Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church Newsletter — May 2021

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may 2021

Our Lady of the

Assumption Pa r i sh

The Bereavement Committee Inside

Honoring and Celebrating Life

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any years ago, Kate Walsh was visiting a priest who served a remote and rural community. He had just returned from officiating 3 Pentecost: at a graveside service of a 100-year-old woman, The “Birth” of Stewardship and no one was there.

“I have never forgotten how disturbed I was 4 A Look at Our New that someone could live that long and then have Parish Hall no one present on her final journey,” Kate says.

An Outward Sign of a “There was no one to honor and celebrate the life Faith Community she had lived, and Christian life is sustained in Fully Alive community.”

Through the Bereavement Ministry, the faith 6 Hospitality: community of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish has the opportunity to care for those The Cornerstone who are grieving by offering prayer, support, of Stewardship and assistance.

“Our goal is to represent our parish 7 Eucharistic Adoration: members as we offer care and compassion to those in our parish who lose a loved The Best Time You Will one,” Kate says. “We strive to assist Fr. Eduino in reaching out to those who Spend on Earth experience the death of a family member and to be there for them as they bear their loss.”

Members of the Bereavement Committee meet with families after the loss of a loved one and work with them in creating the Vigil Service and Funeral Liturgy. The parish offers the family a hospitality space, and if needed, the Martha and Mary Ministry can provide a luncheon.

“We guide and support the family in planning these rituals by assisting 5057 Cottage Way them in choosing Scripture readings, prayers of intercession, music, lectors, Carmichael, CA 95608 and working out any other details that the family may request,” Kate (916) 481-5115 | olaparish.net says. “We send condolence cards on continued on page 2

The Bereavement Committee at Our Lady of the Assumption continued from front cover behalf of the parish to let the family know that we are thinking of them in their time of sorrow.”

The Bereavement Committee also sets up a photo of the deceased in the church which is left for all weekend Masses so that all members of the parish will remember the family in their prayers.

“Many parishioners appreciate having the picture displayed in the church,” Kate says. “Even if they don’t personally know the deceased, it helps them put a name to the face.”

Members of the committee are often verbally thanked for their work by the family and sometimes even receive ‘thank you’ notes.

“Dona Hoffman, in her book, Yes, Lord, comments, ‘Listen: It is the greatest compliment you can give: that I am worth hearing,’” Kate says. “We try to listen to the needs of those who ask for our help so that they may find comfort. It is often just by listening and lending an ear that we can help the most.”

Originally New Yorkers, Kate and her husband joined Our Lady of the Assumption in 1973 when

they moved to Sacramento for work and bought a home a short distance from the parish. Kate retired in 2008 after 30 years at the parish school.

“This ministry allows me to answer God’s call to serve others,” Kate says. “It was born out of the 2008 Parish Renewal’s Outreach Committee. Our pastor at that time was Fr. Brendan McKeefry, who strongly expressed a desire and a need for this ministry to assist him in serving the members of our parish when they suffered a loss.”

Though the ministry has been on hiatus since last March during the COVID-19 pandemic, members are hoping to resume an active role in parish life soon and continue living the spiritual and corporal works of mercy by consoling and comforting the living and burying the dead.

“As Christians, we are called to reach out to others,” Kate says. “We are sustainers of one another as we face the challenges and struggles of daily life.

It is comforting to know that we are part of a family that cares for one another and to whom we can turn in times of need.”

“As Christians, we are called to reach out to others. We are sustainers of one another as we face the challenges and struggles of daily life. It is comforting to know that we are part of a family that cares for one another and to whom we can turn in times of need.”

— KATE WALSH

If you would like more information about the Bereavement Committee or if someone is in need of their services, reach out to Fr. Eduino Silveira through the parish office at 916-481-5115.

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A Letter from Our Pastor

PENTECOST: The “Birth” of

Dear Parishioners,

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s we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost on May 23, which is one of the most significant events in the life of the Church, I can’t help but relate the outpouring of the gift of the Holy Spirit upon the first disciples as “the birth of stewardship.”

As a stewardship parish, we have come to understand it in our personal lives and our parish life as the work of the Holy Spirit, active and inspiring us to be the disciples Jesus called us to be, just as He did those very first disciples.

It just makes sense to once again realize and acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit in our decisions to be authentic disciples of Jesus Christ.

As every parent knows, birth brings new life to every family, and the “birth of stewardship” here in our parish has brought new life to us, personally and communally, and continues to do so. We had a “Pentecost event” when the message of stewardship was first brought to our parish, and it hasn’t been the same since. Many curious people of our parish and from around the country ask the question, “How did all of this begin?” The only answer is, “moved by conversion, we knew stewardship was going to be the ‘plan’ for our future as disciples and as a parish.” It makes sense.

For some, like me, it took a conversion of sorts to move us from unbelievers to believers, and from fear or suspicion to courage and confidence in the values and ideals of stewardship. Reading the accounts of the Acts of the Apostles, it wasn’t much different for them. Their experience is our experience and continues to encourage us to be open to the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. That “Spirit” renews the “Pentecost event” in each of us, as we practice discipleship

Stewardship

as we know it through the stewardship way of life.

Also, as with each new birth, the life that begins needs to be nourished, nurtured and loved. Through our understanding of the four pillars of parish stewardship — hospitality, prayer, formation and service — we each are called to nourish, nurture and love our parish family with the gifts we bring to each other. And without ever really knowing how much of an impact we have on each other’s spiritual lives, we trust the Holy Spirit to continue the “good work of faithful stewardship” in each of us and to those around us. Isn’t that what the first Pentecost event started, and isn’t that what you see in our parish, especially since our own “birth of stewardship”?

God has blessed our parish family and continues to do so, as the Holy Spirit continues to pour out gifts upon us and send us forth to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. As we grow and mature in our stewardship efforts, how fortunate we are that the stewardship way of life has become our way of life. May we always give thanks to God for the Holy Spirit’s gift to each of us — for, when we do, it seems only natural to be inspired to live discipleship as it was intended to be lived in the first disciples and in each of us.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father Eduino Silveira Pastor

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A Look at Our New Pa M

AN OUTWARD SIGN OF

arch 14 marked a truly joyous occasion here at Our Lady of the Assumption with the dedication of our new parish hall, gym, and preschool building!

Bishop Jaime Soto officiated at the 9 o’clock Mass, followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication at the new parish hall. In addition to celebrating the completion of a long-awaited building project, the day also served to honor all of the hard work, dedication, and generosity that made this vision for the future of our parish come alive.

The beautiful new gathering space for our parish was first imagined by former Pastor Fr. Brendan McKeefry.

Following Fr. McKeefry, Fr. Michael Kiernan continued to work to make this dream a reality. And now, under current Pastor Fr. Eduino Silveira — and with the continued support of Fr. McKeefry and Fr. Kiernan — our “Fulfilling the Promise” Capital Campaign has come to fruition.

Capital Campaign Chairman Kelly Brothers is thrilled with the way the building project turned out and greatly enjoyed celebrating the final results

Kelly Brothers and Nancy Affinito cut the ribbon at the opening of Affinito Hall while Bishop Soto looks on.

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of the campaign at the dedication ceremony.

“It is better than fantastic,” he says.

“The project turned out better than I could have dreamed, and the building is really spectacular. To take the wraps off and let people see it was really exciting. It was great to see so many of our donors there and watch their reactions as they walked through and saw the main kitchen, the hall, and the preschool. I think everyone was happy with the way it turned out.”

Of all the guests who came out for the celebration, Kelly was most excited to see the sheer delight on Nancy Affinito’s face as she first took in the hall and the picture of herself and her late husband, Mario, on the wall. Nancy’s $2 million contribution to the building project is the largest gift that has ever been made in the Diocese of Sacramento.

Without a doubt, our gorgeous new hall is a testament to the generosity of many. Parishioner and retired architect Duane Johnson offered his years of experience and professional insight into the design of the building. The parish employed Comstock Johnson Architects for the project, though parishioner and firm partner Kevin Wilcox donated all of his own time to the project.

The Lucchetti family of Pacific Coast Building Company, longtime parishioners and OLA school supporters, contributed a million dollars to the Capital Campaign in the form of personal gifts and company donations. In a video sent to parishioners

arish Hall

A FAITH COMMUNITY FULLY ALIVE

Our Lady of the Assumption School Principal, Mr. Robert Love, speaks at the parish hall opening as the school mascot looks on.

introducing them to the new facility, Rocco and Stella Lucchetti can be seen shooting the first baskets in the gym. How exciting it is for our OLA students to finally have a home court for basketball season!

Moving forward, the parish is planning the renovation of the old hall — the original church building — into a new youth center. The parking on that side of the OLA campus will also be redone to make up for the spaces

that were lost in the construction of the new hall. The Capital Campaign Committee feels confident that all our parishioners will show the same dedication and generosity to this next building phase. We are pleased to note that the Lucchetti family has already pledged $250,000 to this project!

For Kelly Brothers, the completion of the new hall, gym, and preschool is the outward sign of a faith community fully alive.

“In the last 12 years, OLA as a community has rehabilitated its school and put thousands of dollars into the church,” he says. “Now OLA has built a new hall, preschool, and kitchen. This is a community that understands that renewal is of the utmost importance and that a Catholic community must constantly renew itself in various ways.”

The day after the opening of the hall, Fr. Kiernan made his first visit to the new facility. It was a joyous moment as he stepped through the doors of the hall and took in the sight of a long-held dream finally realized.

“I’ve walked through the new hall and just savored it,” Fr. Kiernan says. “It’s just

“In the last 12 years, OLA as a community has rehabilitated its school and put thousands of dollars into the church. Now OLA has built a new hall, preschool and kitchen. This is a community that understands that renewal is of the utmost importance, and that a Catholic community must constantly renew itself in various ways.” — KELLY BROTHERS

a beautiful thing. I hope this building is another continuing part of the marvelous story that has been OLA since its founding. 10, 20, and 50 years from now, parishioners will build on what has been achieved and keep the spirit up, continue to live the faith, and be strong Catholic people experiencing fellowship, and doing great things for God. “This is a sign of the ownership of the people for their parish and their love for it,” Fr. Kiernan adds. “The parish becomes like one’s family, so they have pride and concern and care for it. They live here and die here and are buried here, and their children will do the same — that is the beauty of the community here at OLA. It is a special place with special and dedicated people.”

Kelly Brothers and Nancy Affinito admire the new gym at the opening and dedication of Affinito Hall.

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HOSPITALITY:

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The Cornerstone of Stewardship

he dictionary defines “hospitality” as “the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.”

A Christian worldview can refer to hospitality as “Christian kindness.”

We see the effects of hospitality – or the lack thereof – time and time again throughout the Bible. Christ speaks of hospitality in Matthew’s Gospel when He says, “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). The Old Testament told of the Israelites, as they wandered the desert for 40 years in search of hospitable environs. Even the Holy Family spent ample time searching for shelter before the birth of Our Lord.

It is safe to say that hospitality is, and most likely has always been, of great importance to people everywhere. Modern hotels and hostels often use the image of a pineapple to advertise their special brand of hospitality. There is no doubt that in ancient times, the distant lights of an inn or tavern struck a chord of hope within weary travelers’ hearts.

Indeed, hospitality’s meaning has not diminished at all over the years, decades, and millennia.

Christians view the presence of hospitality as meaning the difference between calling others “guests” and “strangers.” Guests are welcomed with open arms and warm smiles, but strangers aren’t. Guests feel the genuine love present in

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a hearty welcome, but strangers don’t. Guests often return for second or third visits, while strangers don’t.

As a parish, do we find ourselves surrounded by guests, or burdened by strangers?

Hospitality is, in many respects, a mindset. The same person may be treated as a guest at the church just down the road, but as a stranger here.

Matthew’s Gospel tells of Christ as He reveals a profound truth about hospitality: “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.” That is, “I used to be a stranger, but you fixed that when you welcomed me.” It’s a classic example of before-and-after. All it took was a change of heart.

Stewardship holds hospitality as an immensely important concept. Remember the “Three Ts” of stewardship – Time, Talent, and Treasure? Well, there are also “Four Ps,” the Four Pillars of Stewardship – Hospitality, Prayer, Formation, and Service. Hospitality is mentioned first. Why? If not for hospitality, none of the other pillars will ever take hold. Hospitality is the cornerstone of stewardship because it opens the door to a person’s heart and allows them to receive joy, grace, and love.

Hospitality must become second nature if stewardship is to truly take hold within a parish. So, when a stranger visits our parish, welcome them as a guest. Perhaps one day, they’ll pay us a second visit.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:

The Best Time You Will Spend on Earth

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ven though Virginia Bonite finds herself in a whole new country, she has been relieved to find that Christ still dwells with her — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity — in the Eucharist.

“I grew up in the Philippines, and Eucharistic Adoration was a very regular part of my life there,” Virginia says. “After I came here, I was very glad to see that our parish had a little adoration chapel. I was so happy to sign up and see that there was an opening for me to fill.”

She has found that no matter which side of the ocean she is on, the Eucharistic Lord is the same God, and when she adores Him, she discovers an oasis of serenity, a spiritual fortress, and a guiding light.

“In Adoration, I can just be alone and talk to God in the midst of great silence,” she says. “It gives me so much peace to talk to Him about whatever is on my mind and in my

heart. I just pray and meditate. I feel so close to God when I go to Adoration. I love it!”

Thankfully, Virginia is just one of the countless “prayer warriors” who are strengthened and inspired by the time they spend adoring Our Lord. There, in front of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, exposed on the altar with divine humility, adorers discover their most loyal companion in life.

“According to reliable news sources, about 70 percent of Catholics do not even believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist,” says Coordinator of Eucharistic Adoration Joan Dennis. “They believe it is just a symbol.

But because His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity is truly present in Adoration, there is no better place to pray! Many people who initially signed up because they just wanted to try it for a time have felt compelled to keep it up because continued on back cover

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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. located inside of the church *See website for diocesan and county guidelines.

Eucharistic Adoration

continued from page 7

they have experienced so much inner peace from doing it. Others have experienced real miracles in their lives or found a new connection to God.” Adoration was started at our parish about eight years ago with the help of former Faith Formation Coordinator Kimberly Sax. “Our former Pastor, Fr. Michael Kiernan, gave me permission to start Adoration,” she says. “We started with about six very committed adorers, and over time built up to the large group we have now. I have to give Joan credit because when I stopped leading it, she picked up the ball and kept it going.

I love to go because it is a very beautiful, sacred time which helps me develop my personal relationship with Christ.”

To those who are thinking about giving Adoration a try, but are not sure where to start, Kimberly has some helpful insight to share.

“We need to get some ‘new blood’ in Adoration!” she says.

“If you aren’t used to coming, you can just come in and pray for 15 minutes or so. Just be silent, close your eyes and listen to what thoughts come to your mind. When parents come in to pick their kids up at school, they can just come into Adoration for a few moments. It is fine to start small!”

Eucharistic Adoration is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays following daily Mass until 7 p.m., as well as on First Saturdays following the 8 a.m. Mass until 3 p.m. If you would like to start spending your time on earth the best way you can and sign up for Adoration, please contact Joan Dennis at 916-335-3532. Regular adorers are needed as well as substitutes.