Our Lady of the Lake
Pastoral Care
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.
Communion Visitation Ministry
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 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.
Catholic Deaf Ministry of Oregon at OLL
OLL welcomes members of the Catholic Deaf Community to love God, love others, and make disciples of Jesus Christ with us!
ASL interpretation is provided every Sunday at the 9:00 AM Mass. If you cannot attend in person, view the livestream here.
For more information about the Catholic Deaf Community in Portland, connect with them on their website.
Threads of Comfort Prayer Shawl Ministry
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 Health Ministry
The Parish Health Ministry exists to promote wellness and harmony of body, mind, and soul in our faith community.
For more information on the Parish Health Ministry, including links and resources, go to the Parish Health Website.
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:
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
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.
Note: Currently paused due to COVID
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.
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.
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.
The Health Ministry sponsors a one-day flu shot clinic every September in the Cana Room. Watch the bulletin for sign-ups.
Contact the parish nurse for referrals to health agencies, organizations, or services. Call the parish office and ask for the Health Ministry.
Funeral Luncheon Ministry
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. The following is provided:
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! Funeral Luncheon is chaired by Michelle Mosgrove. Call the parish office to be put in touch with Michelle.
Support Groups
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.
There are several groups meeting weekly. Call the office to put in touch with Pappy Corbitt for more information.