This ministry seeks to educate and enrich the spiritual life of the parish by organizing scripture studies, faith sharing groups, retreats, and days of reflection to share faith insights and strengthen the commitment to the Lord.
This ministry consists of parishioners who launder and iron the small linenes used at all the Masses. Linens are picked up and dropped off at the sacristy on a weekly basis.
Altar Servers assist the priest at Mass once or twice a month. The server must demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities undertaken and the ability to perform them correctly. An appropriate reverence towards these duties is essential. All children are welcome to participate, starting anytime after January of fourth grade. Training is provided and parents must commit to supporting their children in serving at their assigned Masses. For current Altar Servers, please read the OLL Altar Server Ministry Handbook. Please download and complete the Altar Server Registration Form.
The Baptismal Ministry at Our Lady of the Lake is aimed at:
Baptismal host couples have an active involvement in defining the Baptismal preparation process, as well as, participation in the actual Baptismal program at Our Lady of the Lake.
Couples are asked to participate for a two year term, which is renewable. Each host couple participates in one to three Baptisms per year. This entails hosting a “catechesis” meeting with the parents whose babies are to receive the sacrament, held on a weekday evening during the week prior to the Baptism. This catechesis meeting lasts about 90 minutes, and is usually held at the host couple’s home or at the rectory. Host couples also participate in the Baptism ceremony itself, organizing and directing the couples, and by assisting the priest during the ceremony. The Baptism ceremony is held on Sunday, at 1:30 p.m. and is usually concluded by 2:45p.m.
In addition to participating as host couples for one or two Baptisms per year, the Baptismal ministry host couples meet as a group two or three times a year, to assess, develop and revise the program, plan for recruitment and training of new host couples, and to touch base with one another as a group.
Bethany is a ministry offering consolation and comfort to those who have lost a loved one. In addition to attending wakes and funerals, Bethany members assist family members in the planning of the funeral liturgy.
Cornerstone is a weekend experience of religious and social significance, so named because it focuses on Christ as the main foundation or cornerstone of our lives. This is a 26 hour retreat held within the parish, which begins on a Friday evening and concludes on Saturday evening. Accommodations and meals are provided on the premises. The retreat encompasses talks, small group discussions, quiet contemplation, Reconciliation and a Eucharistic celebration. Cornerstone provides a wonderful opportunity for spiritual renewal – to live, love and grow in the spirit of the Lord. Separate retreats are held for men and women.
Eucharistic Ministers are an integral part of the church liturgy. They serve the parish family by distributing Communion under both species at all Eucharistic celebrations. Parishioners who possess a mature faith are welcome to serve. Two training meetings per year are offered. Ministers are scheduled for approximately one weekend Mass per month.
Members of this ministry plan and implement this monthly Eucharistic Celebration ensuring it is child friendly with music, readings, homily, and participation. A family breakfast is served following each monthly Mass. Everyone is welcome to participate in planning and in sharing visions and views.
This program assists the financial needs of the parish by selling grocery certificates to parish families after all weekend liturgies and at the rectory during business hours. The certificates, when redeemed at local supermarkets, yield a 5% return for O.L.L. It is hoped that with continued support and participation from all parishioners, greater financial gains can be realized to help the parish achieve some long term goals. Our Church sacristans and volunteers serve approximately 10 minutes after Mass selling certificates.
The Knights of Columbus is an organization long renowned for rendering service to Church and community by promoting the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Fund raising for the developmentally disabled, contributing to Catholic Charities, and providing resources for the Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets, are just a few activities organized by the Knights. Meetings are held twice a month.
Fr. James J. Kelly Council 3632 serves the parishes of St. Catherine’s in Cedar Grove and OLL.
Since it is Christ Himself who speaks to us when the Holy Scriptures are read in Church, lectors have a responsibility that entails sincere piety and decorum. They are challenged to communicate with humility, focusing the congregation’s attention on the text, not on the reader. A workbook and resource materials are provided during the formation period for new volunteers. Lectors serve approximately once every 5-6 weeks.
The Liturgy Committee ensures that our liturgical celebrations are Spirit-filled and reflective of what we believe as a faith community. The Committee plans Sunday liturgies, as well as, special seasonal liturgies in accordance with the liturgical calendar of the Church.
Liturgy of the Word with Children gathers children to celebrate the Liturgy using simplified readings and homilies to help them understand God’s Word. Children are called to the sanctuary (after the greeting) by the presiding priest and led by the lay presider to St. Joseph’s Chapel. The music, environment, reading, Gospel and homily of the day are presented in images that are familiar to the children. The children receive a handout with an activity related to the liturgy topic to share with their family. Liturgy of the Word with Children is currently held every Sunday during the school year (except Easter Sunday). Planning meetings are held about 4 times a year. Time commitment varies for presiders, musicians, and environment team members. Adults and teenagers who would like to help form our children in faith are welcome.
What does it mean to be a man?
Specifically, what does it mean to be a Roman Catholic man in the Third Millennium, 2000 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
The men of OLL meet every Saturday at 7:30 AM in the chapel for Morning Prayer, coffee, donuts, and discussion of this and other topics relating to male spirituality. Everyone is welcome.
Please contact Deacon David with any questions.
Ushers, or Ministers of Hospitality, cordially welcome and greet parishioners as they enter the Church. They provide assistance locating seats and negotiating stairs when necessary. Ushers also facilitate the offertory and communion processions, as well as, gather the offertory donations, and distribute parish bulletins. Ushers generally serve one Mass per weekend. Men and women are always welcome to serve.
Volunteers serve on a monthly basis preparing, serving and cleaning up for a midday meal served at St. John’s Soup Kitchen in Newark to poor, homeless and hungry people. Additionally, monthly food collections are held in parish to ensure replenishment of necessary food supplies at St. John’s.
Ministers to the homebound provide a vital outreach between parish life and those unable to attend liturgies. Our ministers offer Holy Eucharist, as well as, parish bulletins, religious reading material, and a few minutes of companionship. Ministers visit homes once each week.
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, and come before his presence singing.” —Psalm 100
The Music Ministry is made up of various components, all of which partake in leading song at Sunday liturgies and sacramental celebrations. Included in the leadership of this ministry are the Director of Music and three professional cantors. Other ministers participating in the music ministry are the members of the Parish Choir, the Youth Band, and the Children’s Choir. In addition to leading music at parish liturgies, these groups also participate in an annual Christmas Concert.
The Parish Choir practices on Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:00pm from September to mid-June and sings for the 10:30 mass on Sundays as well as for Christmas, Easter, and during Holy Week. The Parish Choir is open to all individuals in grade nine through adult. The ability to read music is not required.
The Children’s Choir practices on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00pm and sings for approximately eight liturgies from October to May. The Children’s Choir is open to all children in grades 3-8, no musical training is necessary.
The Youth Band plays for eight liturgies from October to May and is open to all instrumentalists in grades 6-12. Their rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:15pm. Students in this ensemble must be able to read music.
Those who are interested in joining the music ministry should contact Director of Music Henry Gehman.
Friday and Saturday, September 29-30
Once again Our Lady of the Lake Parish and School are happy to announce that we will be hosting Kinderfest on Friday afternoon, September 29 from 4-8 and then Oktoberfest on Saturday evening, September 30 from 6-11. These celebrations this year are especially important to as as they take place during the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of the Lake Church and School. Under an enormous tent, these two events attract close to 2,000 guests both young and old. These guests come not only from Verona but from surrounding towns. Entrance to Kinderfest is free and there will be inflatable rides, mini-golf, carnival games, spin art, a kiddie corner, prizes and more. You can purchase tickets for the attractions and games at Kinderfest. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.
Oktoberfest tickets are now available. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Your ticket includes an all you can eat dinner and drinks (beer, soda and water). There will be the traditional German fare of bratwurst, knockwurst and pretzels as well as other options. Beer will be provided by Hoboken Brewing, an exclusive provider for Oktoberfest. We will also have an extensive Tricky Tray and a 50/50 that will be called that evening. Entertainment will be provided by Mushmouth! The proceeds from these events benefit our school and parish initiatives. We look forward to seeing you for a night of good food, great music and FUN!
Our ticket partner, Givebutter, does rely on tips, but this is an optional fee that you can change before you complete your purchase.
You can purchase your individual tickets or tables of 10 by visiting the website by clicking the link below or by scanning the QR code below:
In keeping with the Vatican documents and the American Conference of Catholic Bishops, the OLL Respect Life Ministry seeks to raise awareness of the appreciation of the consistent ethic of life, in the “seamless garment” tradition, from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. By disseminating literature and reporting on national events, this ministry seeks to promote a culture of life, by encouraging prayerful listening to the word of God and openness to the promptings of the Spirit, while addressing a host of moral issues. Volunteers are always welcome and invited to participate in the varied ongoing activities.
Please read this June 2022 issue of Family & ProLife News Briefs.
The Social Justice Ministry seeks to raise awareness of the Church’s teaching and to urge us all to respond accordingly to the social justice issues of the day, as they apply to human dignity, human rights, and the caretaking of God’s creation. Emphasis is placed on walking in the footsteps of Jesus with both feet, one foot for advocacy and one foot for outreach. All are welcome to serve as workers in this vineyard.
In keeping with the OLL Mission to be a welcoming community, this ministry extends its hospitality to new parishioners. Once a month, after all weekend Masses, members of the Welcoming Ministry are available to register new members of the parish family. Additionally, members participate in planning Welcome Liturgies and hosting receptions several times throughout the year.
Our Bereavement Ministry offers hope and comfort to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Trained facilitators conduct support meetings 9 to 10 times during the Fall/Winter and late Winter/Spring seasons which cover a variety of topics chosen to help those who are grieving. The death of a loved one is difficult to accept and meeting with people who are feeling the same way can help.
