Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church Newsletter — December 2021

december 2021

Our Lady of the

Assumption Pa r i sh

Advent and Christmas:

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Opportunities to Draw Closer to Christ and Our Community

he calendar year is coming to a close, but for Catholics, a new year is already underway! Advent marks the start of a new liturgical year for us, and it is the perfect 2 Christmastime time to refocus our spiritual lives and preStewardship pare our hearts for Christmas. Here at Our How We Can Bring Lady of the Assumption, we offer many His Son to the World ways to help you enter into this season of growth and preparation.

3 Stewardship Possibilities Just as we prepare our homes for Christare Endless at Christmas mas, it’s also important to prepare our hearts. Prayer is the simplest way to draw nearer to Christ this Advent, and OLA will 4 Hats for the Homeless: offer several opportunities for parishioners to come together in prayer, both in-person Recognizing the Human and online. The Advent Contemplative Prayer and Penance Service is one excellent Dignity of All way to enrich your Advent.

“We offer contemplative Taizé prayer before the Penance Service,” says Casey Oli6 Carmichael HART: ver, Music Director. “It is a beautiful opportunity to pray and prepare to return to the Providing Essential Help Lord through Confession. Praying together and then going to Confession together as a community is both consoling and humbling.”

For Those Experiencing The parish will also offer additional opportunities to pray the Joyful Mysteries Homelessness of the Rosary together, both in the church and over Zoom. The church will be open for Adoration on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well.

“We hope that by providing multiple opportunities for prayer, parishioners will be encouraged to make a commitment to add prayer to their daily routine,” Casey says. “We hope everyone will take more time to pray both at home and inside the church.”

Parishioners can look to Flocknote emails for additional faith forma5057 Cottage Way tion opportunities throughout Advent. Videos and educational mateCarmichael, CA 95608 rials specific for the season of Advent will be shared through email.

(916) 481-5115 | olaparish.net

Inside

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Christmastime Stewardship How We Can Bring His Son to the World

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

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us to go, and there are 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,

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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,

Father Eduino Silveira Pastor

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Hats for the Homeless:

RECOGNIZING

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The Mercy Pedalers assist with distributing hats.

“It’s just a way to try to do our part in serving others,” says Angie Strawn.

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s Catholics, we’re called to use our God-given talents to serve others. One way to do this is through the Hats for the Homeless Ministry, which provides fleece, knitted, and crocheted hats to those in need. By helping out with this ministry, parishioners of all ages can reach out to others with a corporal work of mercy.

“The Hats for the Homeless Project is a year-round effort,” says ministry founder and coordinator Angie Strawn. “We encourage stitchers from all over to contribute handmade hats that will warm the heads of children and adults each winter. It started out as a conversation with other nurses, dialoging about what we could do for the homeless community to recognize their personhood. Physiologically, it’s very important to keep your head warm, and a lot of nurses wanted to be able to use their hands and knitting and crocheting skills.

During that initial conversation, the nurses discovered a similar project taking place in Baltimore, Md. “We started making hats and sending them to Baltimore, and as our chapter grew with members from all over the country, we thought we could start looking into making hats for our own local communities,” Angie says. “The seeds for our project were cast far and wide, and it has really taken off.”

Here in the Sacramento area, the ministry donates hats to organizations including Mercy Pedalers, Joshua’s House Volunteer Hospice, Mustard Seed School, Sharing God’s Bounty, and Loaves and Fishes. By donating hats for the homeless and sick to wear in the winter, the ministry works to both raise awareness and to recognize the innate human dignity of every person, regardless of their circumstances.

“We just want to recognize their personhood and acknowledge them,” Angie says. “It’s just a way to try to do our part in serving others. I believe in what the Gospel says about how we are meant to be servants, and this is one way I personally can use my talents in knitting to serve someone else. We can’t all be Mother Teresas, but we can all care for others — I love the quote where she says that only a few of us are called to do great things, but we are all called to do small things with great love. And in the

THE HUMAN DIGNITY OF ALL process of helping others, it helps you to feel better about yourself.”

Hats for the Homeless is also an opportunity for personal spiritual growth. Angie’s friend Chris, who has school-age grandchildren, has made fleece hats for the ministry with her grandchildren as a way to introduce them to the concept of stewardship. Another friend, Char, has been able to find new purpose in life through the ministry while grieving a family loss.

“I’ve been given the opportunity to knit hats for the homeless, and I love using my ability to knit for such a good cause,” Char says. “I love picking out the softest yarn to make hats for different sizes, and as I make each one with loving care, I am honored to know that I am helping someone who needs a hat to keep warm. This is a wonderful organization and I’m proud to be a small part of it.”

“It’s just a way to try to do our part in serving others. I really believe in what the Gospel says about how we are meant to be servants, and this is one way I personally can use my talents in knitting to serve someone else. We can’t all be Mother Teresas, but we can all care for others — I love the quote where she says that only a few of us are called to do great things, but we are all called to do small things with great love.”

Parishioners of all ages can reach out to others through this corporal work of mercy.

These completed hats, made with loving care, are ready for distribution.

— A N G I E S T R AW N

Anyone — regardless of skill level — is welcome to participate in the ministry by making hats in any color, style, or size. Collection containers for the hats are located in the back of the church. The ministry always welcomes donations of yarn, or monetary donations to purchase yarn or fleece. For more information about Hats for the Homeless, please contact the parish office at 916-481-5115.

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Carmichael HART:

hen a person’s basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing aren’t met, it’s difficult to survive, much less thrive. So, the Carmichael Homeless Assistance Resource Team — or HART — exists to make sure our brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness can receive the support they need.

Carmichael HART is a nonprofit supported by faith communities, other nonprofits, businesses, agencies, and individuals. The organization’s goal is simple — to support men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Carmichael. The Carmichael HART is part of a network of HART groups throughout the Sacramento area.

The nonprofit has been in Carmichael for about three years. Our Lady of the Assumption parishioner Juan Yniguez was part of the initial planning group to bring HART to Carmichael. Although this isn’t a ministry specific to Our Lady of the Assumption, Juan asks parishioners to join in supporting this work.

“OLA is a very generous parish,” Juan says. “Parishioners always help those in need. This is a good call for us as a parish to ask ourselves, ‘Are we in a position to work on this specific effort?’”

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, one of HART’s primary ministries was offering winter overnight housing at churches throughout Carmichael in January and February. OLA volunteers helped with this effort by staffing the housing. This part of the ministry is on hiatus until the threat of the pandemic wanes. For 2022, HART will offer winter respite three days per week, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at area churches. This is a chance for individuals to eat, clean up, relax a bit and charge a phone.

“When I got involved, I learned the need is so great in the Sacramento area,” Juan says. “Once I started attending HART meetings, I realized I needed to stay on top of this to support our brothers and sisters who are experiencing homelessness.”

HART also operates the Charlotte House, a transitional house for women and their children. The house is staffed with case managers who help navigate the next steps like employment and permanent housing. A similar house for men will be opening soon. Financial support is needed to keep these programs in operation.

In addition, HART coordinates a program to provide Saturday morning showers to those experiencing homelessness, as well as a street outreach food program.

The Carmichael Homeless Assistance Resource Team — or HART — exists to make sure our brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness can receive the support they need.

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Providing Essential Help For Those Experiencing Homelessness One important element often missed by those experiencing homelessness is community and support. So, HART also operates a buddy program through which adult mentors are paired with vulnerable students. A backpack program was also formed to support the students’ return to school. About 300 backpacks were distributed for the current school year.

Juan says HART has allowed him to truly see Christ in the face of others. He has been so surprised by the simple circumstances that have forced individuals into homeless situations, such as a lost job or a rent increase.

“So many of our guests have just had a bad shake,” Juan says. “All of a sudden they found themselves on the streets. I have been fascinated to learn about their life stories. It turns out that you start thinking of unhoused people as neighbors, not just ‘the other.’ They have a passion and a right to live in the neighborhood just as much as I do.”

Juan says these efforts go beyond providing a place to sleep or a meal — it’s being a face of Christ to others and loving people, even if we don’t know them personally.

“This is about answering God’s call to help those in need,” Juan says. “This has been an educational and spiritual growth experience. Christ has asked us to see Him in those in need.”

HART is run by volunteers, and there is only one part-time paid individual that acts as a navigator. This person goes to the streets to offer support, service referral, and a listening ear to those experiencing homelessness.

“The volunteers are so dedicated and so humble,” Juan says. “Doing this work has impacted my faith in a lot of wonderful ways.”

Carmichael HART is a nonprofit supported by faith communities, other nonprofits, businesses, agencies and individuals.

If you would like to support HART or to get involved, please contact Juan Yniguez at jcyniguez@att.net or 916-207-9512. Donations to HART can be made at carmichaelhart.org.

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5057 Cottage Way Carmichael, CA 95608 (916) 481-5115 | olaparish.net MASS TIMES: 8:00 a.m. Daily Mass Monday-Friday and first Saturday Saturday 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass Sunday Mass 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. *See website for diocesan and county guidelines.

Advent and Christmas Those who wish to engage more deeply with the Scripture readings from Mass might consider joining Living the Word, a group that meets to discuss the weekend readings. This is a great way to prepare for Mass each week. During the month of December they will be focusing on the Infancy Narratives.

Parishioners are also invited to several festivities.

The school will be presenting a production of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, acted by our middle school students and directed by Mr. Luippold, our 8th grade and drama teacher. The performance takes place in Affinito Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 7:00 p.m.

And come have coffee and donuts with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 12! Tickets are not required this year.

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Children can buy gifts for $1 in the Santa Shop and you can purchase goodies from the Martha and Mary Bake Sale.

The school will also present A Night of Carols. This will take place outdoors on the school campus on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 14.

As we enter into this busy time of year, let’s remember to care for our neighbors, materially and spiritually. Our parish offers many ways to give back to the community.

Christmas is also a wonderful time to invite friends and family into our parish festivities. “Personal invitations are very meaningful,” Casey says. “We hope many people from Carmichael and beyond will join us for our Advent and Christmas liturgies, prayer services, and events.”

For more details about events, liturgies, giving opportunities, and Christmas Mass times, please refer to the bulletin, check our website at olaparish.net for a calendar of events, or call the parish off ice at 916-481-5115.