Turkey Bingo Fundraiser 2024
Our Lady of the Pines Monthly Connection
What's Inside?
Teens Travel to National Catholic Youth Conference Journeying With Our Neighbors Facing Difficult Circumstances Keeping Christ in Christmas
What is the Immaculate Conception of Mary? Spirit of Stewardship: Sharing the Gift of Christ Breakfast with Santa and a morning in Bethlehem
OLP Teens Travel to National Catholic Youth Conference
Here we go Fr. Brad! . . .
Journeying With Our Neighbors Facing Difficult Circumstances
Featured Ministry:
Stephen Ministry
Hard times are inevitable in all of our lives, at some point or another. Having the support of others can help ease some of the difficulties. “All of us have faced or know folks who have experienced a life-changing challenge such as loss of a loved one, a divorce, a job loss, or even a move, and are not sure on how to address it or even to whom to seek support,” says Doug Murray. “Yes there are friends, family, colleagues who offer such support, but often they may not have the ability or objectivity required. And the imperative to seek professional input is not yet appropriate. Further, unfortunately the support is short-lived for the moment and those in time will move on with their own lives and challenges," he adds. "Here is where the OLP Stephen Ministry enters the challenge.” The Stephen Ministry here at OLP and in our surrounding community seeks to provide assistance and support to those in the community who are struggling — be it the loss of a loved one, undergoing divorce, suffering from a terminal illness, or other challenging circumstances. We have 14 ministry members dedicated to this important service, led by OLP Servant Leader Mike Fortner. Deacon Kevin Dunbaugh serves as the Pastor’s Delegate to the OLP Stephen Ministry program. Having first participated in a Called and Gifted program offered by our parish, Rosemary discovered a spot in an upcoming Stephen Ministry training.
Pictured above: Stephen Ministers Michele Gaudreault, Doug Murray, Mike Fortner, Rosemary Egan
“Talents — these are the gifts the Spirit blesses us with, to journey with our care receivers. Each of our caregivers have special talents that are constantly being molded to match the individual needs of a particular care receiver." — Mike Fortner
"“I recognized it was a good — no, great — fit for me shortly into the training,” she says. “I worked as a OLP Stephen Ministry team member for approximately three years and then was offered a leadership training opportunity which I accepted and very much enjoyed. I have been a OLP Stephen Ministry Small Group Leader for a year now.” The Stephen Ministry is part of a larger international organization with its headquarters in Missouri. Founded in 1975, Stephen Ministry “offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members — called OLP Stephen Ministry — to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties,” according to its website.
“The OLP Stephen Ministry is important to Our Lady of the Pines Parish as it contributes to the overall mission, culture, and focus to bear the burdens of one another,” Rosemary says. “Just think of how different we would be should our focus be other than to address and support the needs of others. That is who we are and who we like being. We are blessed!” Led by Servant Leader Mike Fortner and the other three small group leaders, they facilitate monthly meetings, recruit and train others to become ministers, and match care receivers to ministers of the same gender. “As part of the OLP Stephen Ministry, I am privileged to work with some of the most loving and caring individuals I have ever encountered, including Stephen Ministry Team members, Servant Leader Mike Fortner, our parish staff, and leaders from other parishes, the community, etc.,” Rosemary says. Typically, a Member of the OLP Stephen Ministry team and care receiver (the individual undergoing challenges) meet once per week. The OLP Stephen Ministry team member seeks to provide “help, hope, and healing” to the recipient. The goal is not to solve problems, rather to be there as a support for the individual.
A typical meeting may include praying together, listening, empathizing for the person’s struggles, providing emotional and spiritual support, and connecting with the individual.
“The skills learned in Stephen Ministry training can change the world," says Michele Gaudreault, one of the OLP Stephen Ministry Small Group Leaders. "Just imagine if everyone took the time to really listen to one another and had empathy for their situations? Stephen Ministry has enabled me to provide much-needed support to people going through difficult times. It has changed and improved my personal relationships. "It is important to the parish community because it provides a crucial, caring need for hurting parish members, providing an additional layer of crisis care and ongoing care through well-trained, well-supervised, reliable members of the parish family," Michele adds. OLP Stephen Ministers must attend 50 hours of training, typically provided by OLP Servant Leader Mike Fortner and his team over the course of a few months. Some of the key elements of the training include learning to trust and listen to God. Once complete, the ministers typically spend an hour with their care receiver, as well as attend supervision meetings twice a month. The total commitment is about eight hours throughout the month.
The ministry is well-integrated into our parish’s mission of stewardship, providing opportunities for giving of time, talent, and treasure.
“Talents — these are the gifts the Spirit blesses us with, to journey with our care receivers," says OLP Servant Leader Mike Fortner. "Each of our caregivers have special talents that are constantly being molded to match the individual needs of a particular care receiver. God is the one in charge here, along with the Holy Spirit. He matches the caregiver, with the care receiver perfectly, and all we are called to do is listen in prayer, all of the talents will be given, as he sees fit. We just say 'yes' to the call.”
For more information about the Stephen Ministry, visit ourladyofthepines.org/stephen-ministry or email stephenministry@ourladyofthepines.org.
Celebrating Christmas With a Spirit of Stewardship: Sharing the Gift of Christ
As Catholics living in an increasingly secular world, we must remember to find ways to keep the true meaning of Christmas — the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Beyond the exchange of gifts and festive decorations, Christmas is a time to embody the spirit of stewardship. Stewardship involves sharing our time, talent, and treasure to reflect the love and generosity of Christ. Let’s explore how to celebrate Christmas properly and reverently in the spirit of stewardship.
Stewardship of Time: A Gift of Presence Christmas is a season to be fully present with loved ones and, most importantly, with Christ. Make time for prayer and reflection, not just amidst the hustle and bustle but as a daily practice. Attend Advent and Christmas Masses, immersing yourself in the profound liturgy. Consider participating in Eucharistic Adoration, contemplating the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Sharing your time in prayer and reflection helps deepen your relationship with Christ and your family. Stewardship of Talent: Sharing Your Gifts
Christmas provides an opportunity to share your unique talents and skills in service to others. You can create handmade gifts, such as cards, crafts, or baked goods, to show your love and care. Singing, playing instruments, or joining the church choir can enhance the beauty of Christmas liturgies. Additionally, consider volunteering your time and talents at local charities, shelters, or organizations that serve the less fortunate. Your talents can be a source of joy and comfort to those in need during the Christmas season.
Stewardship of Treasure: Generosity and Charity Christmas is an ideal time to practice generosity and charity. Rather than focusing solely on the material aspect of gift giving, emphasize the true meaning of giving by sharing your treasure in ways that benefit others. Support your parish and other charitable organizations financially. Consider donating to a local charity, sponsoring a family in need, or contributing to missions that serve vulnerable populations. Your financial contributions can make a significant impact on the lives of those less fortunate. We also must remember that stewardship isn't limited to just one day; it's a way of life that can be lived throughout the Christmas season: Advent Preparation: Use the Advent season to prepare spiritually for the coming of Christ. Incorporate prayer, acts of kindness, and almsgiving into your daily routine. Family Traditions: Create family traditions that emphasize stewardship, such as volunteering together, making charitable donations as a family, or collectively choosing gifts for less fortunate children. Sharing the Nativity Story: As you gather with family and friends, take time to share the Nativity story and its profound significance. Encourage others to embrace the spirit of stewardship and share in the joy of Christ's birth.
By sharing your time, talent, and treasure, you can live out the teachings of Christ, deepen your faith, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Embracing stewardship during the Christmas season transforms the holiday into a truly joyous and spiritually fulfilling occasion.
Every December 8th, Catholics around the world celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a day dedicated to honoring Mary’s unique role in God’s plan of salvation. This feast commemorates the Church’s teaching that Mary, from the very first moment of her conception, was preserved from original sin by God’s grace, preparing her to be the mother of Jesus Christ. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception holds that God, foreseeing Mary’s role as the Mother of God, granted her this special grace. This teaching emphasizes Mary’s purity and her complete openness to God’s will, making her the perfect vessel to bring Christ into the world. Declared a dogma of faith by Pope Pius IX in 1854, the Immaculate Conception reflects God’s extraordinary love and care in preparing Mary for her singular mission. For Catholics, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a reminder of Mary’s unique holiness and her willingness to say “yes” to God, despite the unknowns and challenges she would face. This feast is also a call for us to open our own hearts to God’s grace, striving to live as Mary did, with humility and trust in God’s plan. Honoring Mary in December is a beautiful way to connect with her example and deepen our faith.
Here are some ways to celebrate this special feast day: Attend Mass: Since this day is a Holy Day of Obligation, attending Mass is a way to show our devotion and gratitude to Mary. Reflect on her “yes” to God and ask for the grace to say “yes” in our own lives. Pray the Rosary: Meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, especially the Joyful Mysteries, helps us reflect on Mary’s role in the life of Jesus and invites us to follow her example of faith and humility. Offer Flowers or Candles: Many churches have statues of Mary, and bringing flowers or lighting a candle is a simple but meaningful gesture of respect and love. Do Acts of Service in Mary’s Honor: Mary’s life was a testament to compassion and service. In her honor, consider performing small acts of kindness or donating to those in need, reflecting Mary’s love for others. By celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we not only honor Mary but also draw closer to Christ, whose love and grace made her Immaculate Conception possible. This feast invites us to marvel at God’s love and to see in Mary a guide for our own journey of faith.
“Keeping Christ in Christmas” is a wonderful mantra to help plan some simple ways we can help our little ones children focus on the true meaning of the season. Here are some family-friendly activities that can make Christ the center of your Christmas celebrations, fostering faith and joy along the way.
1. Create a Nativity Scene Together Building a nativity scene as a family offers a hands-on way to connect with the Christmas story. Whether you use clay, paper, or store-bought figurines, encourage your kids to participate in placing each figure, from Mary and Joseph to the shepherds and Wise Men. As you set up each part, share the story of each character’s role and significance in Jesus’ birth. This can be a beautiful way for children to learn about the humble beginnings of Christ’s life and the love that surrounded him.
2. Reenact the Christmas Story Encourage your children to bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life through a simple play or skit. With costumes and a little creativity, they can take on roles as Mary, Joseph, angels, and shepherds. This activity is not only fun but also helps them remember the events of that holy night. You might even invite friends or family to watch, creating a memorable experience that reinforces the joy and wonder of Christ’s birth. 3. Make a “Birthday Cake” for Jesus
Celebrating Jesus’ birth with a birthday cake can be a fun, tangible way to reinforce that Christmas is all about Him. Kids can help decorate the cake, and before cutting into it, say a prayer of thanks for Jesus and sing “Happy Birthday” to Him. This small tradition helps children see Christmas as a celebration of Jesus’ love.
4. Advent Prayers and Candle Lighting Incorporate a simple Advent wreath into your daily or weekly routine by lighting candles and saying prayers together. Explain to your kids that each candle represents a part of the journey toward Christmas: hope, peace, joy, and love. This ritual can bring peace to your household and remind everyone of the preparation leading to Jesus’ birth.
5. Acts of Kindness as Gifts to Jesus Encourage children to honor Jesus by giving gifts of kindness. Create a list together of small, meaningful acts they can do throughout December—helping a sibling, writing a thank-you note, or sharing toys. Each good deed can be written on a slip of paper and placed in a “gift box” for Jesus, showing kids that kindness is a way of honoring Christ’s love. With these activities, children can experience the joy of Christmas while understanding its true meaning. By centering the season around Christ, you’re giving them traditions they can cherish and carry forward, deepening their connection to their faith for years to come. BONUS: Participate in the Knights of Columbus “Keeping Christ in Christmas” Poster Contest!!
We will start with sharing breakfast together while families can take pictures with Santa and children work on their interactive crafts to go with our pageant! After breakfast, our talented storytellers will lead us through Christmas morning in Bethlehem. We will be singing songs and gathering the crafts the children made to enhance our Christmas story, helping our children to envision what it looked like the morning we welcomed the birth of Jesus . Saturday, December 14th 9:30am-11:00am Parish Life Center Breakfast with Santa and a morning in Bethlehem
Schedule
RSVP Here
9:30am- 10:30am Breakfast, Crafts, pictures with Santa *please note that you can enjoy breakfast with Santa/crafts anytime between 9:30-10:30 10:35am- 11:00am A morning in Bethlehem interactive family pageant featuring David and Maggie Wilson *no costumes for pageant FAMILIES, FEEL FREE TO COME IN YOUR PJ’S TO ENJOY THE MORNING IN BETHLEHEM!
DEADLINE TO RSVP IS DECEMBER 11TH
Advent Events Visit our website to explore the events and offerings happening this Advent season.
ourladyofthepines.org/advent
Pictured above: Christmas Eve Mass in the Parish Hall December 2023 Did you know that last year, over 3,400 people joined us in celebrating Christmas Mass on December 24th and 25th? We are thrilled to welcome back our parishioners, along with their families, friends, and visitors, for another joyful season of worship and fellowship. Please know that this magazine is for you and about you! If you have a story to share, an accomplishment to tell us about, a family you’d like highlighted or ministry you’d like to share, please email Stacy Paris at Stacy@OurLadyofthePines.org.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online