Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Branson, MO

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Good Samaritan Ministries

But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. Luke 10:33-34

Disciples serve one another. Service is the goal of these ministries -- to care for the needy, to extend a helping hand, to provide a shoulder to lean on during difficult times. The planting and care of the meditation garden serves us all. While creating a sense of belonging, we help build the parish community.

After-Mass Hospitality

Do you enjoy talking with visitors and fellow parishioners? Do you believe in a ministry promoting Church and Community? Do you find it easy to strike up a conversation while serving coffee and pastries? If you have time to help after any of the weekend Masses, this could be the ministry for you! The donations received from After-Mass Hospitality are used in our ministries. Virtus training is required.

Contact: Nora & Bob Encarnacion ~ for 8:00 am Mass ~ 417-335-8418

Ginny Sturgis ~ for 8:00 am Mass ~ 417-335-4708

Jim Ostwinkle ~ for 10:30 am Mass ~ 417-336-4234
Marge O'Sullivan ~ 417-339-3130

English Language Learners

English classes for adults meet on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:15 in the PSR classrooms in the lower level of the church. The classes are free and anyone who would like to learn English is welcome.

Contact: Jim and Shirley Wirth ~ 417-334-8672
Parish Office ~ 417-334-2928

Gardening Ministry
The Gardening Ministry has as its primary goal to cultivate the beauty of God's creation around our house of prayer so an appreciation and enjoyment of our gifts are shared by the entire community. The planting and care of the Prayer Garden serves parish members as well as our many visitors. We plant, pull weeds, trim, deadhead annuals, water and apply fertilizers, all in good fellowship or at a time of our convenience. We accept donations of time and labor as well as seedlings, mulch, potting soil, tools, and more. Indoor Plant Care is a separate but related ministry.
Contact: Carol & Howard Frische ~ 417-779-5440

Mary & Fred Heiss ~ 417-334-4702

Knights of Columbus ~ Our Lady of the Lake Council, No. 6470

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of Catholic men founded in New Haven, Connecticut in 1882 by a parish priest, Fr. Michael J. McGivney. Fr. McGivney saw a need for an organization to serve the Church and community. The basic principles started in 1882 still prevail today: charity - to share our time, talents and treasures with those in need; unity – to work together to accomplish deeds not achievable individually; fraternity – to aid our brothers and their families – to aid and show concern for them in times of need; patriotism – to serve and honor our Church, country and community. Today that holds true of the 1.8 Million Knights of Columbus members worldwide.

The local council was chartered in 1973 and still works to provide charity to the Church and community in Branson. We are fortified by our long history and driven by our goals for the future to practice and support our faith, be involved in our community, cherish and protect our families, be a positive influence on youth and enjoy the fellowship of our organization. Membership requires the applicant be a practicing Catholic male, 18 years of age or older.

K of C, Council #6470 of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church not only supports our Seminarians but also supports: Special Olympics, College Scholarships, Youth Free Throw Contest, Dress-A-Living-Doll, Roses for Life, Parish Thanksgiving Dinner, Bowl-A-Thon for the Kitchen in Springfield… and many more parish & community activities.

Contact: Joe Rosenthal ~ 417-561-4087

Joe Andrle ~ 417-336-3619

Mike Donati ~ 573-465-0263

Our Lady Cares ~ www.ourladycares.org

Mission Statement: Our Lady Cares (OLC) is an effort by the Catholic community to reach out and help those who find themselves in difficult situations within our parish and the surrounding area.

Our Lady Cares meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Heritage Room, OLC works with area charities like Church Army Recovery, Christian Action Ministries, and Gift of Hope. These are charitable groups that help with getting necessities to the area homeless, food to those who find them selves in a difficult time and back packs filled with food for those children who do NOT have access to food while they are NOT in school. We are also working at providing underwear and toiletries to children who do NOT even have the basic necessities. We also hope to help parishioners facing new struggles within a bad economy.

During the winter months, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church participates in a program called "Loaves and Fishes". This program provides a meal and fellowship for those who cannot afford to eat. With your help, Our Lady Cares would like to be able to distribute coats, hats, and toiletries to some of those who come for meals and do NOT even have the basic cold weather essentials.

We are ever intent on NOT reinventing the wheel AND we are conscious about helping those organizations that attempt to LIFT UP those in need rather than fostering dependence. Many organizations are already doing a good job and they know what they are doing.

Chuck-A-Buck is a second collection on the third weekend of the month. If everyone could Chuck-A-Buck, only one dollar, we the Catholic community will be able to make a difference in reaching out to the community. Check www.ourladycares.org to see how your one dollar is making that difference.

Contact: David Wright ~ 314-229-4863 or ourladycares@gmail.org

Parish Funeral Luncheons

At a time when grieving families have so many things to take care of, the Parish Funeral Luncheon ministers to them by preparing a light meal for the family and guests after the funeral liturgy. Called into action on short notice, they rely on a list of volunteers to bake at home or to serve the luncheon. Hopefully your name can be added to our list.

Contact: Debbie & Dennis Labanowski ~ 417-335-5467

Sister Parish in Palau, Mexico

Our Lady of the Lake has established an ongoing sister relationship with the Our Lady of Guadalupe parishes in the cities of Palau and Santa Maria in Coahuila, Mexico. Through this relationship we have developed a physical and spiritual bond with our brothers and sisters of Mexico. We do various activities throughout the year to raise funds and/or needed supplies for them. They have become our long distance prayer partners. As community, America—Mexico, we pray for our extended parish family.

Every year we plan a week long mission trip to Palau and Santa Maria to work on building and repair projects while living and sharing in their generous hospitality. Anyone 8 years or older (children must be accompanied by their parents) is invited to attend this spiritual retreat which is often found to be a life changing experience!

If you are interested in getting involved or in making donations

Contact: Lynn Melendez ~ 417-339-2825

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