Pastoral Care

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 for yourself or on behalf of a friend or family member to receive Communion at home or in a care facility. You can also be trained by Fr. Suresh to be the one who takes the communion to the loved one.

If you are interested in joining the Communion Visitation Ministry and would like to bring Communion to others, contact the Parish Office.

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.

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.

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.

VOLUNTEER WITH RESPITE CARE: Many parishioners find themselves living alone or in a situation where they are caring for a long-time spouse that has become incapacitated in some way or another. Let us open our hearts and reach out to these people who find themselves feeling very lonely and in need of some relief of their situation. Would you be willing to visit a homebound parishioner as a social companion or provide an opportunity for a few hours of rest for a 24 hour caregiver. You can serve when you are able. For more information, contact Donna Barton at the parish office.

What does the Luncheon Ministry provide?

Volunteers set up, serve, and clean up. The following is provided:

An array of homemade salads, vegetables, fruits, and desserts.
Sliced meat, 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 the family to take home, or, if preferred, we will donate to a local charity.
A separate table for photo displays and 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.