Dear Brothers and Sisters,

A blessed Christmas to you all. As we celebrate this great feast of the incarnation, let us give thanks for the many blessings we have received this year. The great truth of Christmas is that God became man in order to save us. The Lord wants us to know his love every day of our lives; and that is something to celebrate and be thankful for.

Let us listen to the words of Pope Francis: “Let us pause to gaze upon the crib, and relive in our imagination the birth of Jesus: light and peace, dire poverty and rejection. With the shepherds, let us enter into the real Christmas, bringing to Jesus all that we are, our alienation, our unhealed wounds, our sins. Then, in Jesus, we will enjoy the taste of the true spirit of Christmas: the beauty of being loved by God. Contemplating his humble and infinite love, let us simply tell him: Thank you. Thank you because you have done all this for me.”

God bless,

Fr. Tony

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church

Fr. Tony O’Neill, Pastor 2385 Commerce Blvd. • Mound, MN 55364 952-472-1284 ourladyofthelake.com

December 24, 2017

Fourth Sunday of Advent

“Hail, full of grace,

the Lord is with you!”

- Luke 1:28

and

December 31, 2017

The Holy Family of

Jesus, Mary & Joseph

“… as the Lord has forgiven

you, so you must forgive.”

- Colossians 3:13

Mass Intentions beginning Monday, Dec. 25

Monday 8:30am Parish 10:30am Beverly Horn

Tuesday No Mass or Comm. Service

Wednesday 8:00am Ministries of the Parish

Thursday 8:00am Kyle P. O’Neill

Friday 8:00am Westonka Food Shelf

Saturday 5:00pm Lois Diercks

Sunday 8:30am Parish 10:30am Adrian Meuwissen

Mass Intentions beginning Monday, Jan. 1

Monday 10:00am Greg Reep

Tuesday 6:30pm Women & Men Religious

Wednesday 8:00am Sick of the Parish

Thursday 8:00am Ivy Jade Stevens

Friday 8:00am Deceased Members of OLL

Saturday 5:00pm Parish

Sunday 8:30am Mary DeVinney 10:30am Grandchildren of Ambrose & Lorraine Brown

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Bulletin for Dec. 24 & Dec. 31

Please keep this bulletin for two weeks. We will not be publishing a bulletin for

December 31, 2017. Thank you!

Calendar for the Weeks of Dec. 24 & Dec. 31, 2017

Sunday - December 24 4:00pm Christmas Eve Mass 9:00pm Christmas Eve Mass Monday - December 25 8:30am Christmas Day Mass 10:30am Christmas Day Mass Thursday - December 28 8:30am Eucharistic Adoration - John Paul II Chapel 9:00am Communion Ministry at LMS Monday - January 1 10:00am New Year’s Day Mass Tuesday - January 2 8:30am Eucharistic Adoration - John Paul II Chapel 7:00pm Knights of Columbus Officer Meeting - Fireside Wednesday - January 3 5:00pm Handbell Practice - Church 6:00pm Children’s Choir Practice - Church 6:30pm Adult Choir Practice - Church Thursday - January 4 8:30am Eucharistic Adoration - John Paul II Chapel 10:00am Mass at Lake Minnetonka Shores 6:30pm School Board Meeting - Fireside Room Friday - January 5 8:30am Eucharistic Adoration - John Paul II Chapel Saturday - January 6 9:00am Early Catholic Family Life - School Cafeteria 4:15pm Communion Minister Meeting - Fr. Jager Room 6:00pm Bingo - PACE Center Sunday - January 7 9:30am Communion Minister Meeting - Fr. Jager Room 10:30am Children’s Liturgy of the Word - Church 6:30pm Confirmation Class - PACE Center

The Church Office is closed on Monday, Dec. 25 & Tuesday, Dec. 26 for the

Christmas Holiday, and Monday, Jan. 1 for the New Year’s Holiday.

Please Note: Due to the Church Campus being closed on Tuesday, Dec. 26, we will NOT have Confessions, Mass,

or Eucharistic Adoration.

Rosary Intention for Dec. 24:

The Great Joy of Christmas

Rosary Intention for Dec. 31:

That Our Families Grow

in Wisdom & Grace

New Year’s Day Mass

Monday, January 1 • 10:00am

Scripture Readings for Dec. 31, 2017 Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph

Reading 1 Genesis 15

Reading 2 Colossians 3:12-17

Gospel Luke 2:22, 39-40

Scripture Readings for Jan. 7, 2018 Epiphany of the Lord

Reading 1 Isaiah 60:1-6

Reading 2 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Gospel Matthew 2:1-12

Visit usccb.org/bible/readings for the daily readings.

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve Sunday, Dec. 24 4:00pm and 9:00pm

Christmas Day Monday, Dec. 25 8:30am and 10:30am

The Masses on Wednesday, Dec. 27 and Wednesday, Jan. 3, are at 8:00am in the Daily Chapel.

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Merry Christmas from Fr. Tony and the Staff at Our Lady of the Lake!

Liturgy Seeking God, Encountering God

Advent Christmas Epiphany

The prophets told of the coming of a Messiah who would initiate a reign of justice and peace. This promise was fulfilled in

the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Let us reflect with joy on this wondrous mystery. Festival of Lessons and Carols

The Christmas story is about the incarnate God choosing to be born in lowly, migrant conditions, placed in a feed-box.

As cited in Mary’s Magnificat, God lifts up the lowly who have no place or standing in this world.

The season reminds me of Claire, my 2 ½ year old great grand niece. Last summer when she was brought to the hospital

to see her newborn sister, she remarked,

“Baby Jesus.”

**************************************** Our Christmastime continues. On January 1 we celebrate The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God.

It was St. Bede the Venerable (673-735) who wrote of Mary wishing to divulge to no one the secret things which she knew about Christ. Mary had read in the prophets, Behold, a virgin will

conceive and give birth to a son, and his name will be called Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14). We rejoice that the Lord did great things for her and holy is his name. --Sr. Carrie Link

We pray for those in need. Please keep the following

individuals in your prayers:

Chris A. Jennifer Lacy Russell Barger Andra Olson Al Blackwell Mike Paxton Bob Blake Maddie Poranski Jim Carlson Bobby Reil Dan Entinger Adam Richardt Kathy Gnitka Mike Schulz Dolores Kelly

We pray for those in the Military:

Travis B. Freddie M. Darrell V. Nicholas J. Nicholas R.

Knights of Columbus

WINTER BINGO • Saturday, January 6, 2018 • Presentation Room

Join the Knights of Columbus for Winter Bingo - Food & Refreshments will be available! Sloppy Joes, Hot Dogs & Refreshments sold at 6:00pm • Winter Bingo begins at 6:30pm.

Attention Communion Ministers! All Communion Ministers are asked to attend a time of reflection along with practical information regarding your ministry. Please meet in the Fr. Jager Room at a time,

hopefully convenient for you: Saturday, January 6, at 4:15pm or Sunday, January 7, at 9:30am. I look forward to sharing this time with you. --Sr. Carrie Link

We would like to extend a special welcome to all visitors who are worshipping with us today. If you live in the area, we invite you to become a registered parishioner.

Call or stop by the Parish Office or visit our website to register online. 952.472.1284 • ourladyofthelake.com

PennyWise Thrift Shop

The PennyWise Thrift Shop has a new display in the Gathering Space, with some of the religious items we have available for sale in the store. Stop and look in the case in the northeast corner.

STORE HOURS Tuesdays: 10:00am - 4:00pm • Wednesdays: 6:30pm - 8:30pm • Fridays: 10:00am - 4:00pm Saturdays: 10:00am - 1:00pm • 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month: 9:30am - 3:00pm

If you would like to see the “Ask Fr. Tony” videos, find us at Facebook.com/OLLMound and scroll down to “Videos.”

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Faith Formation

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) will not meet on December 24 & 31. Our next CLOW is on Sunday, Jan-uary 7.

Faith Formation Classes will not meet on December 27 & January 3. Classes will resume on January 10.

Join us for the next Family Fun Night on Monday, January 8, from 5:00 - 7:00pm! Dinner is provided for the family along with games, crafts & fun in the gym. Hope you can join us!

There is a make-up class for the Mandatory Safety Session for Grades 1-6 on Wednesday, January 10 from 6:30 - 7:45pm. If your child missed the class on November 15, they should plan on attending this important session on January 10. Watch your email for more information.

Family Faith Formation meets on Sunday, January 14, from 9:30 - 10:30am in the School cafeteria. Our theme this month is the “Resurrection of the Body.”

FORMED • Online Catholic Resource Parish Code: P Y W Y W J The following resources are suggested for the month of December:

December 24 - Fourth Sunday of Advent Study: Advent, Session 4: The Gift

December 25 - Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Study: Symbolon: Knowing the Faith, Session 4: The Story of Salvation Study: Kristoph and the First Christmas Tree Watch: The Story of the Nativity Watch: Joseph of Nazareth Watch: Mary of Nazareth Read: God is Love Read: Mary: God’s Yes to Man Listen: The True Meaning of Christmas Listen: The Christmas & Easter Story Listen: The King is Born

December 26 - St. Stephen, Deacon & Martyr Study: Lectio: Evangelization, Session 7: Leadership in the Church Read: Holiness is Always in Season

December 27 - St. John the Apostle Study: Jesus Study: Lectio: Eucharist, Session 7: Bread of Life Discourse Study: YDisciple: Sacraments, Session 4: The Mass Read: Sacraments in Scripture Listen: The Lamb’s Supper Listen: Truth & Life: The Gospel According to John

December 29 - St. Thomas Becket Read: Crossbows & Crucifixes

December 31 - Feast of the Holy Family Study: Beloved: Mystery & Meaning of Marriage Study: YDisciple: Training: Just for Parents Watch: Marriage: God’s Design for Life & Love Listen: Three to Get Married Listen: Catholic Teaching on Marriage & Annulments

To Register: Go to Formed.org and click on “Register.” Enter Parish Code P Y W Y W J and setup login.

Come, Let us Adore Him Jesus Christ has a beautiful gift waiting for you: an hour with Him in Eucharistic Adoration.

Our days of Adoration during the Christmas season are: Thursday, December 28, 8:30am - 10:00pm

Tuesday, January 2, 8:30am - 10:00pm Thursday, January 4, 8:30am - 10:00pm

Friday, January 5, 8:30am - 8:00pm

You are welcome to stop by as your schedule allows. If you would like to sign up for an Adoration hour, please contact Jane at 952-472-3825.

Youth Ministry

Christmas Break: There will be no Confirmation Classes from December 17 - 31 (Sunday sessions) and December 20 - January 10 (Wednesday sessions). The Sunday Class will resume on January 7. Wednesday Classes will resume class on January 17.

Edge will not meet from December 27 - January 3 and will return on January 10.

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Stewardship Thought for December 24

“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” - Luke 1:28

Faith is a gift from God. Take time in silence and thank Him for all the gifts He has given you. Try to set aside any anger or resentment you have and really open your heart to receive the gift of God’s

mercy and forgiveness. We can’t give what we don’t have. We need to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness first before we can give it to others.

Stewardship Thought for December 31

“… as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.” - Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness - one of the hardest things for people to do. It’s amazing how long we can hold a grudge or be angry with someone. As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family, take this opportunity to give

the gift of forgiveness to someone - maybe someone in your family, maybe a friend, maybe a co-worker or neighbor, or maybe yourself. Pick up the phone or text someone right now.

Actuals Requirements

December 16 & 17, 2017 $ 34,812 $ 32,440

Fiscal YTD (07/01/17 to present) $394,053 $424,720

Discipleship … Faith In Action

In this season of gift-giving to family, friends, and those less fortunate, we hope you will also consider your gift to Our Lady of the Lake Church. It is through the donations of every individual and family in the parish that we are able to carry on our work. Your contributions are needed for everything from special programs to basic operating expenses. Our Lady of the Lake deeply appreciates the efforts of parishioners to make consistent donations throughout the year. To assist you, we provide an electronic-giving option for both regular offerings and one-time gifts. For details, contact Rhonda Eurich, Parish Administrator, at 952.472.8201 or reurich@ourladyofthelake.com. Thank you.

Gift Deadline for 2017 Tax Credit: In order to receive tax-deduction credit for your 2017 taxes, mailed checks must be postmarked by Saturday, December 30. Thank you for your generosity!

PennyWise Thrift Shop 952.472.1773

Donations are accepted during store hours. Please do not leave donations at the door. Thank you!

Westonka Food Shelf 952.472.5599

The Food Shelf needs your gently used paper bags. Please leave them in the Food Shelf bins near the Church exits. Thank you!

The Westonka Food Shelf is seeking volunteers for Wednesday evenings twice a month from 6:00 - 8:00pm and also Food Rescue volunteers for 90 minutes Monday mornings. Interested in helping us feed the hungry? Call Cindy at 952.457.9738.

Our Lady of the Lake School

Kindergarten Roundup • January 18, 2018 • 6:00 - 7:30pm “The gift that lasts a lifetime… Catholic Education.”

New students in Kindergarten - 8th Grade receive a 50% tuition grant.

Our Personalized Learning provides a rigorous individualized curriculum rooted in Faith to engage, encourage, and challenge our students, but also inspire their emotional intelligence through monthly service projects. Our students learn to love learning while loving others.

Open House • January 28, 2018 • 11:45am - 2:00pm Open to all families! Join us to tour the School and learn about our Faith-based curriculum, Personalized Learning, service to others and small class sizes.

New students in Kindergarten - 8th Grade receive a 50% tuition grant.

Preschool Roundup • January 29, 2018 • 6:00 - 7:15pm Join us to learn about our Creative Curriculum, Faith-based learning, small class sizes & family community.

Super Bowl LII Raffle Tickets!! Super Bowl raffle tickets are for sale in the Church & School Offices! Win 2 tickets to Super Bowl LII at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, plus entrance into the Premier Pre-Game Party featuring one of the country's top performers, and complimentary food & drinks! Value of this package is approximately $14,000! Tickets are $100 each and only 300 tickets will be sold. Questions? Contact Kassie Ricke at kricke@schoololl.com.

Please support our advertisers. Because of them, the printing of the

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952-472-3398 www.blackowiak.com

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Parish Staff Phone Numbers 952.472.1284 Pastor, Fr. Tony O’Neill ... 952.472.1284 ext. 8207

Deacon, Dcn. Del Wilkinson … 952.472.8210 Parish Administrator, Rhonda Eurich ...

952.472.8201 Pastoral Minister, Sr. Carrie Link ... 952.472.8205

Parish Nurses, Stacy Hoh … 952.240.6063 Annette Parker ...651.206.7282

Maintenance Director, Roger Koch … 952.472.8203 Church Secretary, Dana Barrett … 952.472.8200

Administrative Assistant, Char Nee … 952.472.8206

Communications Director, Pam Vogt … 952.472.8209

Youth & Family Faith Formation Coordinator, Kathy Hejna … 952.472.8202

Adult Faith Formation Coordinator, Carla LaBore … 952.472.8204

Youth Minister, Michelle Boris … 952.472.8208 Music Director, Courtney Young … 952.472.8211

Church Staff e-mails are first letter of first name, followed by last name @ourladyofthelake.com

Example: reurich@ourladyofthelake.com

New School Phone Number 952.472.8228 School Principal, Becky Kennedy … 952.472.8229

School Secretary, Carol Franck … 952.472.8251

School Staff e-mails are first letter of first name, followed by last name @schoololl.com

Example: bkennedy@schoololl.com

Church Fax: 952.843.5667 School Fax: 952.843.5693

Church Office Hours Monday - Thursday:

8:30am - 5:00pm (Closed 12:00 - 1:00pm) Friday: 8:30am - 12:00pm Sunday: 8:00am - 12:00pm

School Office Hours Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 4:00pm

Mass Schedule Weekends Saturday 5:00pm • Sunday 8:30am & 10:30am

Weekdays Mon. 8:00am Communion Service (Small Chapel) Tues. 6:30pm (Church) Wed. 9:00am (Church, with OLL School) Thurs. & Fri. 8:00am (Small Chapel)

Confessions Tuesdays 6:00-6:30pm, Saturdays 4:00-4:30pm, & by appointment.

Rosary Everyone is welcome to join us in the Church to pray the Rosary 25 minutes before the weekday and weekend Masses.

Eucharistic Adoration is held in the John Paul II Chapel on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 8:30am to 10:00pm and on First Fridays of the month after the morning Mass until 8:00pm. Please join us for this rewarding experience!

Marriage To confirm a wedding, contact Fr. Tony at least 8 months before planning to marry.

Baptism Contact Carla LaBore, Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation, for baptismal information at 952.472.8204.

Catholic calendars for 2018 are available by the Church entrances. Please feel free to take one

home with you. Special thanks to Huber Funeral Homes for their kind sponsorship of the calendar.

New Parish App Coming Soon! In the coming weeks, Our Lady of the Lake will launch our own app for iPhone and Android smartphones. This will allow us to better communicate with you throughout the week and keep you updated with relevant parish news and information via push notifications. It is also aimed at helping support your faith life. The app is very intuitive and easy to use - and completely optional. For parishioners who are interested, it’ll be a great resource by providing all of the following (& more!):

Mass Schedules & Reminders Fr. Tony’s Homilies and Ask Fr. Tony Videos Daily Mass Readings Catholic News Feeds, Prayers, Bible Studies &

Media OLL Bulletins & Calendar OLL Specific News, Information & Staff Contacts Convenient Prayer & Confession Reminders Online Giving

We hope our new app will be a tool for fostering stronger parish life at OLL & better engaging in the New Evangelization. Watch in the coming weeks for our official launch announcement!