“It is in the Liturgy that we celebrate who we are and what we believe as a Christian Community.”
Vatican II Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy
Worship and Spiritual Life Committee
Babs Rector at bertottb@aol.com or 615-305-1580.
With the Pastor, this committee plans and provides for the spiritual development of each member of the parish through liturgical celebrations, significant prayer experiences, spiritual growth programs, ecumenical activities, and other activities. Its membership includes the Pastor, Deacon(s), Staff Members, Chairperson(s) who represent the Committee as member(s) of the Parish Council and persons with talents, interests, and knowledge of these committees’ areas of responsibility.
Altar Linens
Pam Carver at 615-804-1300
The altar linen ministry is essential to every Mass. Volunteers in this ministry are asked to launder the linens used for the Mass. Each volunteer assists only two or three weeks each year. No sewing is involved. New volunteers are always needed for this ministry. Laundering the linens that are used during the Mass is an honor.
Altar Servers
Babs Rector at bertottb@aol.com or 615-305-1580.
Becoming an altar server is a special way that young people in grades 5-12 can serve the church. As an altar server, you become a minister to everyone at Mass, and you participate in a new and exciting way. As an altar server, you will need to arrive 15 minutes before Mass begins and enter the small sacristy to put on a white alb. Before Mass, you will pray with the other ministers of the Mass including the priest. For the processional, one server will be assigned to carry the cross, and two will be assigned to carry the candles. Throughout the Mass, you may be the server who holds the book of prayers for the priest; you may be assigned to ring the bells as needed; you may assist the priest in the washing of his hands; or you may light the candles on the altar. These are very special actions that give meaning to the Mass for everyone. Additionally, special Masses require incense or sprinkling rites where you might assist the priest. Becoming an altar server is a way you can grow closer to God as you serve his Church. It is a sign that you are maturing in your faith. If you are interested in serving in this special way, please contact Babs Rector.
To schedule your child as an altar server, please use this link.
Commentators
Fran Varboncoeur at 615-824-3100
Share parish announcements and facilitate the worship of fellow parishioners while assisting the celebrants of the Mass.
Coordinators
Babs Rector at bertottb@aol.com or 615-305-1580.
These ministers facilitate the worship of their fellow parishioners by assuring that lay ministers are available for all their responsibilities and assist in the celebration of the Mass.
Lectors (Readers)
Paul Dana at 615-824-3509
These ministers proclaim the Word of the Lord by reading Scripture during the Mass.
E-mail Prayer Line
Babs Rector at 615-305-1580 or bertottb@aol.com
Experience the power of community prayer for special intentions. You can become part of the prayer network of Catholics from several area churches by signing up for the E-mail Prayer Line.
Eucharistic Adoration
Dick Emery at 615-822-7931, Therese Casler at 615-519-1863, Dwane Hunter at 615-824-7051, Karen Summerford at 615-822-7654 or Anna Schoch at 615-264-3315.
Jesus asks in the gospel, “Will you not keep watch with me for one hour?” (Matthew 26:40) All parishioners are encouraged to include Eucharistic Adoration in their prayer life. You can sign-up to pray in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament for one hour each week. Time slots are available five and a half days a week around the clock. Hours, when adorers are especially needed, are posted in the Narthex along with signup forms.
Eucharistic Ministers
Sue Varboncoeur at 615-824-3100
Eucharistic Ministers (Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist) These ministers assist in distributing Communion at Mass and taking the Eucharist to the sick and homebound.
Gather the Children
Babs Rector at 615-305-1580
Ministers share a special Liturgy of the Word and help bring scripture to life for children in Grades 1 through 4 during the Masses on Sundays.
Hispanic Ministry
Elsa Ehinger (Español/English) at 615-338-3911
This ministry assists in the worship of our growing Hispanic community. The Mass, spiritual programs, and the celebration of cultural traditions are only a few of these community activities with which the committee assists.
Men of St. Joseph of Arimathea
The front office at 615-824-3276
“As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.” Matthew 27:57-60
Our Lady of the Lake is blessed to have several men at every funeral. They are there to come alongside our families during a difficult and grief-filled time. Our men of Arimathea help with the details of the funeral. They also assist Father so that everyone present is able to fully enter into the celebration of the life of their loved one.
Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers)
Doug Ebelhar at 615-752-3811
OLOL ushers are truly considered Ministers of Hospitality. They greet people as they assemble for Mass, distribute songbooks and bulletins, gather collections, and assist with various other tasks before, during, and after the Masses.
Music (Choir, Musicians)
Christopher Gunn at 615-824-3276 chromatic108@gmail.com
Ministers of Music enable our liturgies and other celebrations to be joyful celebrations of the Body of Christ. Dedicated instrumentalists and vocalists are encouraged to volunteer.
Laudate Youth Choir – Director, Jj Ebelhar – jj.ebelhar@gmail.com
Our youth choir is open to singers grades 2nd through High School. Practices are on Wednesday afternoons and the young singers provide special music a few times in the liturgical year.
Pilgrim Virgin
Patty Bolger at 615-264-3129
A statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe travels from home to home for a period of a week. Families pray daily with her for their special intentions. A journal accompanies her and some have chosen to share their experience in it. When called upon you will be asked to pick up the journal and Our Lady in the tower chapel when you come to mass on the weekend and return her there the following weekend. If you would like to join the list of those who participate in this devotional, please contact Patty Bolger.
Prayer Cup for Vocations
Dana Campbell at 615-477-6483 or dana.campbell@nastc.com
This ministry is a simple way to make a big difference. All that is required is a little of your time in prayer. We pray that the Church will be blessed with an abundance of priests, deacons, brothers, and sisters and for the seminarians who are pursuing their calling from God. At the end of each mass, the priest or deacon will present the prayer cup to the volunteer for that week, and we ask that you pray the given prayer throughout the week from home. If you would like to sign-up for a particular date and time, please click the link below.
Wedding Guild
Carrie Melvin at 516-338-3907 or carriem@ololcconline.com
The names of couples planning to be married at Our Lady of the Lake are forwarded to the Wedding Coordinator(s) During meeting(s) prior to the wedding, they review the resources available to the couple and the policies of the Parish concerning weddings. They also assist the couple and the Pastor at the rehearsal and on the day of the wedding.