abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Arlington, TX

Home Care Arlington, TX

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic City of Arlington - Texas State Historical Marker gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Arlington, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Arlington, TX

location Service Areas

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care in Bedford TX, staff are benevolent, attentive, generous,thoughtful, and kindhearted. They work with your schedule and accommodate you the best they can. For a company that have been in business over 23 years, they still take pride in who they employee as well as the families they assist. I am very grateful to be working for a company that works from their heart.”

Veronica B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Nice vibes welcoming workers best people to work with.they work with ur schedules and set up work time that are convenient to work with.”

Mi D.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Nice vibes welcoming workers best people to work with.they work with ur schedules and set up work time that are convenient to work with.”

Guadalupe R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service of your employee, Shameka Kelly. Through your agency, Ms. Kelly was connected to our family to serve as a caregiver for my sister Victoria who was in the late states of ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease and required 24-hr. care at home. Shameka served as full-time caregiver under the direction of Victoria’s husband Ron, who was able to keep my sister at home until her passing this past March. This catastrophic and incurable disease rendered my sister completely paralyzed—wheelchair bound, unable to speak, bathe, eat or even lift a finger to do anything for herself. Shameka did what most caregivers would not or simply could not do because of the stamina and patience required to care for Victoria. Before Shameka, we hired a multitude of caregivers who came and went—sometimes only after one day—because of how strenuous and taxing being a caregiver to my sister was. Day after day, Shameka arrived for the job with a smile on her face and the patience and commitment to go with it. My sister Victoria grew to love Shameka, as we all have. It was a great comfort to us because we knew that if Shameka was on duty, my sister was in good hands. Shameka’s character, integrity, humor, honesty and professionalism are beyond reproach. She is an extremely caring individual who is always upbeat, optimistic, and patient. She was an answer to prayer for our family and became more than a caregiver—she became part of our family. She has my highest recommendation for any task or client that may be placed before her. And we will be forever grateful. Kindest Regards, Pamela Meek North Richland Hills, TX”

Pamela M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Excellent service and friendly staff!!!”

Stefan S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Great company and friendly, caring staff!! Highly recommended!”

Lauren R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Very terrific company and great customer service. They found a place for my parents very quickly! I highly recommend.”

Kevin M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Very kind people to the elderly. Vicki is a caring person. This is a wonderful organization. Highly recommend.”

Emily C.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Rarely do I give a 5-star rating to any company, but this is clearly a deserved rating. I would highly recommend Always Best Care of Ft. Worth. Their care and attention to detail is excellent. After 2 1/2 years of service to our family, they became an extension to our family. Many times they went above and beyond expectations. They communicated very well with family members.”

Brian

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Arlington, TX?

lm-check

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

lm-check

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Arlington, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Arlington, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Arlington, TX
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Arlington, TX
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting River Legacy Parks with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Arlington, TX
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Cut & Bourbon or visit First United Methodist Church of Arlington - Texas State Historical Marker, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Arlington, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Arlington, TX

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Arlington, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Arlington, TX

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your TX's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Arlington, TX

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Arlington, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Arlington, TX

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Arlington, TX

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Meadowbrook Memory Care Community
  • Heartis Arlington Assisted Living
  • Meadow View Assisted Living
  • Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living Arlington
  • The Waterford on Cooper
  • Castle Rock Assisted Living
Home Care Arlington, TX

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Arlington, TX

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Arlington, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Arlington, TX

Latest News in Arlington, TX

Arlington nuns dismissed from Catholic religious life, Fort Worth Diocese announces

The Fort Worth Catholic Diocese announced Monday that a group of nuns at the center of controversy have been dismissed from Catholic religious life.CBS News Texas Reporter Jason Allen first broke this story over a year ago. In June of last year, The Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach was found guilty of violating her vow of ch...

The Fort Worth Catholic Diocese announced Monday that a group of nuns at the center of controversy have been dismissed from Catholic religious life.

CBS News Texas Reporter Jason Allen first broke this story over a year ago. In June of last year, The Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach was found guilty of violating her vow of chastity with a priest from outside the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth.

Bishop Michael Olson's statement released on Monday states:

"Mother Marie of the Incarnation, the legitimate Superior of the Carmelite Monastery in Arlington, Texas, has requested that I post her statement to the Catholic Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth regarding the dismissal of the Arlington Nuns from Catholic religious life. I again ask that you continue to pray for all involved. I repeat that the Diocese of Fort Worth makes no claim and has never made a claim to the property and assets of the Carmelite Monastery in Arlington. I conclude with my repeated admonition that Catholics not attend Mass or other services at the Monastery and request that the lay faithful not offer financial support to the Carmelite Monastery."

Mother Marie of the Incarnation also released the following statement:

"Specifically, the nuns have chosen to break faith with their Mother, the Church of Rome, by a triple denial: 1) of the authority of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, a Dicastery whose authority springs directly from the Supreme Pontiff himself, and 2) of their Bishop, and 3) of me as their Carmelite superior, and by extension, of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, whose Rule and Constitutions they have spurned in praxis in multiple ways. To these foregoing breaches of ecclesial union, the nuns added, on September 14th, unlawful formal association with the Society of Saint Pius X. These wrongs are exacerbated by their illicit expropriation of the juridic person of the Carmelite Monastery, in which the nuns, utilizing civil law, entrusted to lay people, both Catholic and non-Catholic alike, the patrimony and property of the Arlington Carmelite community, which had been entrusted to them by countless benefactors, for the purpose of serving Christ in the Church through the Discalced Carmelite life."

Battle with the Bishop

The battle between the nuns and the Bishop became public in 2023 after Olson began an investigation into the Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach over a broken vow of chastity.

Gerlach and the monastery took the unusual move of asking the civil court for protection, alleging theft and invasion of privacy.

A Tarrant County judge sided with Diocese attorneys, who argued it was an internal church matter that the civil courts had no jurisdiction over. The nuns later dropped the civil suit, deciding instead to pursue relief through the internal church legal process.

A representative for the nuns said they had been working to strengthen their ownership of the monastery, its assets and independent governance, and protection from the courts became less necessary.

In April, the Vatican informed the nuns in a letter that the President of Christ the King, an association of monasteries, was their new lawful superior. Olson also said he would be overseeing the election of new leadership at the monastery.

The nuns rejected the arrangement though, calling it a "hostile takeover," and reaffirmed they would not recognize the authority of Olson specifically.

Carmelites reopen chapel, announce new association

In Sept., the faithful were invited back to the chapel for prayer and Mass, while the Bishop of Fort Worth pleaded with parishioners not to participate or offer the nuns their financial support.

The Arlington Carmelites offered the invitation in a statement posted on their website. They also announced a new association with a traditionalist society of priests at odds with changes ushered in by the Vatican.

The statement from the nuns said they also re-elected Teresa Agnes as their Prioress for another three-year term. The election was overseen they wrote, by a representative from the Society of Saint Pius X, with which they are now associated.

SSPX also posted the nuns' statement on its website, along with a picture of what it says is the newly restored altar of the Carmel.

Olson called the election "illicit and invalid," maintaining that Mother Marie of the Incarnation is the legitimate superior of the monastery.

Carmelite nuns transfer ownership of monastery

In late Sept., the Carmelite nuns in Arlington transferred ownership of their expansive wooded monastery to a new foundation amid the ongoing dispute with Olson. The foundation, Friends of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Arlington, is made up of supporters and benefactors who stand with the nuns.

Olson has denied having any designs on the property. However, representatives for the nuns believe it may be a key factor in their conflict.

"And we're hoping now that he understands that this property is something he will never get his hands on that he will go back to concentrating on the other million and a half Catholics and leave these sisters alone," Matthew Bobo, an attorney for the nuns and a director of the new foundation, previously said.

Tarrant County records indicate the property transfer happened in late April.

Nuns in Arlington, Texas, dismissed from Carmelite order, religious life

Members of a women’s religious community in Arlington, Texas, have been dismissed from the Carmelite order and Catholic religious life, according to Oct. 28 statements from Bishop Michael F. Olson of Fort Worth and Mother Marie of the Incarnation, whom a Vatican office appointed as the community’s major superior in April.The bishop and major superior attributed the dismissal to the nuns’ decisions “to break faith with their Mother, the Church of Rome” through denying the authority of the Vatican Dicastery...

Members of a women’s religious community in Arlington, Texas, have been dismissed from the Carmelite order and Catholic religious life, according to Oct. 28 statements from Bishop Michael F. Olson of Fort Worth and Mother Marie of the Incarnation, whom a Vatican office appointed as the community’s major superior in April.

The bishop and major superior attributed the dismissal to the nuns’ decisions “to break faith with their Mother, the Church of Rome” through denying the authority of the Vatican Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life that comes from the pope, as well as that of their bishop and the dicastery-appointed major superior.

In rejecting Mother Marie of the Incarnation’s authority, they also rejected “the Order of Discalced Carmelites, whose Rule and Constitutions they have spurned in praxis in multiple ways,” Mother Marie of the Incarnation wrote in her Oct. 28 “Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth.”

The nuns also entered Sept. 14 into an unlawful, formal association with the Society of St. Pius X, a traditionalist religious order in irregular communion with Rome, and soon after illicitly transferred ownership of their Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity to a nonprofit organization of laypeople, the statement noted.

“I declare with great sorrow that the nuns of the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity are no longer members of the Order of Discalced Carmelites,” Mother Marie of the Incarnation wrote. “I ask for your continued prayers and sacrifices on behalf of these seven women, who have reverted to the lay state by their own actions.”

The affected nuns did not immediately respond on their website, which has been their mainstay for public communication over the past 18 months as they have openly fought with Bishop Olson following his allegations in April 2023 that their community-elected prioress, Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach, had committed unspecified sins against chastity.

The nuns filed a lawsuit against the bishop, launching a feud that has involved both civil and church courts, as well as law enforcement, and included allegations that the bishop wanted access to the nuns’ donor list or property, and that the nuns were engaged in illegal cannabis use. The bishop has also placed various restrictions on the nuns’ access to the sacraments, and the monastery’s access to the public.

The dispute included a June 2023 court hearing that revealed the bishop had investigated Mother Teresa Agnes for breaking chastity vows via phone communication with a priest of the Diocese of Raleigh, N.C. She has denied the allegation and has attributed to her poor physical health and mental state what she described as “a horrible, horrible mistake” in an April 2023 audio recording. The unspecified admission, played in court, was made during Bishop Olson’s questioning of her during his visit to the monastery at the start of his investigation.

The nuns’ monastery is located within the boundaries of the Fort Worth Diocese, which Bishop Olson has led since 2014. He sought in June 2023 to dismiss Mother Teresa Agnes from the Carmelite order, but she appealed his decree, and it was nullified in May 2024 by the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which oversees matters pertaining to consecrated religious life.

The nuns have publicly rejected the governance authority the Holy See granted Bishop Olson in May 2023, and in April 2024, they filed a restraining order — which they later withdrew — against Bishop Olson and the Carmelite Association of Christ the King (USA), a small organization of U.S. Carmelite monasteries to which the Arlington Carmelites belonged. Mother Marie of the Incarnation, who belongs to a Carmelite community in Minnesota, is the association’s president.

In his Oct. 28 statement, Bishop Olson reiterated that the diocese “makes no claim and has never made a claim to the property and assets” of the monastery. He also repeated his request for Catholics not to attend Mass or other services there, nor support the monastery financially.

The Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity sits on 72 acres in what the nuns described in their initial lawsuit as a “quiet, wooded secluded location,” where, as of April 2023, around 50 people joined them for daily Mass, with at least 10 more joining them for Sunday Mass. They described their community as including their prioress, seven sisters and two novices, women in formation to take vows. As cloistered, contemplative nuns, they have lived apart from the world to dedicate their lives to prayer.

Recalling in her statement that she, as a girl, had attended the 1985 Mass dedicating the chapel of the newly completed Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity and toured its grounds, Mother Marie of the Incarnation lamented that the Arlington nuns’ choices led to their dismissal from the Carmelite order and religious life.

“In making religious profession, a Carmelite nun vows to live according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Order of Discalced Carmelites,” she wrote. “When the Arlington Carmel petitioned to join our Association (the Carmelite Association of Christ the King) at its inception four years ago, our relationship with the nuns became closer, and we had hoped that they would share our common aspiration to an ever-deeper fidelity to our profession of vows.

“Unfortunately, in the course of our developing relationship, and through the testimony of the nuns themselves, we learned that their religious life, in many respects, deviates from multiple points of the Rule and Constitutions, and so we strove to lead them into a more faithful adherence to these,” she continued. “If our efforts had been met with openness by the nuns, the Carmel would already, today, be upon a sure path to restored autonomy. The nuns would be living and praying in accordance with all the sound traditions of Carmel and in accord with their preferred liturgical form, all under the aegis of the one, holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, founded by Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Mother Marie of the Incarnation noted that among the Arlington nuns’ accusations against herself and Bishop Olson was that they intended to “disperse their community.”

“Their claim that the Association of Christ the King would disperse their community has, in a sense, become a self-fulfilled prophecy, actualized by their own choices and actions,” she said. “In fact, however, the Association of Christ the King is not stepping in to disperse them, but rather, is leaving it to their own consciences, to admit the reality of their status as dismissed from religious life, and to behave accordingly.”

Neither statement from Bishop Olson or Mother Marie of the Incarnation indicated what the Arlington community members’ next steps might be.

“Our only wish is that the dismissed members of the Carmel would repent, so that the monastic property could again be rightly called a monastery, inhabited by Discalced Carmelite Nuns, in good canonical standing with the Church of Rome,” Mother Marie of the Incarnation said. “Please join me in prayer for this intention.”

Print

Women’s Basketball Hosts UNT – Dallas For Hoops & Treats Exhibition Game

ARLINGTON, Texas – The UT Arlington women's basketball team is ready to play in front of fans for the first time this season tomorrow, Oct. 30, as they take on the University of North Texas – Dallas in an exhibition game starting at 6:30 p.m. inside the College Park Center.Entry is free to the general public with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. with candy being distributed by UTA student-athletes and student organizations from the moment gates open until tip off.Kids and adults alike are encouraged to w...

ARLINGTON, Texas – The UT Arlington women's basketball team is ready to play in front of fans for the first time this season tomorrow, Oct. 30, as they take on the University of North Texas – Dallas in an exhibition game starting at 6:30 p.m. inside the College Park Center.

Entry is free to the general public with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. with candy being distributed by UTA student-athletes and student organizations from the moment gates open until tip off.

Kids and adults alike are encouraged to wear their costumes with the ability to showcase them at halftime, where the men's basketball team will also be introduced.

There will be a bounce house, located near gate 1, as well as a balloon artist on tap for the event.

To conclude the night, there will be a chance to win prizes with a post-game on court activity with randomly chosen fans.

The Lady Mavs are coming off their best finish in WAC play heading into year four. UTA finished with an 11-9 conference record and a semifinal appearance in the WAC tournament, both WAC bests for the Lady Mavs. UTA returns eight players from the previous season, which includes three starters in Avery Brittingham, Nya Threatt and Taliyah Clark. Five newcomers join the Lady Mavs, which is a stark contrast to the 12 newcomers from a season ago.

Season ticket deposits for the 2024-25 UT Arlington basketball season remain open as the Mavs continue preparation for the coming season. With a one-time deposit of only $50/seat, fans can lock in their season ticket(s) at the state-of-the-art College Park Center.

To secure your season tickets today, go to UTATickets.com.

Single game tickets are also available now, also at UTATickets.com.

– #BuckEm –

FOLLOW ALONG For updates, behind-the-scenes photos, videos and more engaging and personal content, be sure to follow the women's basketball program on X (formally known as Twitter) (@UTAMavsWBB), Instagram (@UTAMavsWBB) and Facebook (/UTAMavsWBB).

Texas nuns dismissed from religious life after lengthy feud with bishop, Vatican

CNA Staff, Oct 29, 2024 / 14:05 pmA group of Texas nuns has been dismissed from religious life and returned to the lay state after a lengthy feud with their bishop over the governance of their monastery.Mother Marie of the Incarnation, the president of the Association of Christ the King, said in a letter to the Diocese of Fort Worth on Monday that the nuns of the Monastery o...

CNA Staff, Oct 29, 2024 / 14:05 pm

A group of Texas nuns has been dismissed from religious life and returned to the lay state after a lengthy feud with their bishop over the governance of their monastery.

Mother Marie of the Incarnation, the president of the Association of Christ the King, said in a letter to the Diocese of Fort Worth on Monday that the nuns of the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas, have been dismissed from the Order of Discalced Carmelites and “reverted to the lay state” after more than a year of sustained defiance of their superiors.

The dismissal caps a bitter and divisive feud between the Carmelite nuns and Church authorities ranging from Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson to the Vatican itself.

The controversy began last year when Olson launched an investigation into the monastery amid allegations that Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach had conducted an affair with a priest.

The nuns in May 2023 filed a lawsuit against Olson over the investigation, claiming violations of privacy and harming the physical and emotional well-being of the sisters. Olson eventually dismissed Gerlach from religious life.

In April of this year, the Vatican declared that the Association of Christ the King in the United States of America would oversee the “government, discipline, studies, goods, rights, and privileges” of the Texas monastery.

The nuns, however, defied the Vatican order, going so far as to associate with the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist group that is not in full communion with the Catholic Church and has a canonically irregular status.

‘Our only wish is that they would repent’

On Monday, Mother Marie of the Incarnation said the nuns’ repeated defiance included denying the authority of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life as well as denying the authority of their bishop and of Marie herself as their superior. She said the nuns also committed “unlawful formal association” with SSPX.

These violations were “exacerbated by their illicit expropriation of the juridic person of the Carmelite monastery,” Mother Marie wrote.

The nuns “entrusted to laypeople” the property of the monastery, she said, which “had been entrusted to them by countless benefactors, for the purpose of serving Christ in the Church through the Discalced Carmelite life.”

The nuns’ dismissal from religious life was brought about “by their own actions,” Mother Marie wrote.

“I ask for your continued prayers and sacrifices on behalf of these seven women,” she said, adding that “our only wish is that the dismissed members of the Carmel would repent, so that the monastic property could again be rightly called a monastery, inhabited by Discalced Carmelite nuns, in good canonical standing with the Church of Rome.”

In a brief statement accompanying the announcement, Olson echoed Mother Marie’s call for prayers for the dismissed nuns, while also directing that Catholics refrain from attending Mass at the monastery.

He also requested that the faithful “not offer financial support” to the nuns.

In a letter last month, Olson had responded to reports that the nuns had reinstalled Gerlach as prioress in an illicit election. The bishop described the move as “scandalous” and “permeated with the odor of schism.”

(Story continues below)

In her Monday letter, Mother Marie noted that a Carmelite nun “vows to live according to the rule and constitutions of the Order of Discalced Carmelites.”

The nuns were given the opportunity to reunify themselves with the Church, she noted, but they “have chosen otherwise, and their choices have brought upon themselves the different status which is now theirs.”

AlphaOmega Style Now Accepting Appointments at the Salon and Spa Galleria Six Flags in Arlington, Texas

To celebrate her new location, Smith is offering a discount on her microlink bead extensions, along with a 25-percent discount for new clients.ARLINGTON, TX, October 29, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Stylist Shuntay Smith proudly announces the opening of AlphaOmega Hair, located at the Salon and Spa Galleria Six Flags Dr in A...

To celebrate her new location, Smith is offering a discount on her microlink bead extensions, along with a 25-percent discount for new clients.

ARLINGTON, TX, October 29, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Stylist Shuntay Smith proudly announces the opening of AlphaOmega Hair, located at the Salon and Spa Galleria Six Flags Dr in Arlington, Texas. Smith specializes in pixie cut weaves, crochet braid styles, protective styles, micro-link bead extensions, natural hair treatments, and natural hair styles for young girls.

With a focus on professionalism and a personal touch, Smith said she strives to make each and every client feel confident and beautiful.

"I've refined my craft and passion for creating personalized, polished looks," Smith said. Since relocating to Texas, Smith has continued to deliver exceptional styling services, including working with clients to train them how to maintain their hair at home.

Since she was a young teen, Smith was passionate about doing hair. Friends and family recognized her natural talent, encouraging her to enter the beauty industry. She listened, and in 2003, she took them seriously, enrolling at the Marinello School of Beauty. Smith said Celebrity Stylist Edward Morrison played an important role in her training, as she served as his celebrity stylist assistant while working on the hit series "Bernie Mac Show"

"I've been truly blessed by the opportunities and growth this industry has brought me," Smith said.

In 2022, good fortune landed in Smith's lap, as she had the incredible opportunity to participate in an international program. As part of the project, Smith traveled to West Africa to donate hair services to young girls in Liberia.

"Despite the challenges of COVID, it was deeply rewarding to see the joy and confidence it brought to these girls, especially during such uncertain times," Smith said.

Back home in Tarrant County, Smith has continued her community-minded work by offering free hair services to local seniors. Referring to her experiences as "heartwarming," Smith said she treasures her work both here and abroad.

"It's allowed me to give back to those who deserve extra care and attention," she said. "These moments have been some of the most fulfilling in my career."

AlphaOmega Hair is currently accepting new clients by appointment only, and Smith's hours are from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. To celebrate her new location, Smith is offering a discount on her microlink bead extensions, along with a 25-percent discount for new clients. It's fast and easy to schedule an appointment at the AlphaOmega booking site, or simply text Smith at (323) 972-3464. For more information, visit her Instagram page.

Conveniently located near several main roadways and many hotels and businesses, AlphaOmega Hair in the Salon and Spa Galleria Six Flags is an easy drive from any direction. There is plenty of free parking, and the building is handicap accessible, with wide hallways. About AlphaOmega Hair Located inside the Salon and Spa Galleria Six Flags in Arlington, Texas, AlphaOmega Hair specializes in pixie cut weaves, crochet braid styles, silk press, protective styles, microlink bead extensions, natural hair treatments, and natural hair styles for young girls.

About Salon and Spa Galleria Salon and Spa Galleria offers salon suites designed for independent beauty and wellness professionals. With 23 locations in the United States, Salon and Spa Galleria is one of the fastest-growing, privately held salon suites rental salons. To inquire about space for rent in the Salon and Spa Galleria Six Flags, visit the salon chain's website.

# # #

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.