january 2021
Our Lady of the
Assumption Pa r i sh
PROJECT
THE GABRIEL Inside 3 Forget the Resolutions... Seize the Opportunities!
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Living the Word: Helping to Prepare Hearts and Minds for the Sunday Mass
6 Time: The Foundation of Stewardship
7 Catholic in Recovery
Providing Essential Support in the Face of Addiction and Unhealthy Attachments
5057 Cottage Way Carmichael, CA 95608 (916) 481-5115 | olaparish.net
s e r v i n g m o t h e r s a n d fa m i l i e s i n n e e d
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s Catholics, we are no doubt familiar with the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus. Much as Gabriel visited Mary to bring her this Good News, the members of our Gabriel Project ministry — known as “angels” — visit local mothers in their time of need. But instead of delivering a message, our angels provide car rides to doctor visits; bring essential supplies like diapers, car seats, or baby clothing; and offer emotional support. They also act as a referral resource to other forms of assistance. However, the most important part of their work is the prayers they offer for Volunteers with the Gabriel Project shower local families with gifts for their new baby. those in need. “Angels act to promote life and act as helpers to get moms and families through difficult times,” says Gregg Gilles, who helps coordinate this ministry with Carolyn Albers. “For example, we had a mother who had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital to deliver, so we went and brought her car seat to the hospital for her,” Carolyn says. The Gabriel Project is coordinated through individual dioceses — other parishes both in the area and throughout the United States, have Gabriel Project teams. The angels of the Gabriel Project are connected to mothers in need through referrals from the Gabriel Project referral number at 800-910-0191. Mothers are then matched with a Gabriel Project program near their home. continued on page 2