Thoughts from Fr. Scott Fr. Christopher’s Thoughts · 2019. 12. 25. · Fr. Scott Thought for the...

CHRISTMAS PAGE 1 DECEMBER 25, 2019

Merry Christmas and welcome home! I

pray this day will bring great peace and joy

to everyone. May this most Holy of days be

a time of renewal and hope as we

contemplate the birth of our Lord and Savior

in time. This Christmas is a special one

indeed. I am overjoyed by the opportunity I

have to be the Pastor of this great

community of faith. Our Christmas

celebration is one that will bring needed

healing and unification among the faithful of

God if we allow the Lord to enter our hearts.

We have had a tense and difficult year and I

think we could all use a little Christmas joy

at the moment. So, take advantage of this

time with family and friends to relax and

enjoy. Through our loved ones we can so

clearly see the love of the Christ child.

Hopefully, we will all receive God with great

joy and be at peace this season and

always. Once again, Merry Christmas to all

of our family and friends at OLL and

beyond.

I am truly blessed to be with a family of

God that really lives His will and celebrates

the Sacraments with such grace and

holiness, thank you so much. May this

Christmas be one of great joy for all of us at

Our Lady of the Lakes and throughout the

world. May the Christ child bring you and

your families great peace and joy this year

and always; this is my Christmas wish and

gift for all!

God Bless and Merry Christmas!

Fr. Scott

Thought for the week: Some lines are

simply timeless, so as tiny Tim observed:

“God bless us, everyone!”

Thoughts from Fr. Scott

Hello and Merry Christmas!!!!!

We gather today to celebrate the coming

of the Christ Child, the Word incarnate and

the savior of the universe, Jesus Christ. This

is a joyful time for all of us as we gather with

our friends and family. We come together to

celebrate the coming of Christ and to

celebrate all that Jesus does and will do for

us. Jesus has come to us in the simplicity of

life. He has come as a simple little child born

in a manger to draw us ever closer to Himself.

We celebrate the coming of the Lord with

great celebration, each and every year at

Christmas and often, days later, we pack up

all of the lights and decorations and wait for

next year when we celebrate Christmas

again. For us the celebration does not end

with Christmas day, rather it goes on for a few

weeks as we enter the Christmas season. It

can be easy to only focus on Christ coming at

Christmas and we can forget that Christ

comes to us each and every day. He is

waiting for us to encounter Him, to know Him

and to love Him.

As we heard in our first reading, “the

people who have walked in darkness have

seen a great light.” We are the people who

walked in darkness because of our sin and

now we have seen a great light, Christ

incarnate. Christ is the light of the world who

lights our way, who brightens the darkness of

life and who draws us ever closer to Himself.

Christ has brought us abundant joy and great

rejoicing and so let us recommit ourselves to

Christ and allow ourselves to be recharged by

Him, that we might continue each and every

day to be guided by the light of Christ, that we

might walk in Him, in the newness of life.

Merry Christmas and may God continue

to bless you abundantly as we continue our

celebration of the Word incarnate.

Fr. Christopher’s Thoughts

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES PAGE 2 WATERFORD, MICHIGAN

CHRISTIAN SERVICE

Thank you to everyone who has helped with the Christian Service Ministries in the past year. All of these programs happen because we have great volunteers and generous parishioners at Our Lady of the Lakes.

Listed below is a description of some of the ongoing ministries that you might want to get involved in! Contact Artha Horowitz at [email protected] 248-623-0274 if you need more information or would like to become involved.

Communion to Nursing Homes and Homebound

We have a weekly Mass or Communion Service at Canterbury Nursing home with volunteers bringing patients to the chapel. A priest comes from Columbiere Center to say the Mass, with the help of a volunteer driver from OLL. We have several dedicated volunteers that help with this program. We also have volunteers who bring communion weekly to the patients at Clarkston Specialty Care and several volunteers that take communion weekly to individuals in their homes. Thank you to all who help in this wonderful ministry.

Funeral Luncheons

We continue to have a strong Funeral Lunch program providing luncheons when needed. We have over 60 volunteers that bring food for the luncheons, set-up and clean-up. Thank you to all who serve their fellow parishioners in their time of grief.

St. Vincent de Paul

The Our Lady of the Lakes-St. Vincent de Paul conference has 11 members that help the poor. They answer the phone lines daily and help those requesting assistance. We make home visits, have office interviews and make phone calls trying to get enough information to help effectively. We spent over $100,000.00 helping in our past fiscal year. We help mainly with rent, utilities, groceries and gas.

Coffee and Donuts

We have coffee and donuts about 7 times a year. We welcome new parish members with coffee mugs and try to create fellowship. Thank you to all who set-up, serve, and clean-up for these tasty gatherings.

Prayer Shawl

For many years we have offered those suffering grief and other life issues a prayer shawl with comforting prayers. These have been given out by the Christian Service office. We have opened this ministry up to the parish at large. Parishioners can let us know of an individual going through a difficult life situation and we will provide them with a shawl and prayers. Thank you to the ladies who spend their time making these beautiful shawls that bring such comfort.

ST. VINCENT de PAUL

In the months of November/December, Our Lady of the Lakes-St. Vincent de Paul wrote approximately $5,000.00 in checks to help those in need. We are very grateful to our generous parish family for your continued support. We are able to help with rent, utility bills, food, gas, etc. because you give.

This past month we helped a young mother, who was the victim of domestic violence, with her DTE bill of almost $1,000.00. She has three children of her own as well as guardianship over her 2 nieces and nephew. She is also currently taking care of her grandmother who has Alzheimer’s disease. Thanks to your support of the St. Vincent de Paul society here at Lakes we are able to help those who are facing major struggles in life.

mailto:artha.horowitz@ollonline


FEAST OF MARY,

HOLY MOTHER

OF GOD

Tuesday, December 31

5:00pm

Wednesday, January 1

9:30am, 11:00am

PRAY FOR OUR

MILITARY PERSONNEL

CW3 Jacob Beno Army

Capt Kelsey Beno Army

† Jenna Beno died 10/15/12

AMN Stewart Blaquiere Air Force

† PFC Damian Bushart died 11/22/03 Army SSGT Francisco Cantu Caceres Marines Iraq

Eddy DeRocher Iraq

Jacob Dumont Army SFC Scott Emanuel Afghanistan

SSGT Dennis Haskins, Jr. Army

Dillan Johnson Air Force Kuwait

Jackson Jones Army Afghanistan Msgt Justin Jones Air Force

Matt Koetting Marines Afghanistan

Sean Konczal Navy Persian Golf

Robert Maher & Crew Navy

† Sgt. Joseph Martin died 8/16/18 Army MAJ Matthew McNeill Army Kuwait

† PFC Joseph Miracle died 7/5/07 Army Afghanistan LCP Derek Monday Marines Amanda Paczynski Army Korea

Capt. Adam Renkiewicz Army Afghanistan

Capt. Matthew Richards Army Iraq Katie Rounds Bahrain

Sgt. Gerald Sanchez Marines Afghanistan

CPTN Daniel Schasser

Anthony Schmidt Marines Major. Nick Strelchuk Air Force Beale AFB

Cory Vaught Army

James Whitlow Navy Iraq

If your son, daughter or grandchild is serving us in

troubled places, please let us know. Just drop a note in the mail, e-mail us at [email protected], fax us at

248 623-2723, or call us at 248 623-0274.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2019

St. John of Kanty MAL 3:1-4, 23-24 LK 1:57-66

8:15am...†Eric Kozlowski requested by the Konarzewski Family

8:15am...†Deceased Members of the Wallace & Harrington

Families requested by Lise Wallace

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2019

2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Lk 1:67-79

4:00pm...†Jacob Jarman requested by the Fluegel Family

4:00pm...†Kathryn Kepshire requested by OLL Staff

4:05pm…(Mass in St. Joseph Hall)

6:00pm…†Deceased Members of the Arabucki Family

6:00pm…†Eleanore McKervey requested by Tom McKervey

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2019

The Nativity of the Lord IS 52:7-10 HEB 1:1:6 JN 1:1-18

12:00am…Living & Deceased Family of Suzanne Navarre

12:00am…†Natale Tersigni requested by the Steve Tersigni Family

9:30am…Parish Family of Our Lady of the Lakes

11:30am…Parish Family of Our Lady of the Lakes

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

St. Stephen ACTS 6:8-10; 7:54-59 MT 10:17-22

*NO MASS*

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

St. John 1 JN 1:1-4 JN 20:1a, 2-8

8:15am…†Arthur Miruzzi requested by his Family

8:15am...Souls in Purgatory

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2019

The Holy Innocents

1 JN 1:5—2:2 MT 2:13-18

5:00pm…†John Dondanville requested by the Zednik Family

5:00pm…†Leon Webber, Sr. requested by his Wife

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2019

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph SIR 3:2-6, 12-14 COL 3:12-21 MT 2:13-15, 19-23

8:00am…†Deceased Members of the Arabucki Family

8:00am…†Joe Tersigni requested by the Kids

9:30am…†Pauline & Lawrence Day requested by their Family

9:30am…†Kevin Mooney requested by his Family

11:00am…†Josephine Macuga requested by Rose Gregory

11:00am…†Bob Pesta requested by Sid Dorainick Family

12:30pm…†Tony Matell requested by his Family

12:30pm...Parish Family of Our Lady of the Lakes

MASS SCHEDULE


OUR PARISH LIFE TOGETHER

5th SUNDAY

ROSARY SERVICE

The Knights of Columbus is hosting a 5th Sunday Rosary Service at 2:00pm on Sunday,

December 29 in the Church. We will have Guides to Praying the Rosary and Rosary Rings available for anyone that needs them. Our prayer intention is for “Peace on Earth”.

PRAY FOR OUR SICK

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers

this week the sick members of our Parish:

Holly Sanders, Gary Garza, William Bodenmiller, Katie Geary, Xavier Dedousis, Carol Pawlowski, Irene Pawlowski, Linda Hemphill, Frank Cynowa, Dennis Ritter, Scott Przybylowicz, Leonard Matusko, Bill Boeneman, Jennifer Gaffey, Janet Cobert, Joe Batwinas, Carm Smolinski, Roberta Blust, Patrick Hull, Tress Ann Smith, Tania Price, Jeff Hotchkiss, Ralph Vogan, Sally Kubani, Irene Delasko, Ben Darmofal, Margo Brown, Brady Cullen, Rob Amos, Theresa Villereal, Adam Figurski, Norma Erdman, Carol Raymond, Juliana Clark, Debbie Wigner & Family, Stephen (Popeye) Akers, Sembra Martin, Valerie Carpenter, Chelsea Arcilesi, Carl Cordonnier, Finn, Martino Casetti, Don & Rhonda Barron, Beverly McDonald, Sandie Ososkie, Paul Evens, Pat Zurbriggen, Ardella Kohlman, Ronald Wolff, Katherine Clark, Louis Roger, Kevin Dalley, Anthony Evens, John (Stretch) Zettle, Kelsey Carroll, Joyce Delasko, Sherri Flanary, Jean Tinson.

May they find peace, strength, and comfort in God’s care.

Words From the Worship Committee

Christmas Prayer God grant you peace at Christmas,

And fill your heart with peace.

God grant you health and happiness,

Throughout the coming year.

God guide you with His wisdom,

And keep you in His care.

This is our special wish and Christmas Prayer for all.

Dear Laker Alumni,

As a proud graduate of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School (1990), I learned first hand the value of a Catholic education. When my husband and I were blessed with 5

children, we chose Lakes for their education. They attended K-12th grade. Our granddaughter began the Pre-Kindergarten program this year, making my family a 3-year generation Laker family. What a legacy!

I am the Director of Admissions and Enrollment for the school, and my goal is to strengthen our Laker Alumni ties. I would like to keep you informed of the happenings of our very special Laker community and with your help build up our family.

Please update your contact information at ollonline.org/school/alumni

Remember, word of mouth is the best avenue for recruiting new families. Alumni, I ask you to stand behind your alma mater and help me spread the good news. Our Lady of the Lakes is an exceptional, first-rate school!

Nichole Campbell ‘90 Director of Admissions & Enrollment Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School

RECTORY

HOUSEWARMING If you wish to purchase a gift for the rectory:

BED BATH & BEYOND

Is pleased to have registered

Father Scott Our Lady of the Lakes

Registry # 548375014

To receive a registry or purchase a gift,

visit in-store or online at www.bedbathandbeyond.com

or call 1-800-GO BEYOND


Entrance Song:

O Come All Ye Faithful

Adeste fideles Laeti triumphantes Venite, venite in Bethlehem Natum videte Regem angelorum Venite adoremus Venite adoremus Venite adoremus Dominum Oh, come, all ye faithful Joyful and triumphant Oh come, ye Oh come, ye to Bethlehem Come and behold Him Born the King of angels O come, let us adore him O come, let us adore him O come, let us adore him Christ, The Lord Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing all ye citizens of heaven above. Glory to God in the Highest; O come, let us adore him O come, let us adore him O come, let us adore him Christ, The Lord Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:

O come, let us adore him O come, let us adore him O come, let us adore him Christ, The Lord

Responsorial Psalm:

Today is born our Savior,

Christ the Lord.

Table Preparation Song:

He Shall Reign Forevermore Chris Tomlin & Matt Maher

CCLI License # 11268564

In the bleak mid-winter

All creation groans

For a world in darkness

Frozen like a stone

Light is breaking

In a stable for a throne

Refrain: (And) He shall reign forevermore

forevermore

And He shall reign forevermore

forevermore

Unto us a Child is born

The King of kings and Lord of lords


forevermore

If I were a wise man

I would travel far

If I were a shepherd

I would do my part

But poor as I am

I will give to Him my heart


forevermore


forevermore

Unto us a Child is born

The King of kings and Lord of lords


forevermore

Here within a manger lies the One

Who made the starry skies

This baby born for sacrifice

Christ the Messiah

Into our hopes into our fears

The Savior of the world appears

The promise of eternal years

Christ the Messiah


forevermore


forevermore

Communion Songs:

Silent Night

Silent night, Holy night, All is calm, All is bright Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, Holy night, Shepherds quake at the sight, Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing alleluia; Christ the Savior, is born! Christ the Savior, is born! Silent night, Holy night, Son of God, Love's pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

What Child Is This

What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The babe, the son of Mary. Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and donkeys are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The babe, the son of Mary. So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, king, to own him. The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone him. This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The babe, the son of Mary.


CHRISTMAS CARD

COLLECTION

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus Council 5436 are collecting Christmas cards and all types of greeting cards for St Jude’s Ranch. (They are especially in need of birthday and thank you cards.) Due to copyright restrictions, please donate the entire card.

There is a box in the Delaney Parish Center labeled “Cards for St. Jude” for donations of your used cards.

Last date to drop off cards is January 31st.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem

How still we see thee lie

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by

Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting Light

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary

And gathered all above

While mortals sleep, the angels keep

Their watch of wondering love

O morning stars together

Proclaim the holy birth

And praises sing to God the King

And Peace to all on earth

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is giv’n

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of His heav’n

No ear may hear His coming

But in this world of sin

Where meek souls will receive him still

The dear Christ enters in

O holy Child of Bethlehem

Descend to us, we pray

Cast out our sin and enter in

Be born to us today

We hear the Christmas angels

The great glad tidings tell

O come to us, abide with us

Our Lord Emmanuel

Closing Song:

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Hark the herald angels sing: “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.” Christ by highest heav’n adored, Christ the everlasting Lord; Late in time, behold him come, Offspring of the virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see! Hail the Incarnate Deity! Please as man with us to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.” Hail the heav’n born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Ris’n with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, Born that we no more may die, Born to raise us from the earth, Born to give us second birth. Hark the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”

OLL PRAYER REQUEST LINE

248-623-0274

[email protected]

Touch “Prayers” in our Parish App

HOLIDAY OFFICE

HOURS

December 25 & 26

Closed

December 27

8:00am-12:00pm

December 28

10:00am-3:00pm

December 29

9:00am-2:00pm

December 30

8:00am-12:00pm

December 31

8:00am-12:00pm

January 1

Closed


STEWARDSHIP THOUGHTS

The Nativity of the Lord

On this Solemnity of Christmas, the Scripture readings inspire all faith-filled stewards to stop and ponder in great awe God’s ultimate gift: the gift of His only begotten Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Heaven’s gates are open to anyone who strives for eternal salvation through Christ’s birth, life, death on the cross, and Resurrection. Out of heartfelt gratitude, let us give honor, glory, and praise to God for this greatest of gifts: His Son! As a reminder to our children, and to ourselves, today we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. What of our time, talent, and treasure can we present to Him?

TAX ADVANTAGED WAYS TO

GIVE TO OUR PARISH

Parishioners may consider these two ways to lower

their tax bill through charitable giving at the year end.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities

Investors in the stock market have enjoyed upswings in the market indexes in recent months. Some of your investments may have increased in value significantly. Appreciated stocks are ideal for making gifts to the Church. If you have held the stock for more than a year when you make a gift of appreciated securities to benefit the Church and you itemize tax deductions, its fair market value is the measure of the charitable gift for contribution deduction purposes. You also avoid the capital gain tax on the appreciation you would incur if you sold it. This may allow you to make an even larger gift since you avoid paying tax on a sale of stock. In essence, you may save twice — on income tax depending on your itemized deduction circumstances, and on capital gains tax. You can also use appreciated securities to arrange a gift annuity with the Catholic Foundation of Michigan, or to fund a charitable remainder trust. However, if your plan is to ditch stock that has decreased in value as a rebalancing strategy, you are better off selling the stock and giving the proceeds to the Church. On your tax return, you would claim the loss on the sale of stock as well as the deduction for the charitable gift to the Church if you itemize deductions.

IRA Rollover

The “IRA charitable rollover” law permits individuals age 70 1/2 or older to make distributions directly from their individual retirement account (IRA) to charities without having to report these distributions as taxable income. The IRA charitable rollover has some limitations:

It applies only to individuals age 70 1/2 or older.

Qualifying distributions to charity are subject to an annual limitation of $100,000.

Only distributions from traditional or certain Roth IRAs are tax free. The law does not apply to other qualified retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans. (Note: Consult with your financial or tax advisor about the possibility of transferring funds from one of these other qualified plans to establish an IRA, with the distribution to charity coming from the newly established IRA.)

Only direct distributions from your IRA to charity qualify as tax free. Distributions to a donor-advised fund, or in exchange for a charitable gift annuity, do not apply.

Even with these limitations, the IRA charitable rollover law is especially beneficial to donors who claim the standard deduction instead of itemizing deductions on their tax return. Your parish, your parish’s endowment fund in the Archdiocese of Detroit Endowment Foundation, the Catholic Services Appeal, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, and the Catholic Foundation of Michigan are all qualifying charities for an

IRA charitable rollover. You should consult with your IRA administrator about the proper procedures for making a direct gift to charity from your IRA. If you have elected to have income tax withheld from your normal IRA distributions, instruct the administrator NOT to withhold tax from your direct distribution to the Church or another qualifying charity.

Please consult your tax or financial advisor. Our parish

and the Archdiocese of Detroit are not engaged in legal or

tax advisory service. The examples listed above are

intended to provide useful information of a general character

only. For specific advice and assistance please consult a

qualified tax or financial advisor.


OUR LADY OF THE LAKES

5481 Dixie Highway

Waterford, Michigan 48329

248-623-0274

PASTOR Rev. Scott Thibodeau

ASSOCIATE PASTOR Rev. Christopher Muer

PERMANENT DEACON Stephen Talbot

Artha Horowitz, Director of Christian Service..... 248-623-0274

Tim Smith, Director of Music Ministry ................ 248-821-8443

Jean Hartman, Director of Faith Formation ....... 248-623-0274

Parish Office ...................................................... 248-623-0274

Fax .................................................................... 248-623-2723

Web Site ................................................... http://OLLonline.org

E-mail ......................................... [email protected]

Prayer Requests ....................... [email protected]

SCHOOL

Jeanine Kenny, Principal & Head of School ........ 248-623-0340

Admissions ......................................................... 248-623-0340

Jared Kullman, Athletic Director .......................... 248-623-0340

BULLETIN DEADLINE

Mondays, 9:00am at the Parish Center

Kathie Harroun, Editor

Submissions to: [email protected]

Project Rachel Post Abortion Ministry...1-888-722-4355

National Domestic Violence Hotline...1-800-799-7233

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL:

Parish Council meets the last Tuesday twice a semester at 7:00pm in the Delaney Parish Center.

Tim Tomezak, [email protected] Chris Lee, Vice [email protected]

John Arzenti, [email protected]

MASSES Saturday Evening....5:00pm

Sunday.....8:00, 9:30 & 11:00am, 12:30pm Monday - Friday.....8:15am

BAPTISMS: 1st & 3rd Sundays at 1:30pm. Parents must

pre-register and attend a Baptism Class. Call 623-0274

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Saturdays from 3:30pm until all are heard

EUCHARISTIC EXPOSITION: 3rd Tuesday of every month followed by

Rosary and Benediction at 7:00pm Signup at: tinyurl.com/OLLexposition

FAITH FORMATION: Ages 4/5: Sundays 9:30am

Mondays: Grades 1-8— 6:15pm Family Catechisis: 1st Sunday of each month - 1:30pm

RCIC – Tuesday 7:00pm - RCIA — Tuesday 7:00pm

WEDDINGS Arrangements must be made at least 6 months in advance.

Couples must attend the Pre-Marriage Workshop.

REGISTRATIONS: All families must register personally at the Delaney Center or

online at OLLonline.org. Please notify the parish when moving in or away 623-0274.

Thoughts from Fr. Scott Fr. Christopher’s Thoughts · 2019. 12. 25. · Fr. Scott Thought for the...

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