Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Newsletter — November 2021

Immaculate CONCEPTION

Contents:

2 Teaching Our Children the True Meaning of Stewardship

Catholic Church

SECOND SOUP SUNDAY:

3 Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Time 4 Arts and Crafts Guild Blessed to Be Active Once Again, Sharing in Talents and Fellowship 6 Coffee and Donuts Ministry: Happy and Excited to Once Again Serve the Parish 7 St. Rose Philippine Duchesne: “The Woman Who Always Prays” November 2021

Giving From Our Blessings to Help Those in Need

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central tenet of being a Christian is to help those in need, whether a stranger or a friend. One way we can do that as Immaculate Conception parishioners is by donating non-perishables that are given to area shelters and food shelves as part of the Second Soup Sunday collection.

After each second Sunday Mass of the month, volunteers bring collected items to area shelters and food shelves. Each location receives two donations per year.

“There is so much need throughout North Little Rock and Little Rock,” says Pam Alterio, who recently took over this ministry and is grateful for the recent donations from parishioners.

The ministry was on hiatus during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — when Pam took over, she got it started again. As she looked for members to deliver the donated items to locations, Pam was excited that parishioners were willing to step up to help.

Pam checks to see what items the shelter or food Members of the Second Soup shelf needs most and lists these items in the bulletin Sunday Ministry collecting items continued on page 5

donated by parishioners

Immaculate CONCEPTION

TEACHING OUR CHILDREN

THE TRUE MEANING OF STEWARDSHIP

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hat is your response when someone compliments your child’s achievements in art, music or sports? Do you say “thank you” as a kind response, or do you thank God for granting your child the gifts necessary for success?

As parents, we serve as the primary educators of our children. Teaching them from a young age that their talents — whether in soccer, chorus or painting — come not from us, but from God, is essential to teaching stewardship. God graciously grants each of us unique skills and abilities, and it is our job to use those gifts to glorify Him. As parents, aunts, uncles, or older siblings, we can guide children in our lives to recognize their God-given gifts.

We can further encourage children to use God’s gifts to their full potential, and then thank Him for bestowing them. This teaches young Catholics how to be good stewards. Indeed, not utilizing our talents brings to mind the parable of the servant who buries the treasure his master gives him, instead of using it to create more treasure. God wants us to use our talents wisely and thankfully.

Teaching children to utilize their talents to build God’s kingdom is only one step of the threefold stewardship message. How your children spend their time is also important. As we move through the hustle and bustle of our day — balancing school, chores and extracurricular activities — do we find time to spend with God? It often seems as if 24 hours is not long enough to fulfill our many daily tasks.

So, how can we find the time to teach and demonstrate the importance of sharing our time with God? Simple time offerings include praying on the way to school, stopping by the church to pray for a friend in need, or thanking God for a good outcome on a test. Even learning about a saint over dinner and praying as a family before bedtime can be a valuable time offering to the Lord.

As parents, finding daily prayer time ourselves is also necessary, both for our roles as good 2

stewards and as an example to our children. How wonderful for a child to witness their parent in quiet prayer devotion!

The third tier of stewardship — treasure — is most frequently overlooked when educating our children. Birthday money from Grandma and allowance money doesn’t count — or does it?

All gifts we receive are really from God, and the “first fruits” of those gifts should be generously returned to God — even if they come from Grandma.

Starting as early as grade school, children can understand the concept of giving back to the all-giving God if we simply take the opportunity to teach it to them. Witnessing our weekly tithe is a great start, but encouraging them to give in their own children’s offertory envelope is also important. Knowing they are returning to God in thanksgiving will fill them with joy!

Of the many lessons parents instill in their children, teaching them to be good stewards should be a top priority. Our goal as parents is to get our children to heaven to be with our creator, God. Teaching them to be good stewards is a great way to ensure entry.

A Letter From Our Pastor

Giving Thanks to God for the Gift of Time Dear Parishioners,

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he next several weeks are certainly a busy time for us as Catholics, good stewards, good citizens, and faithful members of the Church and our parish. There are celebrations and commemorations both inside and outside the Church that are momentous in terms of faith, citizenship, and living as people of thanksgiving and gratitude.

We celebrate Veterans Day to honor and thank all those men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces in one capacity or another.

Indicative of the importance of this day, every year at 11 a.m. Eastern, the President of the United States lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

We all understand that Americans celebrate a day of Thanksgiving on Nov. 25. What more can we say about this? It is a day that was based in faith from its very beginnings, and it is an indication of how much we have to thank God for in terms of the gifts we have received — our lives, our families, our Church, our Lord and Savior — everything we are and everything we have.

No sooner are Thanksgiving Day celebrations concluded, than we begin that glorious season called Advent on Sunday, Nov. 28. This prepares us for and leads to Christmas. Indeed, this is both a busy and extraordinary time of year! There is, of course, much more on which we could focus and about which we could think, meditate and pray, but that is more than enough for us to consider and absorb.

From a stewardship perspective, I would like you to not only participate and focus on all the particular things that are about to happen but also on one of our special gifts — the gift of time. The gift of time, which we all receive from God in equal amount, is precious because it is a non-renewable resource.

Although some of our time is committed because of family responsibilities, work responsibilities, or simply personal needs, we have an element of freewill with how we spend a certain amount of it. We need to spend some of that time in prayer, in thanksgiving, in worship, and in works of mercy and ministry. Our time is perhaps more precious than any material gifts we receive from the Lord. How are we doing with that gift?

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. John Wakube Pastor

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Immaculate CONCEPTION

Arts and Crafts Guild

BLESSED TO BE ACTIVE ONCE AGAIN,

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he Arts and Crafts Guild of Immaculate Conception Parish began meeting again in September after being forced to remain apart for many months due to COVID restrictions.

During the pandemic restrictions, both the active and homebound members kept in touch via telephone — support the members see as a blessing. But now that they are meeting again, they invite anyone interested to join them in fellowship as they serve the Lord. Their meetings are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Tuesday at Immaculata Hall.

The Guild began in 1970 with a group of women who wanted to do something creative, worthwhile, and enjoyable.

“They met in each other’s homes until Immaculata Hall was built, and were given a room on the north side of the building,” says Rose Marie Karp, Guild coordinator.

Not only were the Guild members creative, but they quickly embraced stewardship by using their time, talent, and treasure to benefit our par-

ish. The Guild has sponsored an annual crafts bazaar that has raised more than $200,000 for the parish.

“Amazingly, most all of the materials for our items have been donated from kind individuals,” Rose Marie says. “The money we raised has been used to pay for many church needs — new carpet in church, a Nativity set, parish center tables, and kitchen supplies, the kitchen in Immaculata Hall, playground equipment, tuition scholarships, computers, audio-visual equipment, and more.”

The Guild bazaars are a thing to behold, with the variety of items the members have crafted.

These include tree ornaments, decorated small trees, artificial bouquets and wreaths, stuffed animals, aprons, pot holders, tree skirts, and quilts.

“The last couple of years, we’ve made stockings for the parish youth to fill for the Christmas Caravan, and potholders for the Thanksgiving baskets,” Rose Marie says. “We’ve also made costumes for the Christmas pageant, repainted

Members enjoy crafting and working together.

The Arts and Crafts Guild has raised more than $200,000 for the parish through the annual bazaar, where their crafted items are sold.

SHARING IN TALENTS AND FELLOWSHIP the Nativity set, and helped with the soup tasting event.”

As valuable and as important the funds are that the Guild raises for our parish, there is something even more precious that takes place as the members offer their talents. They have been able to craft friendships among other women sharing their faith.

“Even more valuable than the projects we work on together is the opportunity to meet other faith-filled women,” Rose Marie says. “Lifetime friendships have been made through this ministry. Sharing food, recipes, talents, and friendship with each other has lifted the burden from many a person participating.

Anyone interested in joining the Arts and Crafts Guild may contact Rose Marie Karp at 501-912-6082.

Seasonal items are among the items made by the Arts and Crafts Guild for the annual bazaar.

Second Soup Sunday

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the first Sunday of each month. For instance, the women’s shelter needs snacks for children and baby food, while the men’s shelter needs items to put in lunches for men out looking for employment.

“I am really excited about this ministry,” Pam says. “When I delivered in September, I was just so thrilled to see how much we had to bring to the shelter. I had at least a grocery cart full of items” At her previous parish in Ohio, Pam was actively involved in a group making free funeral meals for bereaved families. Having worked in nursing for 38 years, Pam always knew she wanted to get more involved in parish life after she retired, having

witnessed the efforts of those who had time to get involved in volunteering.

In a world where there is not always good news, this ministry gives Pam and the other volunteers a good feeling. Pam encourages parishioners to donate because when we give, we receive even more. Of course, we must help our neighbors in need, even if they are not members of our parish.

“Many of these people are in a crisis,” Pam says.

“We all have different crises during our lives and we make it through with the support of family and friends. The people who receive these donations are God’s children, just like we are.”

Please consider donating non-perishable items to an upcoming Second Soup Sunday.

Items like crackers, canned food and cereal are appreciated.

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Immaculate CONCEPTION

Coffee and Donuts Ministry:

Happy and Excited to Once Again Serve the Parish

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here were many happy greetings when Coffee and Donuts returned to our parishioners following the 8 a.m. Sunday Mass on Sept. 12.

This fellowship opportunity had been on hiatus for some time due to COVID-19 restrictions, but now coffee and donuts — and fellowship — will be served each second Sunday of the month through May. Coffee and Donuts have been a part of Immaculate Conception Parish for more than 15 years. Joan Finnegan is the coordinator of this sub-committee of the Hospitality Committee, which offers fellowship in the church cafeteria. Jennifer Bates also serves on this committee and enjoys helping and seeing parishioners file in after Mass.

“This is important to the parish because it’s a time to get together and visit,” Jennifer says. “We’re able to see parishioners we might not have seen for a while, and get together.”

At least 30 arrived for Coffee and Donuts on Sept. 12, a testament to just how popular — and how missed — the tradition has been. The serving does not require a large number of ministry members — someone is in charge of preparing and serving coffee, one to two members take care of serving juice, and one to two other members serve the donuts.

“Sometimes we have members there to welcome everyone as they come in,” Jennifer says.

There is no charge for the refreshments — parish funds cover the costs. The donuts are purchased from Shipley Do-Nuts at AR107 and E. Kiehl Ave. Jennifer joined the ministry as friends will do when help is needed. One Sunday, Joan was unable to prepare and serve the coffee, but Jennifer was available.

“I stepped up, and I’ve been helping to serve ever since,” Jennifer says.

The decor for each Sunday follows the seasons.

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In September and October, autumn and Halloween tablecloths and decorations were put into place, and with November and December, the ministry will set out Thanksgiving and Christmas decor.

“We try to change it up and make it festive,” Jennifer says.

This October group members (from left) Bill Wright, Cathy Wright, Ramona Bourdon, Joan Finnegan, Jennifer Bates, Faith Burke and Gayle Priddy greeted parishioners with treats, juice, and coffee.

Parishioners gather to visit and make new friends during the Coffee and Donuts Sunday in October.

Interested in helping with Coffee and Donuts?

Contact Joan Finnegan at 501-517-5153.

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne:

“The Woman Who Always Prays” On Nov. 18, we celebrate the feast day of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne. During her long life of service, she confronted many hardships, and played an important role in bringing the Catholic faith to the new American frontier. Her endless devotion to prayer and lifelong desire to help those in need provides us with a beautiful example of stewardship and faith in the face of great adversity.

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orn on Aug. 29, 1769 in Grenoble, France, to a prominent lawyer, the young Philippine was educated by tutors and her own mother, as well as by the Visitation nuns in Grenoble.

By 1788, the 19-year-old Philippine had become completely devoted to the Catholic faith, and she joined the Convent of the Visitation — by some accounts, against her family’s wishes.

However, by 1792, the convent was closed due to the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution — an era that witnessed the outlawing of all religious organization in France. While no longer a member of a convent, Philippine remained fully active in providing service and ministering to those in need — even selflessly putting herself at great risk by helping to hide priests from the Revolutionaries.

By the time the Reign of Terror ended and the Concordat between Napoleon and Pope Pius VII was signed in 1801, Philippine attempted to restart the convent, but without success. However, in 1804, she learned of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and with several of her companions, became a novice in the Society. By 1815, Philippine was elected secretary general of the Society, but had already expressed a strong desire to minister outside of France and Europe.

Such an opportunity was presented just three years later, as Bishop William Dubourg requested missionaries at his large diocese in Louisiana. Philippine, along with a group of four companions, sailed to New Orleans in May 1818.

By that September, Philippine and her companions had opened the first free school for girls located west of the Mississippi.

While Philippine found great difficulty adjusting to an unfamiliar culture in what was still largely uncharted North American territory, she nevertheless continued to oversee several struggling convents. And despite her uneasiness with the language and culture, Philippine worked to maintain a unified spirit within the Society as it spread throughout the new American territory.

By the early 1840s, Philippine decided to join her companions in the Society at a reservation of the Potawatomi nation, in Sugar Creek, Kan. A major influence on this decision was Philippine’s disgust with the treatment of the native people on behalf of the American government. continued on back cover

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Immaculate CONCEPTION 7000 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

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

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne She felt that by serving the reservation, she could concentrate on ministry and prayer in a setting far removed from European influence.

Unfortunately, Philippine’s health had already begun to fail, and at Sugar Creek she could do little more than continually pray in the reservation chapel. Nevertheless, her strong faith and spirit profoundly moved the Potawatomi people, and they affectionately referred to her as Kwahkahkanumad, or “the woman who always prays.”

As her health continued to deteriorate, Philippine was soon recalled from Sugar Creek.

She would spend the final 10 years of her life quietly working to spread the Catholic faith

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throughout North America. Philippine died on Nov. 18, 1852. Her companion, Anna du Rousier, was by her side at her death. Anna would carry the mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus into South America, assuring that Philippine’s faithful devotion to ministry and prayer would continue to inspire and influence long after her passing.

In recognition of Philippine’s contributions to the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as well as to the spread of the Catholic faith in North America, she was beatified on May 12, 1940. And on July 3, 1988, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne was canonized.

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**