St. Monica Coronation

photos © Mark M. Hancock for The Texas Catholic

Rose Allegro (top) pins flowers in the hair of Ariana Ramirez (right) while Mary Cristina Allegro (left) examines flowers before a Coronation of Mary mass at St. Monica Church and School in Dallas on Friday, May 8, 2009.


Second-grader Ariana Ramirez smells her roses before a Coronation of Mary mass at St. Monica Church and School.


Mary Cristina Allegro (left) and Sofie Callaway (right), both 2nd graders, prepare before a Coronation of Mary mass at St. Monica.



Second-grade Communicants present carnations during a Coronation of Mary mass at St. Monica.


Eighth-grade Confirmati boys form an honor guard during a Coronation of Mary mass at St. Monica.


Eighth-grade Confirmati girls present flowers during a Coronation of Mary mass at St. Monica.


Analiese Florkowski crowns Mary during a Coronation of Mary mass at St. Monica.



Confirmati Tanner Davis (left) and Analiese Florkowski (right) face each other during a Coronation of Mary mass at St. Monica Church and School in Dallas.

Pichard Rosary service

photos © Mark M. Hancock for The Texas Catholic

Siblings (clockwise from top left) Phil Pichard, Monsignor Larry Pichard, Denise Snider and Annette Foster pose for a portrait with a photo of their late mother Mary Condel Pichard at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Dallas before a Rosary mass on Sunday, April 19, 2009.


Photos celebrate the life of Mary Condel Pichard at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Dallas. Mary Condel Pichard was part of the founding families of St. Pius X Catholic Church and actively supported the church throughout her adult life.


Attendees celebrate the life of Mary Pichard during a Rosary service at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Mary Condel Pichard was born on Feb. 28, 1917 and died on Thursday, April 16, 2009.


Attendees celebrate the life of Mary Pichard during a Rosary service at St. Pius X Catholic Church.


Monsignor Larry Pichard joins family members during a Rosary service for their late mother Mary Pichard at St. Pius X Catholic Church.


A portrait of Mary Condel Pichard oversees a Rosary service at St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Extreme family

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Angie Heiter kisses her husband Michael Heiter at their home in Richardson on Saturday, April 4, 2009. Michael Heiter had great jobs in engineering fields until a series of medical operations and finally a layoff. Now, the family struggles to pay basic bills.


Matthew Ortiz, 2, (from left to right) is lifted by his mother Cynthia (Heiter) Ortiz while her other son Alex, 5, plays with a ball next to family friend Diane Gordon at their home in Richardson.


Angie Heiter and her husband Michael Heiter listen to their children at their home. The family is one of six Dallas-area winners of the Extreme Makeover's American Dream Edition.


Angie Heiter gets food for her husband Michael Heiter at their home. Angie Heiter will receive $5,000 from Extreme Makeover and another $5,000 will be donated to a charity of her choice.


Angie Heiter slides down a wooden ramp with her husband Michael Heiter at their home. The family's home has deteriorated since Michael started battling cancer.


Angie Heiter kisses her husband Michael Heiter at their home in Richardson.

Michael Heiter died on May 5, 2009. Guests are invited to leave condolences and make memorial contributions.

Dallas Cup soccer championship

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

The ball drops between Sao Paulo FC's Paulo Dos Santos (No. 15) and Vancouver Whitecaps' Gagandeep Dosanjh (No. 10) as Bruno Bortolanca (No. 4, left) and Dever Orgill (No. 11, right) move in to assist during the Super Group Championship of the Dallas Cup Soccer Tournament at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco on Sunday, April 12, 2009.


Sao Paulo FC's Everson Pires (No. 1) hits the ground after saving a goal attempt by the Vancouver Whitecaps during the Super Group Championship of the Dallas Cup Soccer Tournament at Pizza Hut Park. The tournament invites participating under-18 elite teams from around the world.


Vancouver Whitecaps' Dever Orgill (No. 11, left) kicks the ball as Sao Paulo FC's Bruno Bortolanca (No. 4, right) defends during the Super Group Championship of the annual Dallas Cup Soccer Tournament.


Sao Paulo FC's Maykon Silva (No. 2, left) trips Vancouver Whitecaps' Russell Teibert (No. 12, right) during the Super Group Championship of the Dallas Cup Soccer Tournament at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco.

Please read, "Brazlians take Dallas Cup's top title again" by Kate Hairopoulos / The Dallas Morning News

Plano softball rivalry

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Plano's Vonnie Martin (No. 25, bottom) slides safely into 2nd base as Plano West's Valerie Johnson (No. 3, top) recovers the ball during a high school softball game at Plano Senior High School in Plano on Friday, April 3, 2009.


Plano West's Magean De La Torre celebrates an out during a high school softball game at Plano Senior High School.



Plano's Abbi Frakes pitches during a high school softball game against Plano West at Plano Senior High School.


Plano West's Christina Roosmalen (No. 15, bottom) successfully steals 3rd base as Plano's Kat Batey (No. 14, top) tries to get a tag during a high school softball game at Plano Senior High School in Plano on Friday, April 3, 2009.

"Stapler Caper" family

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Bruce Yablonsky (center), Cindy Ray (left), their son Ryan Yablonsky, 10, (right) and Rupert, a 9-month-old puppy, (bottom) play at their home in Plano on Saturday, March 28, 2009. Ray created a new series of illustrated books that allow children to write and re-write stories about the books' subjects.


Bruce Yablonsky (left) and his son Ryan Yablonsky, 10, (right) play with Rupert, a 9-month-old puppy, at their home. The first book, "The Stapler Caper: You Write The Story," was inspired by Ryan. The book's characters are displayed by the fireplace.


Bruce Yablonsky (right) and Cindy Ray (center) play cards while their son Ryan Yablonsky, 10, (left) wins a video game at their home.


Cindy Ray (left) shows her cards to Bruce Yablonsky (right) and their son Ryan Yablonsky, 10, (center) after a game of gin at their home in Plano.

Please read, "Plano mom Cindy Ray gets kids to write 'The Stapler Caper'" by Kathleen Green.

Deacon ordination

photos © Mark M. Hancock for The Texas Catholic

Marco Polo Rangel and John Michael Szatkowski are vested as deacons during The Celebration of the Eucharist and The Rite of Ordination to the Diaconate at the Cathedral Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe in Dallas on Saturday, April 25, 2009.

People named in this slideshow include: Arthur Unachukwu, Marco Polo Rangel, John Michael Szatkowski and Bishop Brian Farrell.

Texas State girls bowling championship

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Parents and fans watch during the girls state high school bowling tournament at Plano Super Bowl in Plano on Saturday, March 28, 2009. Although the sport is not UIL-sponsored, college recruiters looked for the best bowlers to accommodate Title IX requirements.

Please read the State Championship Tournament results.

People named in this slideshow include Sierra Gibbons and Jessica McCusker.

Girls soccer playoffs

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Coppell battles against Allen during a high school soccer playoff game at J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson on Friday, March 27, 2009. Coppell won the game, then defeated the No.1 nationally-ranked San Antonio Reagan team and eventually won the 5A state soccer championship.

Please read "Challenging road ahead for Coppell girls soccer team" by Randy Jennings / The Dallas Morning News.

People named in this slideshow include: Lindsey Meyer, Emily Johnson, Andi Reagan, Chioma Ubogagu, Alyssa Diggs, James Nyawera, Tracey Smith, Kayla Keating, Allison Guderian, Katie Pence and Bailey Calton.

Free exercise classes

T. Laster of Choice Training in Plano teaches a free kickboxing exercise class in The Village Shops at Castle Hills in Lewisville on Saturday, March 14, 2009.


photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News


Faith Hugo of Plano (bottom) participates in a free kickboxing exercise class in The Village Shops at Castle Hills. The event kicked off the "Spring Into Health and Fitness" program.



Jim Roskopf of Plano participates in a free kickboxing exercise class in The Village Shops at Castle Hills. The classes are held in the center's park when weather allows. Otherwise, the classes are held indoors.



Elizabeth Villalba of Lewisville (center) looks for help during a free kickboxing exercise class in The Village Shops at Castle Hills.


Sharon McCallum of Lewisville (bottom) leads a free Zumba exercise class in The Village Shops at Castle Hills in Lewisville.


Elizabeth Villalba of Lewisville (center) learns steps during a free Zumba exercise class in The Village Shops at Castle Hills in Lewisville.



Michael Ocando of Lewisville learns dance moves during a free Zumba exercise class in The Village Shops at Castle Hills.


Sharon McCallum of Lewisville (center) leads a free Zumba exercise class in The Village Shops at Castle Hills in Lewisville.

Please read "Dollar Wise: Avoid gym costs with inexpensive workouts" by Elsa K. Simcik

Easter Vigil

photos © Mark M. Hancock for The Texas Catholic

Parishoner worship during the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Dallas on Saturday, April 11, 2009. Dallas Diocese Bishop Kevin Farrell was joined by his brother Bishop Brian Farrell, a Vatican staff member, for the annual celebration.

People named in this slideshow include: Bishop Brian Farrell, Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, Father Eduardo Gonzalez, Yahaira Calderon and Michelle Calderon.

Holy Thursday in Irving

photos © Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com for The Texas Catholic

Father Jerry Duesman (left) washes Sarmma Regi's foot (center) as Shilpa Regi watches and John Regi puts on his shoe during Holy Thursday Services at the Holy Family of Nazareth church in Irving on Thursday, April 9, 2009.


Father Jerry Duesman (left) prepares to wash Meghan McKinney's foot (right) during Holy Thursday Services.


Deacon Ron Morgan (left) observes as Father Jerry Duesman (right) explains the blessed oils presented during Holy Thursday Services.


Father Jerry Duesman blesses the bread during Holy Thursday Services at the Holy Family of Nazareth church in Irving.

Easter excitement

© Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

Emergency workers welcome Easter by moving a woman to an awaiting ambulance in Plano on Sunday, April 12, 2009. Police arrived first at the scene.

I have no idea what happened, but a Plano police officer ran past my balcony with what appeared to be a drawn weapon. So, I grabbed my camera and waited. Then the firefighters showed up and helped a woman into an awaiting ambulance. No matter the circumstances, it's not the best way for anyone to start Easter.

I wish everyone a happy, healthy and calm Easter.

Cistercian Abbey French Mass

photos © Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

Parishioners gather outside the Cistercian Abbey before a French mass in Irving on Sunday, March 22, 2009.


Cistercian Preparatory School junior Arnaud Zimmern (left) listens as Father Bernard Marton presents a French mass at Cistercian Abbey in Irving.


Father Bernard Marton of the Cistercian Order presents a French mass at Cistercian Abbey.



Diane Sion, 7, (center) reads the Universal Prayer in French as Philippe Zimmern (left) and Glorence Dufrasnes (right) listen during a French mass at Cistercian Abbey.


Father Bernard Marton drinks wine during a French mass at Cistercian Abbey.


Parishioners attend a French mass at Cistercian Abbey in Irving.

Cycle For A Cure marathon

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Monica Maliskas leads an annual 12-hour Cycle For a Cure marathon for juvenile diabetes research at the Frisco Athletic Center in Frisco on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009. She cycled all 12 hours for her son. Her son Ethan Maliskas was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at age 2.

Please read, "Cycle for a Cure: Mom saddles up to benefit diabetes research" by Debbie Fetterman

People named in this slideshow include: Monica Maliskas, David Linson, Scott Levine, Susette Hill, James Archer, Wendy Shelley, Ethan Maliskas and Aiden Maliskas.

Vocation Awareness Program brunch

photos © Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

Serrans and seminarians dine during the annual Vocation Awareness Program (VAP) Kickoff Brunch at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving on Saturday, March 28, 2009.


Bill Higgins of Richardson (left) and Bob Baillargeon of Plano (right) share stories during the annual Vocation Awareness Program (VAP) Kickoff Brunch at Holy Trinity Seminary.


Ann Lerner of Dallas visits with guests during the annual Vocation Awareness Program (VAP) Kickoff Brunch in Irving.


Seminarian Michael Greco listens to Serran visitors during the annual Vocation Awareness Program (VAP) Kickoff Brunch at Holy Trinity Seminary.


Father Michael Olson, Rector of the Holy Trinity Center (left) talks with guests during the annual Vocation Awareness Program (VAP) Kickoff Brunch at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving. Tickets were drawn from a carved wooden basket for raffle prizes during the event.

Serrans and seminarians dine during the annual Vocation Awareness Program (VAP) Kickoff Brunch at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving on Saturday, March 28, 2009.

St. Edward alter servers

photos © Mark M. Hancock for The Texas Catholic

Alter servers help Father Antonio Ortiz during mass at St. Edward Catholic Church in Dallas on Sunday, March 15, 2009. The alter servers work with the priests to make services run smoothly.

People named in this slideshow include: Alan Garcia, Jesus Martinez, Liliana Ayala, Omar Ayala, Father Antonio Ortiz, Kevin Rodriguez, Melanie Porras and Liz Magallanes.

Please see the YouTube version of this slideshow featuring original church organ music composed through GarageBand by Mark M. Hancock.

Special Bowling League

photos © Mark M. Hancock for The Texas Catholic

Families participate in a Knights of Columbus Special Needs Bowling League match at AMF Irving Lanes in Irving on Saturday, March 7, 2009.

Please read, "‘Kids’ strike it big on the lanes" by By David Sedeño / Texas Catholic

People named in this slideshow include: Amber Mullinax, Dee Mullinax, Lizzett Morales, Bianca Delacruz, Elizabeth Morales, Bill Krabacher, Mitchell Persad, Talieha Persad, Karel Persad, Emma Rose Elizondo and Ignacio Elizondo.