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Home
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> Ministries of Faith Formation
Ministries of
Faith Formation
The
aim of this instruction is love from a pure heart, a good
conscience, and a sincere faith. I Timothy 1:5
The heart of the
Steward's response as a disciple is to share what they have
received with a generous, loving, and grateful heart. Faith
Formation is a journey of a lifetime, a journey of
conversion. It is a daunting task requiring the education of
the mind and heart for all ages.
Catechists are the men and women who volunteer their
time and energy in sharing the Good News with our parish members who are
examples for our parish children and youth as people who are living
their Catholic Faith as followers of Christ.
As active participants in our parish,
Catechists recognize the need for their own personal spiritual growth
and nourishment and participate in opportunities for this development.
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Adult Formation Coffee & Christ
 The key goals of "Coffee & Christ" are
to connect the Christian story to one's personal experiences and to
actualize the Christian faith in one's culture and society. "Coffee
& Christ" meets on Sunday morning at 9:15,
between the two Sunday morning Masses. This is the same time as PSR, making it
convenient for parents who bring their children to PSR.
Is there a topic,
subject, special, interest, questions you would like
addressed? If so, please let us know or join in the
planning! Check the monthly newsletter and weekly
supplemental bulletin for current and upcoming
schedules. You are challenged to attend at least two
spiritual growth opportunities each quarter!
Contact:
Jim and Shirley Wirth ~ 417-334-8672
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Baptism
Preparation
 If
a new member is expected into your family and you wish to
have your son or daughter baptized, it is necessary to
schedule for baptismal preparation classes six weeks prior
to your baby's baptism.
Tom Healey and Dan Vaughn conduct a
new baptism preparation on the fourth Monday of the month.
You need to register through the parish office by the third
Monday of the month. If no one registers, there will not be
a class.
For older children or adults who
have not yet received the Sacrament of Baptism, refer to
information on the
Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults (R.C.I.A.) with adaptations for children
where appropriate.
Contact:
Tom Healey &
Dan Vaughn ~ 417-334-2928
Preparation in Spanish is by
appointment with Sister Francine:
Sister Francine, SSND ~
417-334-2928, ext 105
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Boy Scouts
It is the mission of the Boy
Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill
values in young people and to prepare them to make
ethical choices during their lifetime in achieving their
full potential. The values we strive to instill are
based on those found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
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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."
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Troop 226 is a boy run troop. It is the goal of Boy
Scouts of America and Troop 226 that scouts themselves
plan and execute their own program to achieve the goals
outlined in the Boy Scout Handbook. Parents and adult
leaders participate in and support the boys' program.
New scouts begin with small jobs under the guidance of
more experienced scouts. As their skills and knowledge
improve, new responsibilities are given to them. Each
scout will learn the skills needed to carry out his job
in the troop and will learn how to pass those skills on
to other boys. We use camping as a method for boys to
learn teamwork, leadership, basic first aid, outdoor and
survival skills while having fun. In small groups of
patrols, each boy has an opportunity to develop both
team-oriented and leadership skills.
The troop meets at Our Lady
of the Lake Parish Center annex (lower level) on Monday
nights at 6:30. Notable exceptions are the Mondays
following campouts.
Virtus training is required.
Contact:
Holly
Cox
~ 417-464-9567
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Cub Scouts
 Steve
Lane, together with the adult den leaders,
will work with first through fifth grade
boys from the Branson area and their
families 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.
Virtus
training is required.
Contact:
Steve Lane
~ 501-804-2539
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Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts, in an accepting
and nurturing environment, build character and skills
for success in the real world. In partnership with
committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that
will serve them all their lives, like leadership, strong
values, social conscience, and conviction about their
own potential and self-worth. The mission, along with
the Girl Scout Promise and Law reflect our foundation
and commitment to empowering girls to become leaders. By
saying the Girl Scout Promise, girls are pledging to
live by the principles of the Girl Scout Law and to
demonstrate the kind of positive character and values it
encompasses. Skills like conflict-resolution,
critical-thinking, and advocacy are tied to every Girl
Scout activity. Through Girl Scouts, girls connect with
others and take action to make the world a better place.
Virtus training is
required.
Our troop 60146 meets at Our
Lady of the Lake in the lower level of the Parish Center
two Wednesday's each month at 5:00 p.m. Scheduled
weekend outings may take the place of a monthly meeting.
Contact:
Dana
Wright ~ 314-680-9465
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CCNA & Young Adults
 Catholic
Christian Newman Association (CCNA) is a group of young
Catholic adults gathering together to enrich their
relationship with God through a community of faith, fun
and friendship.
Our activities include faith building
nights, service projects, social activities, retreats, a
yearly mission trip to Mexico or Central America and
more! We invite all young adults (ages 18-23) to join
us. There is something going on every week!
Contact: Lynn
Melendez ~ 417-339-2825
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Adult Confirmation Preparation
 This is for adults who have received the Sacrament of
Baptism but have not yet been Confirmed. If you or someone you
know would like to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we can
help. Sessions are arranged as needed and are available in
English and Spanish. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation
often takes place through participation in the
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults).
Contact: Father
Rick Jones ~ 417-334-2928
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Sacrament of
Confirmation for Youth
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the third
Sacrament of Initiation and is celebrated in our parish
every two years with our Bishop presiding. Confirmation will
be celebrated in the spring of 2013. The specific date has
not been determined at this time and is dependent upon the
Bishop's schedule.
Youth in grades 10, 11 and 12
during the 2012-2013 PSR year may enter into the
Confirmation process provided they have met these
requirements:
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Attended PSR
classes on a regular basis during 2011-2012 |
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Participate in
weekly Mass |
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Attend the
Confirmation Orientation Session held during
late August/early September and commit to full
participation in the Confirmation process during
2012-2013 |
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Provide a copy
of their Baptismal Certificate at the
Orientation session |
Youth entering into the Confirmation process
are expected to commit to the following:
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Commitment
to the Confirmation Process |
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Daily Prayer
and weekly Mass attendance |
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Promptness to
class. Honest participation in class |
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for catechists, other candidates, sponsors and
self in all ways |
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No more than
five excuses absences (two in the
1st semester; three in the 2nd semester) |
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Completion
of a one page essay answering these questions:
Why do I want to be Confirmed? What do I want
from the Church? Who is my sponsor and why did I
choose this person? |
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Attendance
at all retreat/reflection experiences,
including a weekend retreat at Conception
Abbey during Advent |
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Attendance
at all Rites |
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Participation in the
Sacrament of Reconciliation |
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Participation
in service projects |
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Participation
in a Liturgical Ministry |
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Interview
with Father Rick prior to Confirmation |
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Continue
with formation opportunities in 11th and 12th
grade |
Virtus training is
required.
Youth who have not received the Sacrament of
Baptism and/or who have not participated in the parish PSR
program who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
may prepare for the Sacrament through the
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults).
Contact:
Pat Hutcheson ~
417-334-2928, ext 104
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First
Sacraments of
Reconciliation & Eucharist
The average age for reception of the
Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is age 7 years or
older. Starting in 2012, preparation for First Sacraments in our
parish is a two-year process: "First Sacraments Year One"
and "First Sacraments Year Two".
Children age 6-8 may enter "First
Sacraments Year One" in the fall semester. This class may be
composed of children in Grades 1 and 2. "First Sacraments Year
One" will focus on developing a better understanding of our
faith community, learning the traditional Catholic prayers and
developing a better understanding of the Mass. Completion of
"First Sacraments Year One" is required to enter into "First
Sacraments Year Two".
"First Sacraments Year Two" will
expand the focus on the Mass and traditional Catholic prayers as
well as include lessons specific to the Sacrament of
Reconciliation and Eucharist. Children in "First Sacraments Year
Two" will be prepared to participate in the Sacrament of
Reconciliation for the first time during the season of Lent and
to celebrate First Eucharist in the late spring. Participation
in a morning retreat for parents and children in this class is
required. This retreat will be scheduled during the spring.
For children/youth in Grade 3 and
above who have not yet received First Sacrament preparation, the
following policy is in effect:
| Children must attend one year
of regular PSR prior to entering into the First
Sacrament Preparation process. For example, a
child who is in Grade 3 and has not attended PSR
in previous years must attend 3rd Grade PSR in
the current year to be entered into Sacramental
Preparation during the next year.
Older children who are
entering into Sacramental Preparation are
required to attend their regularly scheduled PSR
class for the appropriate grade level as well as
attend a separate Sacramental Preparation class.
The time of this class for older children will
be determined based on the family situations.
Children in this class will be prepared to
participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation
for the first time during Lent and to
participate in the Sacrament of Eucharist in the
late spring. |
Contact:
Pat
Hutcheson ~ 417-334-2928, ext 104
Teresa Givens ~
417-334-4017
Heidi Winslow ~
417-339-7122
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Hispanic Ministry
Our Hispanic Ministry embraces
the diversity of our parish family and assists in bridging
our language and cultural differences. This ministry helps
coordinate parish wide celebrations to bring ALL
parishioners together in worship and fellowship. It also
supports the Sacramental, Faith Formation and other needs of
our Spanish-speaking parishioners.
Contact:
Sister Francine, SSND ~
417-334-2928, ext 105
Miguel Canizalez ~
417-272-3013
Marini Gomez ~
417-337-9606
Rosie Garcia ~
417-231-5619
Xochitl Rendon ~
417-331-0490
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Lenten Retreat
The Lenten Retreat is an
annual event that takes place during the Season of Lent.
This retreat provides parishioners with a chance to
deepen their spiritual lives and to embrace the Paschal
Mystery of Jesus' death and resurrection. If you would
like to get involved in the planning and execution of
this annual retreat, please contact Father Rick.
Contact: Father
Rick Jones ~ 417-334-2928
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Marriage Preparation
A
Lead Couple helps engaged couples reflect on the Sacrament
of Matrimony as a way of life. The Lead Couple, married
themselves, lead young engaged couples through a series of
topics from finances to religion. This ministry requires an
open mind and a willingness to share a personal journey
through marriage. Typically, there are six meetings per
session over a period of one month. Training for this
ministry as well as all materials for the classes are
provided through the diocese.
Any Parishioner planning to
marry should notify the pastor at least six months
before the proposed date of marriage to help them
prepare for the Sacrament.
Contact:
Father
Rick Jones ~ 417-334-2928
Spanish Marriage Prep is
offered as needed.
Contact
Sister Francine, SSND ~
417-334-2928, ext 105
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PSR
~ Parish School of Religion
PSR
provides faith formation opportunities for the children and
youth of our parish family. PSR 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.
Virtus training is
required.
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In compliance with the mandate of the
USCCB to provide a safe environment for
children, all parish members participate
in a Safe Environment workshop and
complete a background check. |
The PSR calendar year
begins during the second week of
September and ends during the third week
of May. Currently, Pre-school - 6th
Grade PSR classes meet on Sunday
mornings, 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. 7th -
12th Grade PSR classes meet on Wednesday
evenings 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Contact:
Pat Hutcheson ~
417-334-2928, ext 104
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RCIA Inquiry
~ Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults is a process of the heart and mind to learn about
the teachings of Jesus Christ and how we celebrate these
teachings in our Catholic Faith. This is an ongoing one year
commitment beginning several times throughout the year.
You may invite anyone who is
interested in our Catholic faith to attend. We look forward
to building relationships between inquireres and the RCIA
team members. Participation is a wonderful way to enhance
your own faith journey.
Contact: Father
Rick Jones ~ 417-334-2928
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Coordinator
of the RCIA Sponsors
| What does a Sponsor do? |
What are some
"qualifications" to be a sponsor? |
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Attends and participates in
sessions with their candidate/catechumen |
A
practicing, confirmed Catholic |
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Acts as a
representative of the community in the rituals |
Able to
attend sessions with candidate/catechumen |
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Provides
support and encouragement |
Willingness
to companion another |
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Finds ways
to be welcoming |
Able to
relate to people |
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Listens |
Willing to
invite and accompany candidate/catechumen to
some parish events |
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Responds to
questions |
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What might a Sponsor expect
for themselves? |
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A
renewal or deepening of a faith relationship
with God |
Some
good and lasting friendships |
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A
better sense of identity in terms of self and
church |
A
strong experience of community |
Contact:
Sister Francine, SSND ~
417-334-2928, ext 105
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SOS: Seniors
Over 50s Social
Throughout most of the year, our parishioners are far
outnumbered by tourists. Since we tend to go to the same
Mass each weekend and sit in the same section of church, we
see only a few familiar faces among a sea of visitors.
Wouldn't it be nice to have more time for fellowship among
our parishioners? There is nothing more heartwarming than
sharing experiences, memories, laughs and food (of course,
theres always food!) with friends and thats the idea
behind SOS*. It is an opportunity for us to meet and greet
other parishioners and develop new friendships within our
parish family.
The SOS* group has enjoyed many wonderful get-together's. We
try to have a monthly social where we share food,
conversation and maybe a game or a movie. Usually we gather
right here at church or occasionally we will meet at one of
our Branson attractions. We invite you to join us. If you
are one of our Over-50 parishioners, please watch the
bulletin and then phone to tell us you'll be coming to our
next get-together.
Contact:
Jane and Dave Friggle ~ 417-336-5120
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VBS ~
Vacation Bible School
 VBS is held the
last week of July. All children age four
through sixth grade are invited to share a week of fun,
music and Catholic faith from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. There are
Bible stories, skits, crafts, snacks and music, all revolving
around our Catholic faith.
OLLY (Our Lady of the Lake Youth) are encouraged to help in
the preparation work. Parents, Grandparents, OLLY and
anyone who would like to help with this wonderful week are
greatly appreciated!
Virtus training is
required.
Contact:
Pat Hutcheson ~
417-334-2928, ext 104
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Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry includes all parish youth Grades 7
through 12. In keeping with the directives established by both the
National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, our ministry
includes the eight areas of Evangelization: Catechesis;
Prayer & Worship; Community; Justice, Peace & Service;
Pastoral Care; Leadership Development and Advocacy.
Youth Ministry is an integral part of our parish life. As we
include, encourage, and empower our youth we not only
support the Church of today, we are building the Church of
tomorrow.
Virtus training is
required.
If you would like to provide our youth
with Consistent Adult Presence please let us know.
Contact:
Pat Hutcheson ~
417-334-2928, ext 104
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