Our Lady of the Lake Parish

March 28, 2020

Dear parishioners,
Father David is under the weather with some seasonal allergy/sinus issues and is not able to record Mass for this weekend.  Please enjoy a Mass available through St. Paul Inside the Walls, available via live stream at 11:00 am Sunday morning and anytime after, for the 5th Sunday of Lent.  The link to their website is:
https://insidethewalls.org/

Next week we look forward to Fr. saying the Rosary and Palm Sunday Mass!  Hope you are all staying healthy.  Thank you for your continued support of our parish and community.  God Bless You.
_________________

March 22, 2020

Dear parishioners,
Even as we deal with coronavirus, we are very much aware of the impact it is having on our lives--financially and spiritually.  Please know that we are here to help in any way.  We have received many calls from parishioners regarding the offertory asking how best to support the parish now that they cannot attend Mass.  Please prayerfully consider the following options listed below.

Thank you and God bless, Fr. David  

1.  Enroll in our WeShare online donations.  Should you need help with setting up an account, feel free to email:  lkelly@ourladyofthelake.org and Lori will contact you as soon as possible.  The service is convenient and secure.  The WeShare link is on the lower right of the website.
2.  Drop off at parish office to the right of the church.  We have completely closed access to the parish offices and the mail slot can now be used to drop off envelopes securely.
3.  Use the USPS or banking electronic check services.  Many people currently mail in their offertory, or have bank issued checks sent directly to the parish. 

As many parishes throughout the diocese and entire country feel the direct and immediate financial impact of this crisis, we also see increasing need in our local community faced with difficult times, and will strive to minister to families in need as best we can.  Thank you for considering the above options.  We are extremely grateful for your continued support.  Be well!  Our Lady of the Lake~Pray for us.

March 18, 2020

My dear parishioners,
            In my wildest imagination, I never would have thought that the daily and weekend Masses would not be available to the people of God. Even on Good Friday, the only day of the year when the Eucharist is not celebrated, we feel the absence of our Eucharistic Lord. 
            But then, again, we’re living in strange times.  Our planet is coping with an alien virus of which we know very little.  It is because of this unknown that we must follow the directives of our leaders both in Church and State, so that the common good is protected.  As we desire for things to be as they were, we are mindful of those who are elderly and sick, and those whose immune systems are compromised. In our uncertainty, we err on the side of caution.
            Despite that, life goes on as usual. Just as your family is dealing with new restrictions and guidelines, so also our parish family is addressing up-coming pastoral needs that call for our attention.  Our two Confirmation celebrations for 180 students, and our First Communion Masses for 95 children have been deferred.  As new developments unfold, we will keep you informed. Baptisms, weddings and funerals will be celebrated keeping in mind the required acceptable size of crowds in public spaces. (**As of Bishop's mandate on March 19, Baptisms and Funerals are now deferred.)
            It is my prayer that, despite the trials that are imposed on us by this pandemic, we avail ourselves of the blessings of this time. With the closing of schools and colleges, families are reunited, and opportunities are available for spending time together. While Masses are suspended until further notice, the Church will be open for prayer and reflection from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 9:00 am until 12:00 noon on Sunday, with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament all day on Tuesday.
As families, I encourage you to be creative in finding time to pray the Rosary, or other prayers that draw you closer to God and one another. Pope Francis has given us a beautiful prayer to our Blessed Mother to help in this time of need. 
            In closing, I want to thank you for your patience and cooperation during this difficult time. I’m always inspired how people step up to the plate in challenging times. The support and encouragement we share with one another means a lot. Above all, let us be hopeful. 
I love the adage: This, too, shall pass.
            Please know that Fr. Kamil and I are here for you. We celebrate Mass privately and remember you every morning at the Lord’s Table.  We miss having you with us. If there is any way that we can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Blessings and Peace,
Fr. David
 

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. 

THE CHURCH WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER AND ADORATION WILL STILL BY HELD ON TUESDAYS. 
 

PLEASE EXERCISE SOCIAL DISTANCING.

WE ASK THOSE WHO ARE FILLING 'RICE BOWLS' TO PLEASE WAIT UNTIL THE CORONA VIRUS CRISIS IS OVER BEFORE BRINGING THEM IN. 

THE PARISH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

SEE LINKS BELOW FOR BISHOP MANDATES.

See Bishop Serratelli mandate
Another new mandate defers Funeral Masses and Baptisms.
Bishop Serratelli update on Easter Services and Masses
 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7oIaled2w9ulQl6Gr-IOWA/

Click here for readings for Sunday, March 29, 2020 - 5th Sunday of Lent

Click here for WeShare

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