MBS Church History
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Articles on MBS Clergy!
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Most Blessed Sacrament Church was formally established in Arlington, Texas on August 16,1978. The first Mass was celebrated October 15, 1978 in Moore's Funeral Home Chapel, 1219 North Davis Drive, and services were held there until construction of the present church building was completed. Reverend James Gillespie served as pastor until he retired in the summer of 1981. Rev. Msgr. Hubert J. Neu was pastor from April, 1981 until 1996. He was here during the construction phase of the main church building that was completed in 1982 and the multi-purpose addition (Parish Hall including education/administration areas) completed in 1991. Father Joseph S. Scantlin served as pastor from 1996 until 2016. He was here during the construction phase of the 30,000 square foot Family Life Center including the Adult Education Center, Youth Room, several classrooms and a second kitchen completed in 2003. The installation of our new Baptismal font in our sanctuary was completed in March of 2005. He oversaw the renovation and construction of the new 3000 + square foot chapel completed in May 2011. Father Joe was honored at an evening prayer ceremony, presided by Bishop Kevin Vann, with the ecclesiastical name of Reverend Monsignor Joseph S. Scantlin on June 15, 2008. He continues to preside over Mass as needed as Priest in Residence. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Pemberton began as Pastor here in 2016 and currently leads this community of faith.
Past associate pastors have included Rev. Christopher Davis, O.S.B., Rev. James Lo Presto,S.D.S., Rev. Ivor Koch, Rev. Joseph Tu and Rev. Gary Geurtz. Past deacons have been Deacon Ed Bowden, Deacon Frank Eschbach and Deacon Jim Blackmore. Deacon Michael Krempp has been serving since October 2007. Deacon Willy Montano has been serving since October 2014.Deacon Joe Ramos has been serving since January 2020..
Several seminarians received their "in service" training here as their final steps to the priesthood including Stanley Hadsell (1983) Ivor Koch (1984) John Gremmels (1988-91) and John Robert Skeldon (1998-99). All were ordained to the priesthood.
Our initial parish website design was provided in 2002 to the Liturgy Committee by a former parishioner Warren Mitchell. The website was approved by the Pastoral Council and launched in July 2003. Photo galleries and several links to parish, community, national, and international groups were added since then. Terry Johnson, a parishioner, helped maintain the website for the following 10 years. Many parishioners contribute information for our website and it is very much appreciated. The current design is supported by eCatholic.com and continues to be maintained by Terry Johnson and Nancy Hollis, Most Blessed Sacrament Church Business Manager.Most Blessed Sacrament parish continues as an ever growing Catholic community of people with diverse backgrounds committed to live the Gospel by word, prayer, and example, to serve the spiritual needs of all and to offer support to one another as an extended family.
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Wall Mosaic Artwork
A circle, as the symbol of God and God's unending love, is used as the central theme or focus of the design. The circle is overlaid by:- A chalice and paten
- Two off-center overlapping circles: one with shapes like loaves, the other a wine color with grape clusterings - representing the elements of the sacraments: other symbolism includes Thanksgiving = Eucharist, hospitality, harvest.
- This is encircled by a ring of wheat and vines, again the elements of the sacrament.
- The outer circles are radiating to symbolize the light of God.
The large irregular geometric shapes are to represent the world of man, which is fragmented and disconnected.
The extended shafts from the central symbol are meant to symbolize the light of God, which can penetrate the world of man. At the ends of these shafts, there are lightly incised patterns of wheat and grapes to continue the symbolism and carry it into the areas representing man's world. -
Stained Glass Windows
The Stained Glass Windows that are found on the north and south walls of the Sanctuary building were added in 1986.
The north wall depicts Old Testament references to sacrifice. Standing inside the building looking north at the windows from left to right (west to east), the windows appear as shown below.....
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The south wall depicts New Testament references to the perfect sacrifice: Jesus. Standing inside the building looking south at the windows from left to right (east to west), the windows appear as shown below.....
Presentation
Loaves and Fish
Last Supper
Passion/Death
Resurrection
Lamb of Glory
The Large Stained Glass Window behind the Altar depicts the Holy Spirit. The descending dove is the most obvious symbol of the Holy Spirit. The tongues of fire represent Pentecost and Confirmation. The sun, moon, and stars represent the role of the Spirit in creation. The Star of Bethlehem, over the City of Bethlehem, represents the Spirit's role in the Incarnation. Water is the Symbol of Baptism and the rays represent God reaching out to humanity.
West Wall Stained Glass window
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The MBS Parish Website Beginning...
The MBS Parish website is dedicated to and in memory of Warren Mitchell, a parishioner of Most Blessed Sacrament, who started the website and communication efforts of this parish. He was driven and passionate about making this reality come true for the parish that he and his family loved and participated in. No words are adequate for expressing our gratitude to this gentle man who made communication within Most Blessed Sacrament community a very helpful and needed part of MBS. (1962-10/11/2004) Thank you Warren!
