Our Lady of the Lake
Catholic Church
The Pastoral Care Team is made of parishioners who recognize a direct link between spirituality and the rest of life. We are concered with the care of parishioners in Spirit, Mind, and Body. We affirm the act of Mercy dictated by Christ to care for the sick, comfort the dying, and encourage, love and support our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Parish Health Ministry exists to promote wellness and harmony of body, mind, and soul in our faith community.
Why is there a Health Ministry in the church?
We all know that nurses take care of the physical and emotional needs of people who are in the process of healing. But, when you have a nurse in the church it adds another element of need to healing. The parish nurse and the Health Ministry volunteers at Our Lady of the lake are in the church to promote not only the physical and emotional health of our parish members but also promote and offer a spiritual dimension of care which is central to the Health Ministry and necessary to support and comfort the souls of our parishioners.
What We Do
The Health Ministry focuses on the intentional care of the spirit by integrating Faith and Healing, providing compassionate support, and encouraging healing prayer all the while promoting health and preventing illness through:
- Health Education
- Health Counseling
- Referrals
- Health Advocation
- Development of support groups
- Coordinating volunteers
Promoting Wholeness
Faith Community Nursing centers on keeping the body, mind, and spirit in balance, each level supporting the other to promote whole person health. Through his or her own faith, the nurse and ministry volunteer emphasizes the spiritual dimension of health using prayer, support groups, simple presence, and Sacraments to promote healing and achieve wholeness in, with, and through a community of faith.
Current Health Ministry Programs
Blood Pressure Clinics
Blood Pressure Clinic is held the second Sunday a month in the parish hall, after the morning Masses. The nurses that staff the clinic monitor people's blood pressure and are available to discuss individual health concerns. All communication is confidential. This is a drop-in clinic, no appointment necessary.
Blood Drive
The Health Ministry sponsors two blood drives every year, administered by the American Red Cross. One blood drive occurs after Christmas and one is in the beginning of August. For specific questions about donating call the parish Health Ministry.
Wellness Programs
Health and wellness programs of the parish health ministry are primarily pastoral. Clinical and invasive medical procedures are not practiced. The Health Ministry provides support and sponsorship of any non-promotional health presentations dealing with physical, emotional, social, or the spiritual aspects of health and wellness. If you are a medical or nursing professional and would like to present a program in your field, please contact the parish nurse.
Respite Care Ministry
Trained ministry volunteers relieve 24 hour caregivers in the home so that they can tend to chores or get some rest without having to worry that their loved one is unattended. Contact the health ministry if you are in need of this service.
Flu Shot Clinic
The Health Ministry sponsors a one-day flu shot clinic every September in the Cana Room. Watch the bulletin for sign-ups.
Health Referrals
Contact the parish nurse for referrals to health agencies, organizations, or services. Call the parish office and ask for the Health Ministry.
For more on the Parish Health Ministry including links and resources, go the Parish Health Website.
The Communion Visitation Ministry brings Communion to the homebound and those in care facilities.
Because we are human, we get sick. Sometimes, it’s just sniffles or the flu. Many times it’s an illness that causes us or one of our loved ones to find that getting to Church is difficult or not possible. When such events take place in our lives, please give us a call so we can assist us with Communion or Anointing of the Sick.
Contact the Parish Office to for yourself or on behalf of a friend or family member to receive Communion at home or in a care facility.
If you are interested in joining the Communion Visitation Ministry and would like to bring Communion to others, contact the Parish Office.
The purpose of a Prayer Shawl is to give comfort to those who are sick, struggling with grief, or who just need an affirmation of God's love. Recipients are wrapped in the arms of Jesus and the prayers of the ministry.
WHO should receive a Prayer Shawl?
Anyone who is in need of a tangible hug of prayer. A prayer that can continue to wrap them in comfort, hope, and love.
WHAT is a Prayer Shawl?
A Prayer Shawl is the compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice – from the beginning when yarn has been chosen the creator has asked for blessings for the potential receiver - each time we gather together we pray over the new shawls for the Lord’s Blessings, each month we pray for those who have received our shawls - we continue to have “Blessings of our Hands” that knit/crochet by our clergy. So, you see - stitch by stitch, row by row, the prayerful intentions of comfort, hope and love are embedded into each shawl. Our Prayer Shawls are unique none are the same as are the prayers that are needed, freely given. We have many colors and shapes to choose from and each creator has embedded their personal signature charm into each Prayer Shawl.
WHEN do you gift a Prayer Shawl?
Whenever you are reaching out to someone for comfort, hope and prayer – it could be for health, bereavement, as well as in joy and celebration. Prayer Shawls are an actual gift – it is a tangible tool, of prayer, for you to give. We provide the wrappings - a gift bag & tissue along with a beautiful heartfelt prayer card.
WHERE can you get a Prayer Shawl?
Here at Our Lady of the Lake Parish! Just ask, call the office at 503-636-7687 and we will put you in contact with a representative of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. They will arrange a mutual time to meet with you, for you to personally select a Prayer Shawl. Need one sooner? Grab a Pocket Prayer Shawl found in the Narthex and Parish Hall!
HOW can you be part of this ministry?
Join us in knitting/crocheting! We enjoy beginners and experienced hands. We meet the first Saturday of each month in the Parish Hall, Carpeted Area from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The ministry is an informal group who share tricks, designs, personal stories and prayers. YES! We can start you out – we have needles, instructions, teachers and some yarn. YES! We gladly accept donations of cash and yarn. The cash donations fund the charms used on our Pocket Prayer Shawls, gift wrapping, and cards.
Parish volunteers create a luncheon following the Funeral Mass/Memorial Service. This provides an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, celebrating your loved one's life.
HOW to make arrangements?
Contact information is provided when making funeral plans with the Parish Staff. Please provide an estimate of how many may attend.
WHEN does the funeral luncheon happen?
Directly following the Funeral Mass, family and friends are invited downstairs to the Parish Hall.
WHAT does the Luncheon Ministry provide?
Volunteers set up, serve, and clean up.
- An array of homemade salads, vegetables, fruits, and desserts.
- Sliced meats, cheeses, condiments, breads, and paper products.
- Beverage service includes coffee, punch, and ice water.
- Tablecloths and flowers are provided for each table.
- Leftover food will be packed for you to take home, or, if preferred, we will donate to a local charity.
- A separate table for photo displays, mementos, and easels for large prints.
Donations are greatly appreciated, but not necessary. Checks can be made directly to Our Lady of the Lake, marked for the Funeral Luncheon Ministry.
Volunteers are always welcomed! Contact Michelle Z. Mosgrove by calling the Parish Office.
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA states that each member's "primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety."
Members and groups remain anonymous in public media and altruistically help other alcoholics, including all who wish to stop drinking.
- Co-ed AA (Great Events) meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6:30 AM in the Parish Center Library. Contact Jim Mattecheck for more information.
- Men's only AA (OMAR) meets Thursdays at 7:00 PM in the Parish Hall
- Co-ed AA (4th Dimenseion) meets Fridays at 8:00 PM in the Parish Hall
Contact Pappy Corbitt for more information.
Women's Co-Dependent Anonymous Support Group
CODA is a 12 Step Program that helps those who do too much, care too much, feel too little, overly engage, or take on others’ responsibilities when they are not required to.
CODA is not meeting at this time.