Pat Hutcheson, CRE/YM 417-334-2928 ext 204 phutcheson@msn.com
Parish School of Religion PSR News and Updates The PSR calendar year begins the second week of September and ends the third week of May. Currently Preschool (4 yrs old) thru 6th Grade PSR classes meet on Sunday 9:00 a.m. — 10:15 a.m. in the lower level classrooms.  Grades 7-12 PSR meet Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. PSR provides faith formation opportunities for the children and youth of our parish family. Classes begin for 4-year-olds in our Preschool class setting and continue through 12th grade. The mission of PSR is to foster the growth of faith in our children through participation in an environment that seeks to awaken a desire to know more about our beliefs and practices and especially to encourage conversion to Christ. Our program is designed to assist parents in their mission to pass on the faith to their children by reinforcing the primary Catholic Christian values of the family. For PSR to be successful, the support of the entire parish family is needed. We are especially grateful for those men and women who willingly give of themselves to serve as Catechists. Catechists are among our greatest assets. They serve as examples for our parish children and youth of people who are living their Catholic faith as followers of Christ. Catechists “teach as Jesus taught” through personal witness and their love of our children. Contact: Pat Hutcheson ~ 417-334-2928 ext 104  We are especially thankful to all of our volunteer Catechists and Youth Leaders. Without the consistent dedication and cooperation of these men and women our PSR program would be seriously diminished! Our PSR classes provide a valuable opportunity to help our parish children and youth become true disciples of Jesus. Per Diocesan rules, all those volunteering for a ministry involving children must complete VIRTUS Training and undergo a criminal background investigation. See also:  PSR for OLLY Youth Grades 7-12 Campus Ministry & Young Adult Formation Adult Faith Formation
First Sacraments of Reconciliation & Eucharist The First Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist are most often celebrated during the child's 2nd grade year. In the fall, 2nd grade children are prepared for and participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In our parish we encourage family participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Preparation for First Eucharist begins in late winter. Our celebration of First Eucharist is a special Mass for the First Communicants, their families and friends. This celebration takes place during the Easter season. In our parish we have a tradition of the 3rd Grade children and their families hosting a reception following First Eucharist. Children older than 2nd grade who have not yet received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist should participate in RCIA adapted for Children (sometimes called RCIC) after attending PSR classes for one school year. These older children meet as a group for approximately 10 weeks during the winter and early spring to prepare for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Children who participate in RCIA for Children have the option of celebrating First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Mass with the second Grade class or at a special time chosen by the family.  Contact:  Pat Hutcheson ~ 417-334-2928, ext 104 Teresa Givens ~ 417-334-4017
Baptismal Preparation Baptism preparation sessions are available for infants, children, and older individuals. More information on Preparation for Sacraments.  † Contact:  Tom Healey & Dan Vaughn ~ 417-334-2928
Cub Scouts Holly Cox, together with adult den leaders, will work with first through 5th grade boys and their families from the Branson area to take part in Scouting activities and complete service projects while fostering character traits and working toward various Scouting achievements. The goal is to keep children involved in the program and to help them grow by instilling leadership and teamwork skills. The pack, consisting of adult den leaders and their den members, will meet once a month and each den will meet two to three times a month. Together with the committee and the pack adult leadership, the program will be reviewed in January and July. Contact:  Holly Cox ~ 417-364-9665 Cub Scout Pack 226 Our Pack Number, 226, was derived from Proverbs Chapter 22, Verse 6: "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Discover Scouting! Scouting is learning by discovery and discovery by doing. It's fun, friends, and family where skills are learned, confidence is built, and stories are born. A Scout who hikes and camps learns to appreciate the outdoors and take care of it. And a Scout who is part of a den and a pack has a genuine sense of belonging. Cub Scouts is open to all boys aged 7-12. Scouting involves parent participation. You can even form your own Den. Cub Scout Pack Contact Information Stephen Lane, Cubmaster Jon Hale, Asst. Cubmaster Charlotte Hale, Secretary John & Shelly Akers, Treasurer Holly Cox, Advancement Coordinator Charlotte Hale and Linda Brubaker, Popcorn Chair Elizabeth Farris, Character Awards Coordinator   Attention 3rd & 4th Grade Girls! We are looking for girls to join our Brownie/Girl Scout Troop at Our Lady of the Lake Church. The group will be led by Dana Wright and Nicki Newell. Call Dana at 417-338-0337 for more information.