter
How do you capture the wind on the water? How do you count all the stars in the sky? How can you measure the love of a mother, Or how can you write down a baby’s first cry? Candlelight, angel light, firelight and star-glow Shine on his cradle ‘til breaking of dawn Gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo! [Glory to God in the highest!] Angels are singing; the Christ child is born. Shepherds and wise men will kneel and adore him, Seraphim ‘round him, their vigil will keep; Nations proclaim him their Lord and their savior, But Mary will hold him and sing him to sleep. Candlelight, angel light, firelight and star-glow Shine on his cradle till breaking of dawn. Gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo! [Glory to God in the highest!] Angels are singing; the Christ child is born.
Find him at Bethlehem laid in a manger: Christ our redeemer asleep in the hay. Godhead incarnate and hope of salvation: A child with his mother that first Christmas Day. Candlelight, angel light, firelight and star-glow Shine on his cradle ‘til breaking of dawn Gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo! [Glory to God in the highest!] Angels are singing; the Christ child is born. - John Rutter (b. 1945) Post-Communion Hymn (kneeling, sung by all) “Silent night, holy night” Stille Nacht
Acolytes will light congregational candles for the singing of this hymn.
Congregational candles may be extinguished.
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The Post-Communion Prayer (kneeling, spoken by all) Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. The Blessing (kneeling) May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen. May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen. May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen. The Dismissal (standing) Minister People
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Let us go forth in the name of Christ. Thanks be to God.
Departing Procession (standing, sung by all) “Hark! the herald angels sing” Mendelssohn
Organ Postlude In dulci jubilo, BWV 729
Johann Sebastian Bach Please place the congregation candles in the baskets in the narthex of the church as you depart.
Hymn permission used by Rite Song, a one-time use reprint license for congregational use. Streamed with permission under ONE LICENSE # M - 402151.
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Annual Giving Campaign At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus — the greatest gift to us all. God calls us to become good news in the world, extending His love to our neighbors, our city, and beyond. When we commit to one another in this community, the work we do — the relationships we build, the hope we carry — brings us closer to God’s kingdom here and now. Your 2026 pledge helps us welcome new people, deepen ministries, and expand the ways we pray, learn, serve, and give. A pledge of any size is a meaningful step of generosity and discipleship. If you haven’t made your pledge, we invite you to do so this Christmas, as an expression of gratitude and faith.
JOIN US!
MAKE YOUR 2026 PLEDGE TODAY Scan the QR code below or visit saintmichael.org/stewardship. 214.365.3503 | giving@saintmichael.org
WOMEN OF SAINT MICHAEL 2026 GALA & FUNDRAISER
AND
Sunday, January 18 | 4 p.m. in the Church A special evening of music and lesson readings: the Contemporary and Traditional music departments will perform selections of Epiphany hymns and original arrangements to observe the Light of the World given to all.
FEBRUARY 6, 2026 at 6:30 PM FAIRMONT HOTEL 1717 N Akard St, Dallas, TX PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
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February 18 7 AM | Saint Michael Chapel Ash Wednesday Liturgy
Alpha Course Tuesdays, March 31 – May 19
12 PM | Church Ash Wednesday with Holy Communion 12:30 PM | Preston Center Ashes To-Go
6:30 p.m. | Youth Center Led by the Rev. Ken Brannon and Justin Brooks
5 PM | Saint Michael Chapel Joy! Ash Wednesday Family Service
Whether you’re new to faith or grew up in the church, join us for dinner, learning, and small-group conversation as we explore the heart of the Christian faith.
7 PM | Church Ash Wednesday with Holy Communion
Join the conversation. Scan to sign up.
Year-End Giving
Gifts must be received no later than 12/31/25 for 2025 tax deduction eligibility.
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Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 8011 Douglas Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75225 | 214.363.5471 saintmichael.org | @smaadallas