Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Newsletter — December 2021

Immaculate CONCEPTION

Contents:

2 Christmastime Stewardship How We Can Bring His Son to the World 3 Stewardship Possibilities are Endless at Christmas

4 Adult Faith Formation:

Offering

Valuable

Opportunities to

Grow Closer to God 6 The Origin and Beauty of the Nativity Scene 7 Walking with Purpose: Bringing Parish Women Together

in Faith and Friendship DECEMBER 2021

Catholic Church

THE LECTOR MINISTRY: Proclaiming God’s Word with Great Care

I

n whatever ways we get involved at Immaculate Conception, it serves as a blessing to ourselves and all our fellow parishioners. It is even more of a blessing if we can serve alongside family members — and Lisa Johnson knows this well. She feels blessed to serve as a lector while two of her children, Trey and Kaitlynn, serve on the altar.

Lisa has been a lector for about five years.

Since she has a love for public speaking, the Lector Ministry seemed like a natural fit. Getting involved was also a way for her to help others who are hearing impaired like she is.

“It’s important to me that everyone who attends Mass can hear and understand the words in the readings,” Lisa says. “I don’t want people Lisa Johnson enjoys serving to have to read along to know what’s being said. as a lector.

When we listen, we absorb more.”

In order to practice, Lisa makes sure to read the readings out loud, several times, before proclaiming them at Mass. This helps her in adding inflection and how to say larger words or names. It also gives her a chance to spend some time with the readings before Mass.

“It’s important to me that I don’t detract from the readings,” Lisa says. “I continued on page 5

Immaculate CONCEPTION CHRISTMASTIME STEWARDSHIP

How We Can Bring His Son to the World

I

t is not uncommon to give gifts during Advent and Christmas, but it is never enough just to leave it at that. True, Jesus gave Himself to us at the first Christmas. And, as always, we should strive to imitate Him by giving of ourselves in some way as we celebrate the anniversary of His birth. But there is a way to give even more than just ourselves — by giving the gift of Christ to others. The seasons of Advent and Christmas are perfect opportunities to share the love and message of Jesus with others in a beautiful way.

Of course, giving of ourselves in imitation of Jesus is a beautiful thing. But it is just as important to remember that, as human beings, we bear the likeness of God. As Christians, Jesus Himself inhabits our very souls. As Catholics, our Lord literally dwells within us when we receive Him in the Eucharist. Based upon this logic, we do so much more than imitate Jesus when we selflessly give of ourselves to others. Indeed, just as Mary carried Christ in her womb when she visited her cousin, Elizabeth, and just as she brought Him in her arms to Simeon as a newborn child, we can also literally bring Jesus Christ to the world.

What a profound task Our Lord has laid out for us this season! As He grew in Mary’s womb, Jesus could only go where Mary chose to take Him. Of course, He couldn’t do anything — He couldn’t even speak.

Mary became His hands and feet, and even His voice.

Mary could have stayed at home during her pregnancy, resting and preparing for life with a newborn, as most mothers do. But instead, the Blessed Mother helped her Son begin His mission by bringing Him to her cousin, Elizabeth. Today, in much the same way, Christ invites us to share Him with the rest of the world. He chooses to make His presence known through us. And so, as the spiritual writer Caryll Houselander beautifully stated, “We must carry Jesus in our hearts wherever He wants us to go, and there are

2

many places to which He may never go unless we take Him to them.”

How do we bring Jesus to those in our parish and community? There are many ways. We might visit with a sick parishioner over the holidays, providing fellowship and support in their time of need.

We may consider serving a local soup kitchen or food bank, and doing our part to make sure that the hungry are fed. We can sing Christmas carols for our neighbors, bringing true joy and love to their homes. Perhaps we could help a tired friend clean her house, making her life a little bit easier during this busy season. Or we can share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. We might even try going to work with a cheery disposition, or donating money so that a starving child in a poor country can have something to eat. These are just a few examples of how we can practice stewardship.

We may sometimes feel as if our efforts are in vain — especially when it is hard to see the effects of our evangelization. This temptation is particularly strong when we offer our treasure as a gift to God. The positive effects of monetary gifts aren’t always as visible as gifts of time or talent. But when we give of our treasure, the love of Jesus can travel to places we could never go. While our gift may not directly affect someone in a positive way, it very well may enable someone else to do it for us. Sometimes, God doesn’t just ask us to be His hands and feet, but to enable someone else to be them, as well.

Advent and Christmas give us the opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ call to live as stewards and disciples of His Word. God has put us in a particular place, given us a certain amount of time, and asked us to perform particular tasks and selflessly share a portion of our gifts. This is all for a singular purpose — to bring His Son into the world, and make Christ’s presence just as real as when He first became man more than 2,000 years ago.

A Letter From Our Pastor

Stewardship Possibilities are Endless at Christmas Dear Parishioners,

W

hen I think of December, the first thing that comes to my mind is Christmas.

While that may seem obvious, there are several other possibilities. I could think of Advent, which prepares us for Christmas. I could think of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation, and the patronal festival of the United States.

I could think of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose popularity has spread far beyond the Hispanic community. December also brings the winter solstice.

And it brings the end of the secular calendar year, which means getting my financials together for the upcoming income tax season.

But instead, I think of Christmas — one of the greatest feasts of the Christian year, along with Easter and Pentecost. The basic truth of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus the Messiah, God Incarnate, is plenty of reason for us all to rejoice and worship. But we’ve piled so much extra baggage on our Christmas observance, and worship is often almost lost in the shuffle.

We send Christmas cards to people we contact at no other time of the year. We put up wreaths, Christmas trees, and lights. We host parties for family and friends. We visit relatives. We plan and prepare Christmas meals. And we have Christmas gifts to buy. No wonder the Christ Mass becomes an afterthought!

Maybe, though, we can combine our Christmas activities with our stewardship commitments.

Treasure is the simplest. Shouldn’t the most expensive Christmas present we give be the one to Jesus whose birthday we’re celebrating? Risen and glorified, He needs nothing we have. But His Body — the Church — continues Jesus’ mission here on earth and always needs additional resources.

Time and Talent may be a little more complicated, but can’t we spend a little more of our time in worship and prayer? Stop by the church for a visit to the Christmas Crib and offer a prayer of thanks for the gift of God’s Son. Attend Mass each day of the Christmas Octave. Gather your family for

prayers together in the morning or at dinner in preparation for Christmas Day and through the Christmas season.

And Talent? There are lots of possibilities.

Sing in the choir for the Christmas Masses. Help decorate the Church. Cook or bake for someone who is homebound. Invite someone who will be alone to share Christmas dinner with your family. Offer to work in a soup kitchen if you will be alone. The possibilities are endless.

Yes, December means Christmas. But with some planning, we can make this hectic time a real blessing both for ourselves and others. Pray for me that I can keep Christmas properly, and I’ll pray for you. And by the way, have a Merry Christmas!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. John Wakube Pastor

3

Immaculate CONCEPTION

Adult Faith

OFFERING VALUABLE OPPORTUNIT

I

t can be all too easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life. There are so many demands, from parenting and work to managing our health and wellbeing. So, we may find it difficult to take the time to intentionally learn more about our faith and to grow.

Here at Immaculate Conception, we are blessed with opportunities for adults to grow in faith through the Adult Faith Formation program. Throughout the fall, about 40 adults have been attending a study on the book of Revelation — this 11-week course is being held on Monday evenings. A course on Psalms will likely be conducted in 2022. Past studies have included the books of Matthew and Acts, Bible history, and the story of salvation.

Phyllis Eubanks coordinates the program and invites all adults to get involved. As she notes, no matter our age, we should all be constantly growing in faith.

“Just as we continue to grow and learn as we age, so should our relationship and knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Church,” Phyllis says.

“It is a never-ending story until we reach our ultimate goal — heaven.”

There were no courses in 2020 due to the pandemic, so Phyllis is especially grateful that parishioners can once again gather in the study of the Bible. With all the stress and isolation brought on by the pandemic, Phyllis says all adults should carve out time to grow in faith this Advent. As we approach the new year, we should all consider

“Just as we continue to grow and learn as we age, so should our relationship and knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Church. It is a never-ending story until we reach our ultimate goal — heaven.” — PHYLLIS EUBANKS

4

Formation:

TIES TO GROW CLOSER TO GOD ways we can renew our faith. Adult Faith Formation offers a wonderful chance to do just that.

“As we journey with Jesus — from His birth through His life and ministry until His death, and resurrection and finally the moment when the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit — so we too may grow to fullness and be again filled with that same Holy Spirit after a year of being more fully formed through Adult Faith

Formation,” Phyllis says.

Phyllis feels blessed to be doing this work and feels the Lord uses her as an instrument to bring Christ to others. Through this work, she can grow in faith, too.

“I love being able to grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ and continue to be formed in my faith while sharing this wonderful experience with so many parish family members,” she says.

If you would like more information on Adult Faith Formation, please refer to the bulletin, or contact Phyllis Eubanks at 501-835-4323, ext. 103, or rciacoordinator@iccnlr.org.

THE LECTOR MINISTRY want everything said correctly and loud enough for everyone.”

Although speaking in front of the congregation may seem a bit intimidating, Lisa invites other parishioners to consider becoming a lector — it’s been such a joy for her to serve. However, if serving as a lector isn’t a good fit, Lisa asks all parishioners to consider other ways they may still use their gifts to glorify the Lord. Becoming involved in a liturgical ministry opens up a whole new world of the Mass.

“I have learned so much more about why we do what we do,” Lisa says. “Just that in itself has been great.”

Lisa also helps with the parish Flower Guild.

She also reads announcements at Mass for fundraisers, when needed. Lisa has noticed many of

continued from front cover

the parish volunteers are at retirement age — she hopes more young adults and those in their 40s will step up to volunteer at Immaculate Conception. It takes everyone for the work to be done.

“We want there to be trained people ready when the current volunteers have to give up their work,” Lisa says. “It needs to be a smooth transition. There’s never a ‘perfect’ time to get involved. If we want our parish to continue to flourish, we all need to step up.”

Lisa asks us all to look inside to consider what we enjoy and how we can use it at Immaculate Conception, and then ask the Lord where He wants you to serve.

“When you are doing the things you are made to do and called to do, it gives you joy,” Lisa says. “It also gives the other parishioners joy.”

If you would like to serve as a lector, or if you would like more information about this ministry, please contact Lisa Johnson at 501-650-2864.

5

Immaculate CONCEPTION

The

Origin and Beauty

of the

W

ith all the commercialism surrounding Christmastime, it’s far too easy for us to lose sight of the true reason behind the season. Overwhelmed by our endless to-do lists and the hustle and bustle of last-minute shopping, our focus quickly shifts away from the Christ Child’s birth. And yet, hidden amongst the holly wreaths and garlands, the Christmas Nativity remains a tangible reminder of the Incarnation, pulling us back into time for a moment as we reflect upon the incredible gift of Christ’s birth.

Interestingly, it was circumstances much like our own today which first led St. Francis of Assisi to recreate the Nativity scene nearly 800 years ago. Frustrated with the growing materialism and greed that seemed to pervade 13 th century Italy, St. Francis wanted a way to visually remind people of Christ’s humble beginnings — to show them that Christmas isn’t about pomp and circumstance or material goods, but rather about unselfish love. Describing the idea to his friend Giovanni, St. Francis wrote, “I want to do something that will recall the memory of that child who was born in Bethlehem, to see with bodily eyes the inconveniences of his infancy, how he lay in the manger...”

And so St. Francis’ idea took form on Christ6

Nativity Scene

mas Eve in 1223. This original Nativity scene was a living one, even including live animals.

Villagers were deeply moved by the silent display of humble beauty, and the Nativity tradition soon spread throughout Italy and surrounding Europe. It is a tradition that remains today in nearly every Christian church and in many homes. In fact, it’s hard to imagine Christmas without a Nativity scene somewhere.

Coming in various sizes and styles, each Nativity replica continues to focus our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas — to help us remember that Christmas isn’t about the amount of gifts under the tree or the festive decorations, but rather about celebrating Christ’s birth. Many families have a tradition of hiding the Infant Jesus, only placing Him in the crib on Christmas morning. This helps build anticipation during the Advent season as we anxiously await the Divine’s birth. Others go a step further, actually wrapping up the Christ Child to be opened as the very first gift of Christmas.

Yet, whatever your family’s particular traditions, we hope that the Christmas Nativity continues to draw your heart heavenward this Christmas season — to center us all on the greatest gift ever given, our Incarnate Lord.

Walking with Purpose:

Bringing Parish Women Together in Faith and Friendship

O

ur women’s Bible study group, Walking with Purpose, discovered that the current study guide, Reclaiming Friendship, has been just what the group needed as we stepped out of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions from the past year.

The relieved feeling of coming out of isolation was the consensus when the group resumed inperson meetings in early November. During the past year, the group’s meetings took place on Zoom, and they met outdoors in early autumn.

“These were the thoughts the people shared,” says Becky Dearworth, who coordinates Walking with Purpose. “It definitely impacted all of us in the way we behaved, and how we interacted with each other.”

Walking with Purpose meets from 6:30-8 p.m. each Wednesday in Immaculata Hall. All parish women are invited to take part. Currently, 11 women are participating.

During the gatherings, the group has been introduced to the four fruits of intentional friendship — loyalty; comfort in sorrow; support; foretaste of eternal friendship with God. “In six lessons, the group will explore the biblical definition of friendship, barriers we set for ourselves that prevent strong bonds, and becoming a great friend,” Becky says. “In the group time, we will explore the different types of friendship ranging from acquaintances, good friends to intimate friends.”

By looking at what makes a strong friendship, the women can compare their relationship with Christ.

“It’s very insightful to me,” Becky says. “Women tend to have more shallow relationships, and this challenges us to dive deeper into friendship,

The group works from a study guide, Reclaiming Friendship, which offers reflections on building lasting friendships, understanding that we are created in God’s image, and being part of an authentic community.

and carry it to our relationship with Christ.”

The group works from a study guide, Reclaiming Friendship, and its cost is the only expense necessary.

“The study guide has five areas that encourage you to do five days of homework,” Becky says. continued on back cover

7

Immaculate CONCEPTION 7000 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

North Little Rock, AR 72116 Church Office: (501) 835-4323 www.iccnlr.org

Walking with Purpose “But we’re working on it together as a group. There will be some catechism and some Scripture readings. At the end of the chapter, there are reflections and a challenge of how to take the lesson to our personal lives.”

According to the Walking with Purpose website at www.walkingwithpurpose.com, Reclaiming Friendship is for women who desire lasting friendships; need to know and understand what it means that God created each of us in His im-

continued from page 7

age; and crave an authentic community, the kind in which we experience His joy and goodness.

“The group is very casual, very laid back,” Becky says. “There are people from all walks of life, and it’s generational, with women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. There is no age restriction, just all women. I love it! We all are friends in the group. People feel comfortable and are open to talking. This is what we need.”

Anyone who would like more information about Walking with Purpose may call Becky Dearworth at 501-231-4372.

LITURGY SCHEDULE

Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m. | Sunday Masses: 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Daily Mass: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and First Saturday of the Month at 8:15 a.m.

Confessions: Tuesday: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Thursday: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

ADORATION

Adoration is now being held in the Adoration Chapel. If you are interested in spending time with the Blessed Sacrament, please contact Ramona Bourdo at 501.831.5040, for an available time slot. **Schedule subject to change due to COVID-19 guidelines**