Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church — 2021 Stewardship Renewal Handbook

STEWARDSHIP, A PATH TO HOLINESS

Stewardship Renewal 2021

Our Lady of Lourdes

CATH OLI C C H U RC H

STEWARDSHIP, A PATH TO HOLINESS Jesus wants us to be happy and He wants us to be holy. In fact, holiness is required of every baptized Christian. The good news is that holiness is within our reach and a holy life is a happy life — the deep and lasting kind of “happy” that only our Lord can give. So, what is this holiness we are called to attain? It is nothing less than the call to sainthood, living our whole lives in and through Christ, and reflecting His love and goodness everywhere we go. In his Apostolic Letter, On the Call for Holiness in our Modern World, Pope Francis encourages us by speaking of the “saints next door.” When we think of holiness, we need not think only of those already-canonized saints. Rather, he says, “I like to contemplate the holiness present in the patience of God’s people: In their daily perseverance, I see the holiness of the Church militant. A holiness found in our next-door neighbors, the middle class of holiness.”

At Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Stewardship is the path to this holiness our Lord asks of us. And our Annual Renewal is a grace-filled time to set ourselves once again on this path that will make us saints. Through a stewardship way of life, we allow Christ to permeate every aspect of our being. We invite the Holy Spirit to direct us in the use of all that the Father has given us — our Time, our Talent, and our Treasure. A stewardship way of life is a holy way of life, and it leads us to the happiness we were made for.

“Do not be afraid to set your sights higher, to allow yourself to be loved and liberated

by God. Do not be afraid to let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit. Holiness does not make you less human, since it is an encounter between your weakness and the power of God’s grace.” — Pope Francis

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TIME

Sacred Moments Prayer and the sacraments are food for the journey to holiness. We simply can’t be saints without them! Through them we obtain the grace and daily direction we need from our Lord for holy living. By committing Time for prayer and sacraments, we pause and give back to God a portion of this most precious gift of Time — especially now in our fast-paced world. Yet it is we who are truly blessed by the giving of this gift.

After time spent with God, my next priority of time should be for my family and friends, whom I am called to love and serve most intimately.

• T ry reflecting each morning on the daily readings of the Catholic Church (found at usccb.org/bible/readings) to ask God what He wants to teach you in the day ahead.

• T ake a moment to pray in your car on the way to or from work, offering your cares and your gratitude to the Lord.

• A s a family, give each member a chance to say a “please,” “thank you” and “I’m sorry” prayer to God at the end of the day. End with an Our Father and Hail Mary.

• I n addition to Sunday Mass, make Sunday dinner a priority as a time to reconnect with loved ones before the start of a busy week.

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TALENT

Sacred Service During this moment of Renewal, think about the talents the Lord has given you and your family. In gratitude, ask Him how you can use those talents to become the “saints next door,” loving others as He has first loved you.

• S pend some time prayerfully reading the ministry catalog to consider an area of service that will truly stretch you or an area where you can provide a real strength.

• I f you are already involved in one ministry, pray about an additional way you might serve. For instance, if you are involved in assisting with the Liturgy in some way, volunteer in an outreach to the community.

• I f you are not active in a prayer or faith formation group, join one to learn how to better love and follow our Lord and His teachings.

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“Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when He created you, and you will be faithful to your deepest self.”

— Pope Francis

TREASURE

Sacred Spending

Just as Time and Talents are gifts from God, so too, are material things, or Treasure. And just as our Time and Talents are meant to be used for our growth in holiness, the way we spend our treasure can also lead us to holiness. Does this mean we serve a “greedy” God, who wants to give, and then take back what He gives? Of course not! Anything He asks us to do is meant to make us happy in Him. Returning a portion of our treasure to the Lord teaches us to depend on Him and brings a peace and contentment the world cannot give. Will you take a leap of faith to try it and see for yourself?

• T ake a look at your current budget and spending habits and assess what expenses are preventing you from giving more selflessly.

• A s a means to grow in holiness, commit to giving a percentage of your income to God through the parish offertory and be faithful to this commitment, even when you attend mass elsewhere.

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2021

Ministry Listings Hospitality HOSPITAL MINISTRY Contact: Eileen Macko, 919-851-0229, esmacko@bellsouth.net Eucharistic Ministers visit and bring the Eucharist to Catholic patients in Rex Hospital on two Saturdays and every Sunday and Monday each month.

PARISH INFORMATION MINISTRY Contact: Linda and Kurt Wargin, 919-618-2506, lindawargin@gmail.com Members of the ministry meet in the vestibule of the church to provide information about the parish and school before and after each Mass.

The purpose of the Information Ministry is to invite and orient prospective and joined members of the parish. The goal is to familiarize them with the many activities and ministries of the parish and to help them find their niche.

PHOTOGRAPHY/OLL NEWS Contact: Bob Bowerman, 919-847-4808, bob.bowerman@gmail.com This ministry strengthens the parish community by providing information about newsworthy events and invitations via weekly emails to the parish. It also provides photographic 6

support for the various ministries and parish staff.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Contact: Ricardo Veloz, 919-548-7160, Rveloz@ourladyoflourdescc.org; Curt Williams, 919-815-3494, ccurtiswilliamsjr@gmail.com The work of the Stewardship Committee is to continue to strengthen the community by encouraging members to develop a closer relationship with God, each having been given different gifts and charisms for the common good. The committee helps accomplish this by improving communications within the parish, making it easy to find service opportunities to match strengths and interests, and supporting parish and ministry leadership, which builds a sense of community within the parish.

WEDDING COORDINATORS MINISTRY Contact: Candace Sperati, 919-861-4634, Candace.sperati@gmail.com The OLL Wedding Committee provides a complimentary service to each couple preparing for marriage at OLL. Two coordinators are assigned for each wedding, attending both the rehearsal and wedding ceremony to ensure it runs smoothly. The ministry is designed

to take as much worry out of the day as possible for the couple by making sure the flowers have arrived, pinning on the boutonnieres, distributing programs, gathering the bridal party in place and instructing them when to walk down the aisle, helping with the Eucharist, and so on.

YOUNG ADULT GROUP Contact: Maya Reagan, 919-920-7650, hello@mayareagan.com The Young Adult Group welcomes young adults ages 21-35, single or married. The group creates social networks, works to deepen spiritual life and encourages active participation in community service. There is a weekly Sunday dinner group where we discuss the readings for the week. This is a great opportunity to meet other young Catholics, socialize, and discuss the Bible and its impact. There is also a monthly dinner group for young adults in the Raleigh Deanery. Spirits & Wisdom meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at a restaurant and features a speaker on a Catholic topic of interest to young adults.

Prayer ADORATION Contact: Candace Sperati, 919-861-4634, csperati@ourladyoflourdescc.org The Adoration Chapel is located next to the Parish Office. Open 365 days of the year, Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is available 24 hours a day.

Spend some time in the presence of the Lord by reading the Bible, praying the Rosary, or just sitting and enjoying the sweet peace that comes from being in the presence of God. There is a current listing in the Sunday bulletin that shows the

hours when a second person is needed or when we have a critical need. We need 336 adorers each week. Could you spend one hour with Jesus once a week?

Participants can sign up for a weekly one-hour time slot or stop in any time for prayer and reflection.

ALTAR SERVERS Contact: Steve Simmons, 919-861-4613, ssimmons@ourladyoflourdescc.org Altar servers assist the priest during our parish liturgies, funerals, and other liturgical celebrations. Boys and girls in fifth grade and up can participate.

Servers arrive at least 10 minutes before Mass, sign in, and participate in prayer with the other ministers of that day’s liturgy. There is an altar server camp held each summer.

CECILIA’S CHOIR Contact: Brenda Accurso, 919-861-4611, baccurso@ourladyoflourdescc.org This group practices on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m. OLL Church Sanctuary Cecilia’s Choir is named for the patron saint of music, St. Cecilia. It is an adult choir that sings for Sunday Masses and the principal liturgies of the year, including Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, and the Sacred Paschal Triduum. This ministry matters because the beauty of sacred music is a treasure of the Catholic faith surpassing every other art. The beauty of music reveals the beauty and glory of God, drawing all to worship and honor Him and so find their true meaning and happiness. Be a part of this ministry to give back to God all He has given, to minister to the hearts of others, and to make new friends and develop your own talent.

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EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION Contact: Ellen Crowley, 314-803-5536, ellencrowley@hotmail.com Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist priests in administering the Body and Blood of Christ at weekend liturgies, on Holy Days, and during special liturgies.

Ministers also participate in both the Hospital Ministry and the Nursing Home/Assisted Living/Shut-in Ministry.

LEGION OF MARY Contact: Our Lady of Victory, evening praesidia - Barbara Redzich, 919-749-4777, babsong9@aol.com; Junior Legion of Mary - Hrideep Antony, 919-627-4003, hrideep@gmail.com The Legion meets on Tuesday evenings, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Fallon Center Lounge or via Zoom. The Legion of Mary is a group of laity who provide prayers and volunteer service to the parish at the request of the pastor. Duties by all members include the daily recitation of a particular prayer (Catena Legionis).

LECTORS Auxiliary members are pray the Rosary Contact: Brenda Accurso, 919-861-4611, and all the prayers in the Tessera daily. baccurso@ourladyoflourdescc.org Active members (1) pray the Catena The Ministry of Lector matters because daily, (2) attend the weekly praesidium the careful and reverent proclamation meeting, and (3) perform a service to the of the Word of God is the foundation of parish encompassing at least two hours’ our liturgical celebration. It takes time time each week. Such parish service to prepare each reading, and a variety activities include (but is not limited to) the of voices, timbres and styles keeps following activities: the reading of the word dynamic and (i) a weekly attendance at the praesidium engaging. The liturgical celebration is of the Legion of Mary “founded primarily on the word of God and sustained by it, [and] becomes a (ii) visits to nursing/assisted living and new event and enriches the word itself shut-in homes as assigned weekly with new meaning and power” (General (iii) door-to-door visitations Instruction of the Lectionary). The reading of (iv) during the COVID pandemic, writing the Word of God leads to the celebration letters to shut-ins and sharing religious of the Eucharist; the celebration of the literature with them Eucharist enriches the reading of the (v) Home visits with the Pilgrim Virgin Word of God. Members of this ministry (vi) encourage deeper spiritual devotion deepen their own participation in and by young men (ages approx. 9-18 years) appreciation of the liturgy and the Word through participation in a Junior Legion of God and pass that love on to others. of Mary (Mystical Rose praesidium).

Training is done on a one-on-one basis Common services provided by Junior following any of the weekend Masses.

Legionnaires include altar serving and leading family prayers. (vii) promoting St. Louis de Montfort’s true devotion to Jesus through Mary and acceptance of assignments with the purpose of serving Jesus in Mary (viii) supporting various parish needs as designated by the pastor.

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LYRIC CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CHOIR Contact: Brenda Accurso, 919-861-4611, baccurso@ourladyoflourdescc.org This choir practices Thursday afternoon from 2:50-3:50 p.m. and Friday morning 7-8:30 a.m. in the Church Sanctuary. The Lyric Children’s and Youth Choir is a school and parish choir that sings for school Masses at Our Lady of Lourdes School and for weekend Masses twice a month.

Students grades 4th and higher are eligible to sing in Lyric. This ministry matters because it introduces children to the joy of singing sacred music and leads them to give their talents back to the ministry of the church. Making music for Holy Mass is a great honor and serves a higher purpose: the glory of God and inspiring the prayers of the faithful. This ministry is a dynamic, fun-filled choir that learns the basics of good vocal technique that will last for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful singing.

MEN’S MINISTRY: TMIY (THAT MAN IS YOU) Contact: Domenic Colleti, 919-389-9913, Domenic.colleti6@gmail.com TMIY meets Friday mornings (weekly) 6-7:30 a.m. at the Fallon Center.

TMIY offers time for fellowship among Catholic men, a video lesson, and small-group discussion. TMIY honestly addresses the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to their roles as husbands and fathers. The program harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive. The program runs 26 weeks each year, 13 weeks in the fall and 13 weeks in the spring.

During the summer, TMIY continues to meet weekly but follow its own study program. During the year, about 40 men attend each week.

MUSIC MINISTRY Contact: Brenda Accurso, 919-861-4611, baccurso@ourladyoflourdescc.org Choir — Music is a vitally important component of the liturgy. Although our community is blessed with a talented, experienced and dedicated choir, new members are welcome and needed. Weekly rehearsal is 7:30-9 p.m.​ on Thursday evenings, with Sunday warm-up at 8:15 a.m. and Mass at 9 a.m. during the school year.

Cantors — In addition to adult cantors, we have student cantors who cantor at our Parish Masses every other weekend at the 5 p.m. Mass.

Handbells — Our Lady of Lourdes has three octaves of Malmark handbells.

Rehearsals are held on Thursdays from 6-7:15 p.m. during the school year.

Instrumentalists — Those who are competent on an instrument are encouraged to share their musical talent with the congregation. Most of the songs in the hymnal have instrumental parts. All string players, brass players, winds players and guitarists are welcome.

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OUR LADY ROSARY MAKERS Contact: Adriana Adler, 914-943-4213, Adriana.adler1013@gmail.com Classes for this ministry will be taught every Tuesday, 10-11:30 a.m. in the Fallon Center, Room 201. The Rosary Makers is a ministry of affection and devotion to the Blessed Mother. The mission is to make rosaries to donate to the missionaries in many parts of the world and for our men and women of the Armed Forces.

Handmade rosaries also will be given to Our Lady of Lourdes parishioners, specifically those in nursing homes, hospitals and the homebound.

PRAYER BLANKET MINISTRY Contact: Judy Cabaniss, 919-848-1898, judycabaniss8705@gmail.com Gathering in the Fallon Center classroom, this ministry sews blankets which are blessed by a priest and distributed to those who are sick or suffering. (Some of our members will sew at home on their own time.)

The coordinator purchases fabric and makes kits for the people who sew the blankets. Also included are instructions to sew the blankets, and a prayer that can be said while sewing. There are other letters that are included with the blessed blanket when it is ready for distribution. This ministry benefits the sick and suffering of the parish, and anyone we love who is in need of prayer, so they know that they are covered in love and prayers.

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Formation ADULT FAITH FORMATION Contact: Deacon Byron Champagne, 919-861-4614, bchampagne@ourladyoflourdescc.org Meeting regularly in the Fallon Center or Bernadette Center, the major goals at Our Lady of Lourdes is to guide and direct efforts in Adult Faith Formation: 1. Invite and enable ongoing conversion to Jesus in the holiness of life. In response to God’s call to holiness, our faith and lives as adult disciples are grounded in developing a personal relationship with Jesus, “the Holy One of God” (Jn 6:69, Mk 1:24).

2. To promote and support active membership in the Catholic Christian community. Accordingly, faith formation helps adults make “a conscious and firm decision to live the gift and choice of faith through membership in the parish community,” accepting “coresponsibility for the community’s mission and internal life.”

CHILDREN FAITH FORMATION Contact: Candace Sperati, 919-861-4634, csperati@ourladyoflourdescc.or Occurring every Sunday from 10:1511:15 a.m. in the OLLS Elementary Building, Children’s Faith Formation classes are open to children ages 3 years through Grade 5. The Sunday morning program focuses on the teachings of the Catholic faith and our traditions. We strive to develop in each child a greater love of our Savior and Teacher, Jesus Christ, and an understanding of our baptismal call to discipleship. Volunteers are needed as catechists (teachers and/or co-teachers),

substitute catechists, volunteers to assist with special projects and activities, clerical assistance. Catechist training is provided.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD Contact: Amy Light, 919-219-8592, amy.buehrle@yahoo.com Children ages 3-7 are called forward at the beginning of the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass and then proceed to the Fallon Center Hall for their own special, ageappropriate liturgy. The structure of the Mass is explained and the Gospel is discussed to enrich each child’s faith.

It is led by parent volunteers who plan and present the weekly teachings.

Parish School partners with parents to provide a quality Catholic education that focuses on the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and social growth of its students. This education is based on the Eucharist, prayer, stewardship, and Catholic traditions as reflected in the Gospel teachings of Jesus.

PARISH LIBRARY Contact: Debbie Locke, 919-615-3484, Debbie7yankees@gmail.com The parish library provides a variety of spiritual books to parishioners.

The library is located on the upper level of the church next to the rooms of reconciliation. Donations of books or funds to the library are always welcome. All parishioners are invited to borrow reading materials and return COUPLES FOR CHRIST (CFC) them when finished. Any monetary Contact: Mike and Lulu Miranda, 919-341-7848, michaelrmiranda@gmail.com, funds donated will be used to purchase new books to add to the library. mirandlo@gmail.com A private international association of the RCIA MINISTRY faithful of pontifical right, Couples for Christ is a Catholic movement intended Contact: Deacon Byron Champagne, 919-861-4614, for the renewal and strengthening of bchampagne@ourladyoflourdescc.org Christian family life. CFC members are committed to the Lord and to one Meeting Tuesday Evenings from 6:30-8 another so that they may grow in p.m.​in the Bernadette Center Classroom, maturity as men and women of God and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults fulfill their primary vocation of raising is a process of Faith Formation and the families grounded in Christian values, in initiation into the Catholic Community the service and love of God. of Faith. This is for persons who are unbaptized seeking Baptism in the Catholic Church or full communion with the OUR LADY OF LOURDES PARISH Catholic tradition through the Profession SCHOOL Contact: Mrs. Anne Holder, 919-861-4610, of Faith, reception of Eucharist, and Confirmation. It is also a process that aholder@olls.org enables those who have been baptized to Parishioners are invited to help in our enrich the study of the Gospels, Catholic school and all (including our valuable teaching, Christian values, and the senior citizens) are encouraged to be a development and deepening of a life of part of this important mission of our parish. The mission of the parish school prayer and action with the support and involvement of the parish community. is as follows: Our Lady of Lourdes 11

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Contact: Candace Sperati, 919-861-4634, Candace.sperati@gmail.com A half-day program for children ages 3 through Grade 5, VBS is an annual event planned for one week in June.

Parent volunteers are needed to plan and participate in the fun-filled, highenergy event. Committee chairs are needed each year for planning, crafts, snacks, Bible adventures, music, and more. Junior volunteers, grades 6-12, are also needed to assist and can earn service hours for the week.

prayer lives and to nurture a desire in young people for an understanding of active participation in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. The Confirmation Components are — a two-year parish preparation for high school teens, including the participation of both parents and sponsors; Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation; Community Life of the Church Confirmation Catechesis; retreats; prayer life; service; spiritual guidance through the direction of our pastor, Fr. Pat, and our core team of catechists.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY Contact: Janine Sedore, 919-332-3467, Jmshides2@aol.com The Women’s Ministry of OLL offers a variety of programs and small-group opportunities throughout the year.

Meetings are held at the Fallon Center.

The purpose of the women’s ministry is to provide Adult Faith Formation opportunities in small-group settings for the women of the parish to strengthen their spiritual lives and form lasting friendships with other Catholic women.

YOUTH GROUP: EDGE/Y-DISCIPLE Contact: Alicia Clark, 908-208-3571, aclark@ourladyoflourdescc.org The Youth Group gathers from 6:157:15 p.m. on Sundays for the middle schoolers and 6-7 p.m. on Thursdays for high schoolers. The purpose of the youth ministry is to foster a community for the younger members of OLL. This will be done via a small group with various activities (ex. crafts, volunteering, games). The high school ministry will be more discussion-based, yet still include the activities.

YOUTH FAITH FORMATION GRADES 6-12 Contact: Deacon Byron Champagne, 919-861-4614, bchampagne@ourladyoflourdescc.org Meetings for this ministry are held on Sundays from 10:15-11:15 a.m. in the Middle School Building. The objectives of a Youth Faith Formation and Confirmation Process are to guide young people, middle school and high school, in the call to holiness by developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, by meeting Him in the Scriptures, in the life and teaching of the Catholic Church, and in their own

Service

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ALTAR GUILD Contact: Anita Nyberg, 919-522-7606, anitanyberg@aol.com Meeting at 11:15 a.m. in the Fallon Center, lower level, on the second Thursday of the month from September-November and JanuaryApril, the Altar Guild meetings consist of a luncheon, time to socialize and a short business meeting followed by a program or guest speaker with a religious topic.

The Guild has five committees — • ALTAR/LINEN/CLEANING COMMITTEE: in charge of washing, ironing and mending altar linens; cleaning pew pockets; removing wax from the carpet and candle holders; washing vessels used during Mass; • FLOWER COMMITTEE: order and prepare flower arrangements for the altar and decorate the sanctuary for Easter and Christmas and other religious feast days; • SANCTUARY COMMITTEE: set up the altar with the proper linens based on the religious holiday or season and maintain altar candles; • PRAYER CARDS COMMITTEE: send sympathy, get-well or spiritual bouquet cards; • TELEPHONE COMMITTEE: Call members without online access and inform them of upcoming meetings or special events.

BIRTHCHOICE Contact: Jeanne Thelen, 919-781-5433, jthelen087@gmail.com Located at 2304 Wesvill Ct., #340, this clinic provides the free services of pregnancy testing, ultrasound, information and support for those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.

Volunteer medical professionals train to perform pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. Other volunteers provide compassionate consultation with clients, answer phones and other light clerical tasks.

the scouts have full weekend activities every six weeks. This program is for boys from the age of 10 1/2 to 18 years old. The purpose of the partnership between Our Lady of Lourdes and Scouts of America is to provide an effective program designed to: 1.

Instill within youth desirable qualities of character. 2. Train youth in the responsibilities of participating in citizenship. 3. Help develop youth that are physically, mentally, emotionally and morally fit. 4. Give youth a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage and resourcefulness. 5. Instill in youth personal and stable values firmly based on religious concepts. 6. Train youth with life skills and the desire to help others. 7. Have youth with a keen respect for the basic rights of all people.

This is a ministry that prepares youth for the varied responsibilities of life — participation, giving of service and leadership. Scouts are expected to give to the church, American society and other forums of the world. The program includes life lessons, career lessons, leadership, obtaining goals, service projects, camping, high adventure and religious training. Youth are trained in Scouting Leadership Skills, Rank Advancement, Merit Badges, First Aid and CPR and other life skills.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Contact: Rick Aycock, 919-779-2620, RNAiii@netzero.net Gathering every Monday night from 6-7:15 p.m. in the OLL school cafeteria, 13

CATHOLIC DIVORCE SURVIVAL SUPPORT Contact: Christine Martin, 919-783-8535, beanieviola73@aol.com This group meets Monday at 7 p.m. in the Fallon Center Lounge Room.

Using The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide, the 12-week program features a 30-minute DVD each week with discussions to follow. Whether you are separated or divorced 10 days ago or 10 years ago, the program offers valuable insight for everyone. It is confidential and excellent support during a painful time. This Catholic program is based on the teachings of the Catholic Church and open to anyone who needs comfort, counsel and clarity before or after divorce.

CHILDREN OF GOD Contact: Kathleen DeRubio, 919-656-1512, katmcd8@gmail.com Children from rural and jungle villages in Guatemala have had few opportunities for even the most basic education. The Children of God Ministry was established by late OLL parishioner Allan Rubio, and continues in his honor. The ministry has supported the education and housing of girls from rural villages near Chichicastenango, Guatemala since the year 2000. Six Dominican Sisters live with the girls at the Internado (residence), across the street from the School of the Annunciata, where they attend school with other children from Chichi. Supporters make it possible for the girls to receive an education and live safely under the care of the CATHOLIC PARISH OUTREACH Sisters in this third world country, (CPO) FOOD PANTRY Contact: Mary Gorczynski, Ken Kurkowski, where getting an education is otherwise Rick Bourbina, Rick Poplin, 919-676-7672, impossible for the poor, especially poor girls. The ministry has been very maximomary2011@hotmail.com successful in providing an education for Currently, CPO is open to serve the the girls and enabling them to return community 8:30-11:30 a.m. on MWF to their villages as teachers of the very and is located at 2013 Raleigh Blvd. in young. The impact has been profound Raleigh. As an expression of Catholic and is making great progress toward social teachings through the corporal works of mercy, the purpose of Catholic changing the current status and future prospects of the poor. For 21 years, Parish Outreach Food Pantry is to serve Children of God has been attempting those in need in our community by to serve people in their home countries. feeding the hungry and clothing the OLL provides financial support for girls naked. We do this while treating all in Guatemala to be educated, fed and clients with the dignity and respect that each person deserves. At OLL, two food sheltered, at a school run by Dominican drives a year are carried out. In addition, Order of the Annunciata. Donations people can volunteer to interview clients from OLL are sent every other month.

(Spanish speaking is a plus), stock COLLECTION COUNTERS shelves and putting together boxes for Contact: Lisa Dunham, 919-630-6320, clients. You can learn more at Ldunham4@icloud.com www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/cpo.

This group count the offertory each Monday morning from 8:30-10:30 a.m. in the Parish Office Conference Room.

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Different teams of collection counters meet in groups of four once a month, to count and record offertory and other special collections received the previous weekend.

COLUMBARIUM MINISTRY Contact: Miriam Naqui, 919-861-4603, mnaqui@ourladyoflourdescc.org The Columbarium provides a prayerful, private, and beautiful site on the parish grounds as a permanent place of rest and remembrance for our departed loved ones. The Columbarium Ministry provides perpetual care of the grounds of the Columbarium and its surrounding memorial gardens. It also administers the purchase of Columbarium niches and memorial engravings, and assists the pastor during funeral services at the Columbarium. The ministry’s mission is to provide service, compassion and prayer for our fellow parishioners during their time of grief. You can learn more at ourladyoflourdescc.org/ columbarium.

FINANCE COUNCIL Contact: Frank Janasiewicz, 919-302-6576, fjanasiewi@aol.com The Finance Council meets on the fourth Tuesday of month at 7 p.m. during the

school year. The purpose of the Finance Council is to provide the pastor with a group of parishioners who will assist him in the administration of parish goods and assets, and to review and manage all of the assets/liabilities of all parish and school. While distinct from the Pastoral Council, the Finance Council provides for the goals and objectives set forth by the Pastoral Council. The Finance Council consists of a minimum of three parishioners, and up to seven member. All members are appointed by the pastor.

FLOWER SHUTTLE Contact: Ann Mitchell, 919-787-7463, rtangle333@aol.com A ministry that coordinates with other Christian communities in Raleigh, it meets at the Raleigh Moravian Church on Blue Ridge Road Raleigh at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays. The Flower Shuttle recycles flowers to people living with sickness, terminal illness, poverty and disability who don’t normally get flowers. The Flower Shuttle project has been a blessing to all involved, from those donating the flowers to those rearranging, and most importantly to the recipients. The power that flowers can have when given as an expression of love and care are incredible.

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HISPANIC MINISTRY Contact: Ricardo Veloz, 919-861-4601, Rveloz@ourladyoflourdescc.org The Hispanic Ministry of Our Lady of Lourdes hopes to serve all those whose first language is Spanish. The primary focus of Hispanic Ministry is liturgical celebrations, sacramental preparation and evangelization, as well as responding to different social needs of the Hispanic community in the area.

The Hispanic Ministry also collaborates with all the organizations, groups or individuals of the parish that wish to offer assistance to Hispanic families in need. When necessary, members of the ministry step in to obtain social services in the Raleigh, N.C. area.

The Hispanic Ministry offers: • Organization of Masses in Spanish which are on Thursdays 6:30 p.m. and Sundays 1:30 p.m.

• Programs and services to better serve Hispanic immigrants within our parish community • Comprehensive development of Hispanic leadership, through the formation of lay leaders • Pre-Baptismal preparation classes in Spanish • Adult Formation Classes with the RCIA process (RICA in Spanish) • Pre-marriage Formation in Spanish • Hispanic Prayer Group every Sunday after Sunday Mass, 1:30 p.m.

• Hispanic Group for Young Adults (18-35) Sundays, 10 a.m.

• Hispanic Youth Group of Adolescents (13-17) Friday, 6:30 p.m.

• Hispanic Women’s Group, Saturday, 6 p.m.

• Social services • Collaborative efforts with the parish community in general 16

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Contact: Tom Dunham, 919-632-3465, tsdunham1964@gmail.com The K of C meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. In the Bernadette Center. The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal service organization of men, founded under the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

This organization provides men with a vehicle for building up the parish community and family life with an emphasis on family, youth, church, council, and community activities.

MEALS ON WHEELS Contact: Tom Mitchell, 919-787-7463 or 919-673-9087, Bflowungs1@gmail.com Members of this ministry deliver hot, nutritious noon-time meals to the elderly, sick, disabled, homebound, and those unable to prepare meals for themselves. This is done on the fifth Thursday and Friday each month on four routes. Volunteer teams of two from Our Lady of Lourdes deliver meals 6-8 times per year.

NOTE-IN-THE-POCKET Contact: Tammy West, 919-815-3994, tammy.west98@yahoo.com The quality of clothing and shoes of underprivileged children has a profound impact on the school attendance and performance. The Notein-the-Pocket ministry addresses those needs by collecting and distributing new and good quality used clothing for the many poor and homeless children in Wake County. Clothes for all seasons and for kindergarten through high school are needed. Clothing not used are shared with other Our Lady of Lourdes ministries. There are many different volunteer opportunities.

PASTORAL COUNCIL Contact: Michael Thelen, 919-755-2154, Michael.Thelen@wbd-us.com, mcthelen@gmail.com Meeting monthly, and additionally as necessary, in the Parish Office Conference Room, they advise the pastor in regard to any and all matters relating to the mission and life of the parish.

REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT Contact: Jerome Harrison, 919-414-0554, jaharrison9@yahoo.com Members of this ministry get together on Monday evenings or Sunday at a 10:30 a.m. in the Fallon Center or at a Web meeting. This ministry assists refugees who have been persecuted for their ethnicity or their religious or political beliefs in their country of origin. The vetting process they PRO-LIFE MINISTRY undergo is the most thorough in the Contact: Kathy and Bob Klein, world and they often can spend up to 919-815-3227, blk4jmj@jmail.com 10 years (or more) in refugee camps The Pro-Life Ministry promotes the Church’s teaching regarding the dignity before they are approved for refugee status. Families are sponsored by the of life from conception to natural United States Committee for Refugees death. Some of the activities include and Immigrants (USCRI) and Lutheran the following: pro-life corners in the Family Services, and we coordinate weekly bulletin, coordinate pro-life our ministry activities with them. The Rosary before Masses, do the Holy members of our ministry nurture newly Hour on the third Sunday of each arrived families by furnishing their month, organize an Adopted Day apartment and assisting with food, for our parish during the 40 Days for employment, transportation, tutoring, Life Campaign, help with yearly Life Chain, help with Run for Life, organize budgeting, institutional and legal issues, and home purchases. Donations Birthchoice Baby Shower, do monthly needed for a newly arriving family Spiritual Adoption Announcements, Bumper Sticker Sunday, pro-life display are requested at that time in the Parish Bulletin. We have a special agreement in October, Novena of Divine Mercy with Green Chair for the purchase of at Drake Circle, attend Raleigh and secondhand furniture at a very low D.C. March for Life, and send bulletin price so donations can be brought announcements on pro-life events there in the name of our OLL Ministry taking place around the diocese. when they are not immediately needed.

The greatest need is for drivers who PROJECT RACHEL can provide transportation during Contact: Jackie Bonk, 919-621-0916, the weekdays and on weekends to projectrachel@nc.rr.com Mass, as well as provide trucks to help Project Rachel extends the healing grace transport furniture when needed. This of God to women and men wounded ministry grows close and satisfying by participation in abortion. In a caring friendships between the volunteers and and hopeful context, individuals can the refugees that last many years. In move towards reconciliation with their turn, you will see many of our refugee aborted children, their families, the families attending Mass and serving in Church and God. various parish ministries.

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SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Contact: Julie Thomas, 919-274-8849, julie_thomas@uncbusiness.net This group gathers bi-weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Fallon Center, Room 202. They serve families in the surrounding community who have a short-term financial stresses that may cause them to lose their home.

One way this ministry is different than the other area organizations is that we visit the families in their homes and bring prayer and service.

SUPPORT CIRCLE Contact: Douglas Crouch, 919-277-0477, dgcrouch@gmail.com Serving the Raleigh community, this ministry works alongside CASA, DOR and other Ministries to support families coming out of homelessness.

Catholic Charities has partnered with the Raleigh/Wake County 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness Coalition to engage members of local faith communities to help break the cycle of poverty by assisting families in becoming selfsufficient. The objectives of Support Circles are: • To assist families in achieving economic independence • To empower participants to develop long-term, realistic personal objectives in terms of career decisions, housing, financial management, and citizenship • To offer support services and resources related to educational placement, job training, and employment • To assist families in evaluating and improving their quality of life • To invite families to participate in the community, in a church and/or civic organization, etc.

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WAKE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Contact: Rick Bourbina, 919-787-6159, rjbourbina@gmail.com Participants join the Catholic Coalition of Habitat volunteers in working with Wake County Habitat to build homes for deserving first-time home buyers.

Volunteers have a variety of opportunities ranging from on-site construction (framing, siding, painting) to logistical support (lunches for the crews). House builds usually run from early fall into the spring with each parish providing volunteers for two or three sessions (usually a Saturday). This ministry offers a great opportunity to help those who are willing to help themselves and to put God’s love in action.

See www.habitatwake.org/faith/catholic for details on the latest build.

YOKEFELLOW PRISON MINISTRY Contact: John Tector, 919-349-0398, John_tector@ncsu.edu “I was in prison, and you came to visit me... whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:36, 40). Our parishioners help to bridge the gulf between persons confined and those in the outside community. Through listening and mentoring, members demonstrate a continuing concern for offenders and help in the process of their re-integration into society.

A Stewardship Prayer Jesus, teach us to pray. Help us to manage our time so that we can spend it with You. Holy Spirit, fill us with your gifts. May we offer ourselves in sacrifice for all in need. Father, give us generous hearts. Help us to manage our finances and to give You priority.

As your faithful disciples, we ask this for ourselves and people everywhere, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

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Please keep until Fall 2022

Our Lady of Lourdes

C AT HOLIC CHURCH

2718 Overbrook Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27608 919-861-4600 ourladyoflourdescc.org