PASTORAL CARE
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“The pastoral care for others is an expression of your own holiness.”
-Saint Gregory the Great -
Pastoral Care
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In simplest terms, Pastoral Care is “helping others”, often by offering emotional and spiritual support to our sick or elderly brothers and sisters. Pastoral care is considered to be the responsibility of all baptized Christians and is one of the most significant ways that we, as members of the Body of Christ, can continue the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ.
Ideally it is a multifaceted ministry aimed at attending to the spiritual, emotional, and communal needs of individuals and communities. There is recognition of someone’s human dignity that individuals are not just bodies but beings with complex needs and a longing for connection with God and others. We as part of the Body of Christ focus; and alongside them, enter into whatever those marginalized, suffering, isolated, and in-need are experiencing.
Some practical ways we are called to give pastoral care:- Prayer
- Community outreach ministries
- Caring for the sick and/or aged
- Supporting those grieving or struggling
- End-of-life care and arrangements
- Funeral planning and announcements
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Prayer ministries are vitally important to any pastoral care a church can perform. Through addressing and answering prayer requests collectively on a prayer-chain, offering up prayer intentions, and intersessions through the Mass (which is considered to the greatest of all prayers) we can make an impact on our community. These impacts are not merely superficial, but have lasting effects on those around us emotionally, spiritually, and even physically.
- If you are in need of prayer for yourself or something else, you are in the right spot.
- If you are looking to join the Body of Christ to engage alongside with the Holy Spirit through a community united in prayer, you are also in the right spot.
Tap the button below to access our Prayer Ministries webpage to learn more about prayer at Our Lady of the Lake.
Prayer Ministries
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Do you need to arrange a priest or layperson to visit your home, your loved one’s home, a sick or injured loved one in the hospital or nursing home or other care facility? You can arrange for a visit, a blessing, confession, Eucharist, anointing, or other pastoral care.
Make a Pastoral Request at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church via our request form.
pastoral Request
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The death of a loved one is a difficult time. The funeral planning process can also be overwhelming and challenging, but we aim to make that process easier by helping coordinate details during your grief. Whether you are planning ahead or have an immediate need to plan for the funeral of your recently deceased loved one, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church funeral planners are ready to help you with whatever your needs are in this time.
In the case of a death, please contact Fr. Peter Richards. He can be reached via phone by calling the church office phone number during regular open business hours, also after hours via the extension option to reach a priest.
Contact Fr. Peter Richards
Tap the button to begin the funeral planning contact process and access our resources.
Funeral Planning
If you are looking for information on recent funerals, find them here.
Recent Funerals
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Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church’s End-of-Life Planning offers guidance for parishioners preparing for life’s final stages. We emphasize the importance of funeral pre-planning, medical directives, and estate planning to ease the emotional and financial burden on loved ones. Parishioners are also encouraged to consider contributing to endowment funds to support the church’s long-term mission. Taking these steps ensures that your wishes are honored and provides peace of mind for your family.
Tap the button below to begin planning today.
End-of-Life Planning
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Our Lady of the Lake has an abundance of active and thriving Outreach Ministries. Community and Outreach Ministries are essential to the Church's mission of serving others and building a strong, supportive parish family. These ministries focus on meeting the needs of individuals and families within the community, providing support, resources, and opportunities for engagement.
See the below section of this webpage to explore the different ministries specific to Pastoral Care. Our full Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Community Ministry Catalog can be found on this button below.
Ministry Catalog
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Community & Outreach Ministries
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Pastoral Care to SeniorsThis ministry offers compassionate support through programs at local senior care facilities (LMS
and Harrison Bay), such as 10:30 Mass preparation on Thursdays. Supporting the communion ministry to ensure residents receive spiritual nourishment and connection to the Church.
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The funeral coordinator plays an essential and compassionate role in helping families plan the funeral liturgy for there deceased loved ones. This includes meeting with bereaved families to discuss their wishes, coordinating with the pastor and office staff regarding planning of the service and providing administrative support. You will often work alongside the Funeral home coordinators.
Interested in training to become a Funeral Coordinator for Our Lady of the Lake Church?
Contact Shelly Sur
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Red BirdRed Bird ministry aims to serve parents who are suffering from the loss of a child in pregnancy through adulthood. This ministry exists to help parents address the profound healing that needs to happen while also honoring the memory of the child throughout the grief journey. We are looking for dedicated leader volunteers to work Red Bird events and host parish small group sessions.
Grief Support
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Childcare MinistryThis ministry offers safe and nurturing childcare during church event and services, allowing parents to participate in activities and worship while ensuring their children are cared for in a loving environment.
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Family LifeFocused on nurturing and strengthening family bonds, this ministry provides resources and activities designed to support families in their spiritual and everyday lives.
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Respect LifeDedicated to promoting and advocating for the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. Through advocacy and activism, the Respect Life Ministry emphasizes the Church's commitment to protect and cherish every life, encouraging compassionate responses to those in need.
Respect Life
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Small Group LeadersHelp foster community and deepening faith among youth and adults through discussion groups. These leaders create a welcoming environment where participants can explore their spiritual journeys, share experiences, and engage in meaningful conversations about their faith. Resources are available to assist leaders in planning and conducting sessions, ensuring that they are well equipped to provide enriching and engaging discussions.
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Food MinistryEngages parishioners in various service groups, such as Fellowship Sundays, Soup Suppers, Pastie Making, and other identified opportunities for our campus or for those in need such as new Mothers, our Pastor, for families with members on hospice, and beyond. Help foster fellowship among community members providing nutritious meals.
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Westonka Community Food ShelfThis outreach program connects parishioners with assistance efforts, local food encouraging volunteerism and donations to support those facing food insecurity. We are looking to initiate one Saturday a month support with a mix of Youth and Adults.
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Knights of ColumbusA fraternal organization that promotes charity, unity, and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus engage in numerous fundraising and service activities, supporting individuals and families within the community.
OLL Knights of Columbus
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Council of Catholic Women (CCW)This group empowers women in the parish to engage in service and outreach initiatives, enhancing spiritual growth and community involvement through various projects and programs.
OLL Council of Catholic Women
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Pennywise Service GroupSupport our gift/thrift shop, where members assist in sorting, pricing, and organizing donated items. The proceeds from this shop helps to fund various ministries within the Church and School, benefiting the broader community.
Pennywise
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Other Service OpportunitiesSupport the charitable organizations that are always looking for volunteers and financial support. Most of the charities listed are located in and around the local Twin Cities.
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