Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Branson, MO

Throughout the year there are many needs that arise which are not normally in our annual parish budget. This is especially true due to the fact that we are not a large parish community (approximately 600 households), but host several thousand visitors over the course of the year. Our parish family has the opportunity to be creative in finding ways to meet these financial needs while at the same time reaching out to the parish and to the larger community.

These events are only successful with the support of the entire parish family. In return for our hard work, the “Vision for the Future” fund to help retire our mortgage debt receives on average $19,000 annually from the Spaghetti Dinner, Autumn Family Feast, and other fundraisers. To get involved in these fundraisers, please watch the Sunday Bulletin and contact the individuals listed as coordinators. Hope to see you there!

These Ministries encompass the temporal needs of our Parish and Ministers of Administration who serve in many different areas of parish daily life. They assist with the collection, counting and distribution of parish resources. Thus, they are involved in fundraising, social action, clerical assistance, financial planning and oversight to include the monthly obligation of our mortgage payment and the upkeep of the physical assets of the parish community. ÿ

Arts & Crafts Festival

The Annual Arts &Crafts Festival is an opportunity for artists and crafters to come together and display their God given talents for a three day show in the Parish Center. The Festival is held the second weekend in October. Planning usually takes place in the spring. If you are interested in joining the festival as an artist or crafter, or would like to help with the planning and / or the event, your participation it appreciated. Click here for more information about the Festival.

Contact: Janet Bostnick ~ 417-336-3213

Autumn Family Feast

The Autumn Family Feast has been held the second Tuesday in November or in conjunction with the Branson Veterans Celebration since 1994. The original goal was to bring the three weekend Mass groups together. Today, we meet the original goal by joining the four weekend "Mass Families " plus honoring our Veterans as they celebrate in Branson.

Together the Spaghetti Dinner and Autumn Family Feast are our biggest fundraisers. These annual events reach out to the parish and the community, serving approximately 1,100 meals each. To share the fun, fellowship, and work, about 150-170 volunteers are needed from beginning to end to help in planning, advertising, set up, serving, and of course, clean up.

About eight weeks before each event, a planning meeting is held. Father has asked four Team Leaders to make a two year commitment. This design allows two people to go off each year with two experienced people remaining for the following year. If you are interested in becoming a Team Leader or would like additional information about the amount of involvement, contact Joyce Arnold at 417-546-4288, preferably by mid-September so that you may be invited to the planning meeting and receive the game plan before making your final decision! Sign-up sheets are provided in the Gathering Space three weekends before the event for the volunteers needed to support set-up, serving, cleanup, etc.

Sponsorships and Corporate Sponsorships are open to anyone who would like to contribute to our fall "Vision for the Future" fund raiser. Benefactors for all or part of the expenses involved are also welcomed. Click here for more information and photos of the Fall Feast.

Contact: Joyce Arnold ~ 334-2928 ext 103

Gift Shop

Members of the Gift Shop Ministry staff the Gift Shop so it can be open after all the Masses. Our Parish and visitors are blessed to have this group of dedicated women and men who share their time, talent and energy. Proceeds from the Gift Shop are donated to “Vision for the Future” to help retire our mortgage debt.

Contact: Joan Donovan ~ 417-339-2976

Noche Hispana

This mid-September annual event is a Mexican independence celebration with food and music. Everyone is invited to enjoy authentic dishes, traditional dance, and folk dress while expanding cultural understanding. We encourage the integration of all cultures in our parish, thus sharing a mutual richness of our diverse cultural gifts. Assistance with all phases of the celebration from planning to set-up, serving, and clean-up is appreciated.

Contact: Sister Francine Koehler, SSND ~ 417-334-2928, ext 105

Daniel & Bety Centeno ~ 417-332-0082

Miguel & Blanca Canizalez ~ 417-272-3013

Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12 each year is to honor Mary as Patron of the Americas. In whatever forms she appears, Mary always desires to draw each of us closer to her son, Jesus. Mary shows us how to respond in dedicating our lives to doing God's will.

"God of power and mercy, you blessed the Americas at Tepeyac with the presence of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. May her prayers help all men and women to accept each other as brothers and sisters. Through your justice present in our hearts may Your peace reign in the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen. "

Following Mass, the community celebrates with music, food and other activities. Ministers are always appreciated and everyone is encouraged to share the celebration.

May Mary, the Patroness of our parish family and the Mother of the Universal Church enlighten you and guide you on your journey to her son, Jesus.

Click here for pictures of previous celebrations.

Contact: Sister Francine Koehler, SSND ~ 417-334-2928, ext 105

Daniel & Bety Centeno ~ 417-332-0082

Miguel & Blanca Canizalez ~ 417-272-3013

Spaghetti Dinner

Our Spaghetti Lunch & Dinner is generally held on the second Tuesday in March. The first Spaghetti Dinner, sponsored by the women of Our Lady of the Lake Parish, was held in March 1962. It was deemed a great success as the women served approximately 400 people. This yearly tradition soon became the "spring event" for the community. In March 2001, hours were extended to include lunch and we served 1,100 meals.

The Spaghetti Dinner not only provides a significant amount of financial benefit for our parish but also serves to bring our individual "Mass Families" together as one. It is an outstanding community outreach, providing an opportunity to open our doors in welcome to, not only our own members, but to the community at large. Sponsorships and Corporate Sponsorships are open to anyone who would like to contribute to our spring and fall "Vision for the Future" fund raisers. Click here for more information and photos of the Spaghetti Dinner.

Contact: Joyce Arnold ~ 334-2928 ext 103