Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church Newsletter — March 2021

march 2021

Our Lady of the

Assumption Pa r i sh

Inside 3 A Month and Year to Honor St. Joseph

4

Our Lady of the Assumption School: Strength in Academics, Faith, and Community

6 Stewardship of Treasure Giving to God First

7 Knights of Columbus:

Living out the Principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism

5057 Cottage Way Carmichael, CA 95608 (916) 481-5115 | olaparish.net

Our Lady of the Assumption Provides Valuable Opportunities for Spiritual Growth During Lent

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e are blessed this year to have many opportunities to draw closer to Christ and increase our spiritual awareness during the season of Lent. By opening our hearts and minds during this important liturgical season, we answer the call to deepen our faith as we journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.

As Deacon Paul Friedrich points out, we are blessed that God extends us this special invitation to reconnect with our faith life in a meaningful way.

“Lent is an opportunity to look inside ourselves and cleanse ourselves of those things that are keeping us from being the best person we can be in terms of our spirituality,” he says. “We can do this by doing good works — we call it almsgiving, but it can also be service — by praying and inviting the Spirit into our hearts and minds, by practicing Lenten rituals like the Stations of the Cross, and by taking the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.”

In this liturgical season, we are given the precious gift of time to prepare ourselves more fully for the recollection of the Lord’s death and resurrection. One of the ways continued on page 2

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth During Lent continued from front cover

the Catholic Church helps us along this journey is through the Gospel readings for each Sunday Mass in Lent.

“We use those stories of Christ and the other apostles and their journey toward the resurrection so we are prepared to fully understand the glory of the resurrection of Christ,” Deacon Paul says. “It is very important to take the time to listen to the Gospel readings and discuss them with somebody else. If you take that extra time to understand the readings, it helps develop that sense of closeness.”

In addition to dedicating more time to spiritual reflection and pursuits, Deacon Paul also recommends viewing Lent as an opportunity to step out of our comfort zone and try something new.

For example, someone who lives within walking distance to the church might replace driving to Mass with walking, using that quiet time for prayer.

And while the pandemic makes it more difficult to serve others in some of the more traditional ways, it also invites us to get creative. Visits to the homebound might be replaced by phone calls or the money saved by eating at home rather than going out may be donated to a charitable cause.

Of course, committing to a personal sacrifice or habit during Lent is even more beneficial when

accompanied by strong participation in parish events geared toward promoting spiritual growth.

Every Friday, parishioners and visitors have the opportunity to enter more fully into this special liturgical season by participating in the Stations of the Cross. The Rosary is either livestreamed or on Zoom most Tuesdays during Lent. Also, ample time is available for receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Lenten penance service will be on Tuesday, March 23rd, and confessions are also available every Saturday at 3:30 p.m.

“Lent is the time of Reconciliation,” Deacon Paul says. “To get the full cleansing, the full refreshing, you need to cast away the not-so-good things. We need the help of Christ as the healer to keep us from committing those sins again. We need Reconciliation to keep our thoughts clear.

Thoughts lead to words, words lead to actions, and actions lead to character, so we need to keep all of those things clear. That’s why Reconciliation is so important.”

By taking advantage of the opportunity to walk more closely with Christ this Lent, we may all experience the Easter season in a more profound and spiritually fulfilling way. We hope all parishioners will join us on this special faith journey!

“Lent is an opportunity to look inside ourselves and cleanse ourselves of those things that are keeping us from being the best person we can be in terms of our spirituality. We can do this by doing good works — we call it almsgiving, but it can also be service — by praying and inviting the Spirit into our hearts and minds, by practicing Lenten rituals like the Stations of the Cross, and by taking the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” — DEACON PAUL FRIEDRICH 2

A Letter from Our Pastor

A Month and Year to Honor St. Joseph

Dear Parishioners,

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ur Lord and Savior Jesus Christ chose to enter the world through the human family. He came as an infant born into the marriage and home of the two holiest human creatures who ever lived — Joseph and Mary. At a time when our world and our Church needs family and faithful disciples now more than ever, could there be a more fitting time to venerate the man who gave his life and his love to the Blessed Mother and the Son of God? Pope Francis has declared 2021 the Year of St. Joseph in honor of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church. Our pope said he established the year so that “every member of the faithful, following his example, may strengthen their life of faith daily in the complete fulfillment of God’s will.”

As Christians, we are blessed to have Mary as our spiritual mother and Joseph as our spiritual father. Just as Mary guides us from heaven with loving devotion, St. Joseph also diligently provides for the needs of the family of God, the Holy Catholic Church.

Because of his special role as foster-father of the Child Jesus, St. Joseph has merited singular privileges in heaven unmatched by any saint aside from the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To give some modern-day perspective to the significance of this special year, Pope Francis has said the coronavirus pandemic heightened his desire to reflect on St. Joseph, as so many people during the pandemic have made hidden sacrifices to protect others, just as St. Joseph quietly protected and cared for Mary and Jesus.

“Each of us can discover in Joseph — the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence — an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble,” the pope wrote.

At the end of the First Vatican Council in 1870, Pope Pius IX declared St. Joseph the patron of the Universal Church. He is also the patron of carpenters, workers, fathers, and a happy death because he died in the presence of Mary and Jesus.

The title of Joseph’s March 19 feast day is “Husband of Mary.”

Pope Pius XII later declared May 1 to be the feast of St. Joseph the Worker to counteract the Communist May Day holiday.

As Catholics pray and reflect on the life of St. Joseph this year, they also have opportunities to gain a plenary

indulgence or remission of all temporal punishment due to sin. An indulgence can be applied to oneself or to a soul in purgatory. An indulgence requires a specific act, defined by the Church, as well as sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, prayer for the pope’s intentions, and full detachment from sin.

Special indulgences during the Year of St. Joseph can be received through various prayers and actions, including praying for the unemployed, entrusting one’s daily work to St. Joseph, performing a corporal or spiritual work of mercy, or meditating for at least 30 minutes on the Lord’s Prayer.

As we devote 2021 to St. Joseph’s honor, we will undoubtedly unlock many special graces — not only for our parish, but for each of the faithful who increase their devotion to him during this special year. There is no greater model than St. Joseph from whom we can learn how to live virtuously in imitation of Jesus and Mary.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father Eduino Silveira, Pastor To read more about Pope Francis’ declaration on the Church granting plenary indulgences for the Year of St. Joseph, visit www.bit.ly/StJoseph2021 Pope Francis’ Prayer to St. Joseph Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To you God entrusted His only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life.

Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.

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Our Lady of the Assumption

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ince its founding in 1955, Our Lady of the Assumption School has been dedicated to the formation of the whole child through four pillars — academic excellence, faith, community, and service. Approaching each day with the motto “Hands to serve; hearts to love,” OLA School gives students the tools to succeed as forces for good in the world.

“Catholic education is a one-of-a-kind learning experience because it focuses on more than academics,” says Extension Director and Marketing and Enrollment Specialist Lynn Sweeney. “Our students learn more by exploring life’s big questions not found in secular textbooks. OLA encourages students to become good, positive, resourceful, responsible, virtuous human beings. Students become lifelong learners, effective communicators, and problem solvers. Learning, teaching, and leading at OLA is a true joy and a blessing for us as educators! The formation of our students during their time here is simply amazing.”

In addition to the academics that make OLA great, parents can also rest assured that their children will receive an education that promotes Catholic truths and values.

“Each student is treated as a unique individual,” Mrs. Sweeney says. “Our teachers and staff work hard to prepare students to excel academically and instill Catholic values into their hearts and minds. Students are empowered to change the world with knowledge, self-confidence, and a moral compass, to become leaders in high school and beyond. But most of all, our students begin to find new meaning in life through the moral foundation of the Catholic Church, and to understand that they belong to something bigger than themselves.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, school activities have been limited — however, OLA has found ways to safely keep the community spirit alive. In spring 2020, the school held a drive-up May Crowning of Mary, as well as an endof-school drive-up where the teachers decorated their cars.

Eighth-grade graduation also took place in the form of small ceremonies, with three to four students and their families in each group. This past fall, the school held a drive-up Trunkor-Treat for Halloween, and also hosted a Halloween parade at the school. Finally, to get into the Christmas spirit,

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School:

Strength in Academics, Faith, and Community students created a Christmas dance video celebrating the 12 days of Christmas. This spring, OLA hopes to be able to host a jog-a-thon fundraiser event, as well as its annual “Cougar Classic” golf tournament.

Mrs. Sweeney firmly believes that OLA’s biggest strength is indeed its spirit of community. Going forward, the school plans to continue its mission as a force for good in the community.

“I have two sons who graduated from OLA, and they both attended kindergarten through 8th grade,” she says. “It is a wonderful, tight-knit community. I believe we have the most amazing families at OLA. They are all super supportive and do an amazing job of promoting OLA to friends and neighbors. I pray that they continue to love OLA and let others know what a loving and amazing community we have here.”

“Each student is treated as an unique individual,” Mrs. Sweeney says. “Our teachers and staff work hard to prepare students to excel academically and instill Catholic values into their hearts and minds. Students are empowered to change the world with knowledge, selfconfidence and a moral compass, to become leaders in high school and beyond. But most of all, our students begin to find new meaning in life through the moral foundation of the Catholic Church, and to understand that they belong to something bigger than themselves.”

— Mrs. Lynn Sweeney, Extension Director and Marketing and Enrollment Specialist

If you would like more information about Our Lady of the Assumption School, please call the school at 916-489-8958.

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STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE

Giving toGod First

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ave you ever wondered why no one really becomes uneasy when someone brings up the first two “Ts” of stewardship – giving of your time or talents – but when the third “T” comes up, many of us become uncomfortable?

That third “T” is treasure, and some people simply become so annoyed by the subject, they tune out the words from the pulpit.

Why is there seemingly such an adverse reaction?

Our finances are such a personal subject. Discussing money issues with others is not easy, and having someone tell us what to do with our finances is even worse. We earn the money, after all. So shouldn’t we decide what to do with it?

Of course, the answer is “yes” – we decide every day how to spend our hard-earned dollars. Indeed, the monetary choices we make will either keep our finances in check, or put us into the red. The average American family has about $7,000 in credit card debt – so finances certainly represent a challenge to our current society.

Tight budgets, trying to “keep up with the Joneses” or

poor financial management may be to blame for our tight resources. Does this mean we do not have anything left over for God? Stewardship, at its roots, teaches that we are not supposed to give God our “leftovers.” We should instead strive to return to God a portion of our “first fruits” – giving to God first and then using the rest for our other needs. God gave us our talents that help us earn a living, after all. He should come first.

This idea can be worrisome for many. If our finances are already strained, how will we ever find enough to give back to God? Or, if we do try to give God our “first fruits,” will there be enough left over to cover our required expenses?

Taking the correct financial steps toward good stewardship simply boils down to trust – believing that God, who takes care of all of His creation, will take care of us.

Trust that in giving to God first, we are both acknowledging that our multitude of blessings come from Him, and that we are thankful He chose to give them to us.

And finally, trust that if we give to Him first, that all else will fall into place – because He is in ultimate control.

Stewardship, at its roots, teaches that we are not supposed to give God our “leftovers.” We should instead strive to return to God a portion of our “first fruits” – giving to God first and then using the rest for our other needs.

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KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:

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Living out the Principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism

harity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism are the four guiding principles of the Knights of Columbus. Everything that the Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Ignatius Knights of Columbus (Arden/Carmichael Council 4970) members do falls into one of these categories.

Under the umbrella of charity, many of the council members have had a busy year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Knights have been asked to check people in for weekend Masses to collect contact tracing information, distribute face masks, pass out disposable worship aids, and answer questions. Also, members helped set up chairs and heaters when Mass attendees were required to sit outside. They also stream the Rosary and Bible studies via the Zoom videoconferencing platform. This is all-important work, even though it’s a bit different from their usual volunteer tasks.

“We’ve just been asked to help, so that’s what we do,” says Peter Kilkenny, who has been a Knight for about 11 years, having previously served as Grand Knight.

Peter has been involved since 2010, upon his retirement. He made the move from Northern California, and decided it was time to get more involved in his Catholic faith — this, in turn, led him to the Knights of Columbus.

“I really enjoy the camaraderie and just being around other Catholic men and having fun,” Peter says. “We get to know each other and we help each other out.”

Michael Dougherty currently serves as the Grand Knight. Having been in the Knights for about four years, Michael originally joined in memory of his late fatherin-law, Vincent LaBete, who helped start Council 4970.

“I wanted to join in his honor and to give me an outlet for outreach and charity,” Michael says.

Overall, Michael enjoys doing charitable work in the area, as well as the spiritual activities, like praying the Rosary and the Bible studies. In particular, he has enjoyed the social opportunities offered through the continued on back cover

Knights members check people in for Mass as part of COVID-19 safety measures.

Knit hats are delivered to the prenatal unit at Mercy San Juan Medical Center. The Lady Knights of Council 4970 knit the hats and donate about 100 each year.

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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 located inside of the church Saturday 5:00 p.m. Vigil Mass live streamed inside of the church, open to the public Sunday Mass 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 7:30 p.m. live streamed inside of the church, open to the public *See website for diocesan and county guidelines.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

organization. He values all of the new friends he and his wife, Rosemary, have made through the Knights.

“I enjoy all the things for kids and families,” Michael says. ”The parish is family life. These are the things we miss during the pandemic.”

In a normal year, members help with parking for the Christmas Eve Mass and serve pancakes and sausage for the Christmas Pancake Breakfast. Another example of Council 4970’s good work is the Seminarian Support Program, through which the group picks a seminarian and provides them with $500 every year until ordination.

The Knights also place a big emphasis on pro-life and community work, such as the yearly Tootsie Roll Drive to support Camp ReCreation, for those with developmental disabilities. Their efforts also benefit our OLA and St. Ignatius students through the annual Free Throw Contest, as well as the fireworks fundraiser, which goes toward

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providing a $1,500 scholarship for OLA and St. Ignatius students to attend a Catholic high school. Also, they have contributed $1,500 toward the remodel of the Hospitality (Donut) Room.

Knights members also volunteer at Standdown, an event to help homeless and in-need veterans. The Knights’ booths are a regular presence at the parish fair, and they have a climbing wall fundraiser, the proceeds of which benefit the OLA School.

“In general, we are big supporters of the school and church,” Michael says.

“For the Knights of Columbus, faith, family, and helping the parish are all very important,” Peter adds.

Peter enjoys that when he gets together with a Knights of Columbus group — at a breakfast, for example — they all pray before they begin. “I like being with other men who aren’t afraid to show they are Catholic,” he says.

The Knights of Columbus are open to Catholic men 18 years of age and older. To learn more, or to become involved, please visit kofc.org and indicate you are registering for Council 4970.