THOUGHTS FROM FR. SCOTT Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany or the Three Kings as it is commonly known. This feast is often referred to as “little Christmas.” In fact, our Christian brothers and sisters from the East often celebrate this feast as we celebrate Christmas in the West. The true meaning of Christmas may be found in this particular feast day because it is the manifestation of Christ in the flesh; the making known of the Christ child to the world. Obviously, we celebrate this day with great joy and wonder. It is a time for us to contemplate the true meaning of this grace-filled season. Wise men from a great distance came with eager anticipation to see something many people longed to see. This great gift is something we can readily seek and find in our daily lives during our Eucharistic celebrations. So, let us be grateful and awestruck at the great gift of God given to our world.

With a new year upon us I would like to tell you about a fund we created here at Our Lady of the Lakes. As you know, we have a Catholic school that teaches children from Pre-K through the 12th grade. As we look at our funding for the school we naturally see families have a difficult time affording a Catholic education today. The monies you donate to this fund will be used 100% to help families pay their tuition to our school. A committee will help distribute the funds to families according to need. The Pastor of Our Lady of the Lakes is the head of the committee. You may make a donation at any time of the year and in any amount. It will be used for tuition assistance only and only for Our Lady of

the Lakes Catholic School. This is all to say that your donations will be most welcome and properly cared for as we help families afford our Catholic education. If you choose to make a donation, simply place it in an envelope marked “Tuition Angels.” Please make any checks payable to Our Lady of the Lakes and we will see the money goes to the proper fund. Thank you in advance for your kind attention to this matter.

I wish everyone a blessed New Year. I am so very glad to see 2020 behind us and look forward to numerous blessings in 2021. Hopefully, our New Year will be a blessed one of great joy and our country will experience a great renewal of faith and joy in Christ. I am grateful to everyone who sent along a greeting or gift to me during Christmas. I am overwhelmed by your love, support and kindness. Thank you for thinking of me and keeping me in your prayers. I am ever so grateful to have this opportunity to be your Pastor and servant. Thank you once again for all the many gifts, cards and great wishes.

God Bless and have a great week!

Fr. Scott

Thought for the week: They sought Him from afar by the light of a mysterious star. We have a golden opportunity to seek Him daily, intimately and without reservation!

PAGE 2 | THE VOICE OF OUR LADY OF THE LAKES

SNOWBIRD REQUEST FORM

If you are planning to leave us for any length of time, the Parish Office would like to be informed. Please fill out the form below and return it to the Parish Office. If you would like to receive a copy of the bulletin while you are away, please mark the appropriate spot. By notifying the office, we are able to put a hold on your envelopes and all mailings until you return.

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Digital Bulletins are available at; ollonline.org/bulletins

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Our Lady of the Lakes

PRAYER REQUEST LINE

248-623-0274

ollprayerteam@OLLonline.org

Tap “Prayers” in our Parish App

FR. CHRISTOPHER’S CONTEMPLATIONS

Hello and Happy New Year!

I hope that everyone has had a great Christmas and start to 2021. I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for your prayers, generous gifts and support during our Christmas celebrations. It is a great privilege for me to serve all of you here at Our Lady of the Lakes and I thank God I am able to serve you and pray for all of you.

I know it comes as no shock to people that 2020 was a difficult year on many accounts. When we set out on a new year last January, I do not think any of us thought we would have the year we did. A year filled with many blessings and graces from God. I know that is exactly what you were thinking too. Ok, maybe it wasn’t what you were thinking, but it’s true nonetheless. When we are going through a difficult time in life it can be very easy to miss the little blessings of our life. I think this can be the temptation with 2020. It is very easy for us to just say it was a terrible year and try to forget about it, but I would encourage us to not forget the great

moments and the many graces God has given us this past year.

As I encouraged us when we started the new liturgical year at the beginning of Advent, I want to encourage us again here to take some time in prayer this week to look back over 2020 and offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for all of the many blessings He had bestowed upon us. It is a great spiritual practice for us to offer God prayers of thanksgiving for all the blessings we receive, even if those blessings are hard to see at first glance.

I would also encourage all of us as a family of faith, in the spirit of Blessed Solanus Casey, to thank God ahead of time for the many blessings and graces He has in store for us in 2021. May God continue to bless all of you and be glorified each day in your lives through your thoughts, desires and actions. May the love of God guide you through another year of blessing as we begin this great year of 2021.

OUR PARISH LIFE TOGETHER

CONGRATULATIONS

Caitlin Dodge & Ian Anglin

May the One who brought you together bless your marriage, enrich your lives and deepen your love throughout the years.

NEWLY BAPTIZED Welcome to our Christian community:

Luna Leon Parents: Daniel & Lauren Leon

May God Bless them, protect them and guide them throughout their lives.

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD | JANUARY 3 | PAGE 3

MONDAY, JANUARY 4

8:15 AM | ♱♱♱♱ Millie Robak by Robak Family

♱♱♱♱ Pat Mountain by Art Robak TUESDAY, JANUARY 5

8:15 AM | ♱♱♱♱ Jerry Robak by Art Robak

♱♱♱♱ Daniel Konczal by Evelyn Kitching WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6

8:15 AM | ♱♱♱♱ Cynthia Freeman by Family

♱♱♱♱ Daniel Konczal by Kathy Johnson & Bernie Tomko THURSDAY, JANUARY 7

8:15 AM | ♱♱♱♱ Sr Victoria Marie by Barbara Marie Labinski

♱♱♱♱ Sr Melanie Cain by Barbara Marie Labinski FRIDAY, JANUARY 8

8:15 AM | Increase in Vocations

♱♱♱♱ Larry Day by Barbara Marie Labinski SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

5:00 PM | ♱♱♱♱ Andrew Macuga by Family

♱♱♱♱ Michael Finncannon by Family SUNDAY, JANUARY 10

8:00 AM | ♱♱♱♱ Mary Ann Lux by Karen Fluegel

♱♱♱♱ Doris Oliver by Oliver Family

9:30 AM | ♱♱♱♱ Betty Pietrzak by Raisa & John Mooney

♱♱♱♱ Ted Goemere by Art Robak

11:00 AM | ♱♱♱♱ Barbara Doran by The Adam Kravetz Family

Parish Family of Our Lady of the Lakes

12:30 PM | ♱♱♱♱ Jefferson Acapulco by Grace Nassan

♱♱♱♱ Frulein Acapulco by Grace Nassan

READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 3 Sunday Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12 Monday Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious 1 Jn 3:22—4:6; Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a; Mt 4:12-17, 23-25 Tuesday Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop 1 Jn 4:7-10; Ps 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8; Mk 6:34-44 Wednesday Saint André Bessette, Religious 1 Jn 4:11-18; Ps 72:1-2, 10, 12-13; Mk 6:45-52 Thursday Saint Raymond of Penyafort, Priest 1 Jn 4:19—5:4; Ps 72:1-2, 14 and 15bc, 17; Lk 4:14-22a Friday 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20; Lk 5:12-16 Saturday 1 Jn 5:14-21; Ps 149:1-2, 3-4, 5 and 6a and 9b; Jn 3:22-30 Sunday Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Is 55:1-11; Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6; 1 Jn 5:1-9; Mk 1:7-11

THIS WEEK’S LITURGIES

“As we begin the New Year, may we discover anew that faith demands worship. If we can fall on our knees before Jesus,

we will overcome the temptation to set off on our own path.”

-Pope Francis, Jan. 6, 2020

PAGE 4 | THE VOICE OF OUR LADY OF THE LAKES

FAITH FORMATION NEWS

Merry Christmas!!! Happy New Year!

Still we find ourselves in somewhat a state of uncertainty but one thing is clear…as clear as that star that the wise followed…that we are to follow Christ and He is to be where we keep ourselves focused. While we are in this season of Christmas, what are the gifts that we have learned to be grateful to God for? I am so tired of the talk of Covid but I feel I must look at the gifts and the blessings that have been presented to us through these last 10 months. I must ask myself, where is my focus? What have I been following and what type of light have I been for others?

The Magi were sent on a journey that was adventurous, dangerous, mysterious and that journey resulted in the most amazing gift; that of the Christ child. Are we not all on a journey towards the gifts that Christ offers to us? Think of your journey thus far and ask yourself when have you succeeded at seeing Christ in all situations and when were you unable or when did you forget to see Him? How far have you gone in order to pay homage to Jesus? What gifts do you offer in His name?

My life has taken some incredible turns that I could have never guessed would be a part of my journey. As like many of you, some of those journeys have been life altering, painful and numbing. I had a choice on my life’s road, as do all of you, to choose the light and find God with His strength, peace and hope or to fail to do so. On a day like today, I pause to thank God for my journey, perhaps especially the hardest parts, because I am where I am today because of His great gifts that He

presented to me along the way. Those gifts are the people He has placed in my life and the sacramental life of His church.

Today, I urge you to look; look back and find His gifts that you have received on your journey and offer them up in prayers of thanksgiving. Look too to the gifts that you have been to others because God has placed you in their journey of life.

Thank You, my Lord and God for always being my light and for the precious gifts You have granted me thus far. May I be Your instrument for others. Amen.

Peace and prayers, Jean, DRE

SAINT JOHN NEUMANN Feast Day – January 5

1181-1860

A native of Bohemia, John entered the seminary and was nearing ordination when he departed for the United States. He joined the Redemptorists and served as a priest in New York, Maryland and Pennsylvania. In 1852 he was named the fourth bishop of Philadelphia. He founded more than 50 churches and greatly expanded Catholic education. John had a fondness for immigrants and knew six languages. His pastoral zeal was evident up to his last moments of life. He collapsed and died in the street at age 48.

Copyright © 2020, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD | JANUARY 3 | PAGE 5

PAGE 6 | THE VOICE OF OUR LADY OF THE LAKES

ON-GOING COLLECTIONS

Eyeglasses Hearing Aids

Cell phones Sample size toiletries

Any of the above items may be dropped off at the Parish Center at any time.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE

GIVING TREE THANK YOU The continued generosity of the members of Our Lady of the Lakes never ceases to amaze. As you can see the Advent giving tree donations filled our altar space even in this year of COVID. It is quite a bit more if you take into consideration that a substantial amount of the gifts given were gift cards taken directly to the office. St. Aloysius Parish Neighborhood Services, Mother and Unborn Baby Care, and the Waterford Goodfellows that were our causes this year have asked that their heartfelt gratitude be passed along to you. Although it wasn’t toys for the children this year the contributions given help us to carry out the Corporal Works of Mercy. Thank you again for your abundant giving and may you all have a blessed new year!

ADOPT A FAMILY THANK YOU I would like to send out a special thank you to those of you who provided Christmas to our 5 families that were adopted through the Jail and Outreach Ministry. May the generosity and hard work of providing Christmas for others in need bring you abundant blessings.

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD | JANUARY 3 | PAGE 7

PARISH SCHOOL

“[Our child] is LOVING Lakes,

I am so thankful for the amazing program

and teachers.“

—Current Parent

Scan the QR code with your smart phone camera or visit our website at OLLONLINE.ORG/ADMISSIONS for more information about Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School serving Oakland county for over 60 years. Now accepting applications for grades PK-12 for the 2021-22 school year.

Anchored in Faith, Foundation and Future

TUITION ANGELS As we all know, the economic situation in our community has been difficult for many of our school families. We have families who currently send their children to Our Lady of the Lakes School, and make financial sacrifices to continue to do so, but need a helping hand. Can you help? Would you consider being a “Tuition Angel” this year?

If so, please send your donation to the Parish Office or place it in the collection basket marked “Tuition Angels” or make a donation online at

OLLONLINE.ORG/TUITIONANGELS

A gift of any amount can make a difference. Thank you!

PAGE 8 | THE VOICE OF OUR LADY OF THE LAKES

PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL

CW3 Jacob Beno Army Capt Kelsey Beno Army † Jenna Beno died 10/15/12 AMN Stewart Blaquiere Air Force † PFC Damian Bushart died 11/22/03 Army SSGT Francisco Cantu Caceres Marines Eddy DeRocher Jacob Dumont Army SFC Scott Emanuel 2LT William Gischia Army SSGT Dennis Haskins, Jr. Army Dillan Johnson Air Force Jackson Jones Army Msgt Justin Jones Air Force Matt Koetting Marines Robert Maher & Crew Navy † Sgt. Joseph Martin died 8/16/18 Army Francesca Meno Army Karolyn Meno Air Force † PFC Joseph Miracle died 7/5/07 Army LCP Derek Monday Marines Gunnar Ottman Army Amanda Paczynski Army Capt. Adam Renkiewicz Army Capt. Matthew Richards Army Katie Rounds Sgt. Gerald Sanchez Marines CPTN Daniel Schasser Anthony Schmidt Marines Lt. Col. Nick Strelchuk Air Force Cory Vaught Army James Whitlow Navy

If your son, daughter or grandchild is serving us in troubled places, please let us know at the parish office.

Beverly Armstrong Joe Batwinas Christian Bodenmiller Mikela Bodenmiller William Bodenmiller John Boncella Margo Brown Chuck Campbell Janet Cobert Dean Coleman Kevin Dalley

Ben Darmofal Irene Delasko Joyce Delasko Maria Deliro Patty Fincannon Donna Foran Jennifer Gaffey Jean Gannon Bill Grace Suzanne Grimminger Karen Haines Linda Hemphill

Kathy Horn Maureen Hubbel Patrick Hull Tara Isaac Lucas Isaac Bill Keul Ethan Lewis Larry Lovejoy Bill Martin Cindy McConnell Jean Messing Tim Nepjuk

Cam Pardington Frank Pardington Carol Pawlowski Irene Pawlowski Karen Phelps Marie Phillips Mark Pidgeon Tania Price Scott Przybylowicz Shawn Randazzo Dennis Ritter Roxxy Ryan

Holly Sanders Roger Smith Joe Sommerville Joe Sutherland Kenneth Turner Theresa Villereal Ralph Vogan Lucy Wilhelm Norm Wood

PRAY FOR OUR SICK Please keep in your thoughts and prayers this week the following:

TOOTSIE ROLL DRIVE CHECK PRESENTATION Recently our Grand Knight Chris Scheuer was able to present a check to Tom Kendziorski, Executive Director of The Arc of Oakland County. The Arc is a non-profit that advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and other related developmental disabilities. Thanks to the generosity of our parish, we were able to donate to the Arc and several other organizations that help people with intellectual disabilities. These funds were collected during our annual Tootsie Roll Drive.

2021 RESOLUTION Happy New Year! It’s that time of year again, time to set goals for the new year. For those men over the age of 18 not yet a Knight, now is the best time to make that change.

No matter what stage you are in your life, we are all on a journey together. Join us as role models in a world that needs men who lead, serve, protect, and defend.

For additional information please contact: Grand Knight Chris Scheuer GK5436@mikofc.org Deputy Grand Knight Michael Mandziuk MD5436@mikofc.org

Time Presiders Servers Lectors Captains

Saturday, 5:00pm* John Arzenti Tom Brown

Sunday, 8:00am Joseph/Amy Green* Rob Ratz

Sunday, 9:30am* Eric & Kim Bischer Brad Hasenfratz

Sunday, 11:00am John Clark Phil Nickerson

Sunday, 12:30pm David Tardiff

5481 Dixie Highway Waterford, Michigan 48329

(248) 623-0274 | Fax: (248) 623-2723 ollonline.org | Social Media @ollwaterford

Pastor Rev. Scott Thibodeau Associate Pastor Rev. Christopher Muer Permanent Deacon Deacon Paul Nickels

Director of Christian Service ........................ Artha Horowitz Director of Music Ministry ..................................... Tim Smith .............................................................................. (248) 821-8443 Director of Faith Formation ........................... Jean Hartman Bulletin Editor ................................................... Claire Boomer ................................................................. bulletin@ollonline.org Bulletin Deadline ........................................... Mondays, Noon Parish Email ............................... ParishOffice@OLLonline.org Prayer Requests .................... ollprayerteam@OLLonline.org

SACRAMENTS Masses Saturday Vigil .................................................................. 5:00pm Sunday ............................ 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm Monday through Friday ................................................. 8:15am Baptisms Parents must pre-register and attend a Baptism Class. Contact the parish office for more information. Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays from 3:30pm until all are heard.

Eucharistic Exposition 3rd Tuesday of the month after 8:15am Mass until Rosary and Benediction at 7:00pm Faith Formation Ages 4/5 ........................................................ Sundays | 9:30am Mondays ................................................... Grades 1-8 | 6:15pm Family Catechesis ......... 1st Sunday of Each Month | 1:30pm RCIC & RCIA .................................................. Tuesday | 7:00pm Weddings Arrangements must be made at least 6 months in advance. Couples must attend the Pre-Marriage Workshop. Registration Register online at OLLonline.org/join or stop by the office Please notify the parish of all address, phone, email changes by phone or online at OLLonline.org/update Project Rachel Post Abortion Ministry ...... 1-888-722-4355 National Domestic Violence Hotline ......... 1-800-799-7233

PARISH SCHOOL 5495 Dixie Highway Waterford, MI 48329

(248) 623-0340 | Fax: (248) 623-2274 admissions@ollonline.org

ollonline.org/school | Social Media @ollonline

Principal & Head of School.................... Jeanine Kenny Admissions Director ......................... Nichole Campbell Athletic Director...................................... Jared Kullman

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES PARISH

NEXT WEEKEND JANUARY 9 & 10

*5pm & 9:30am Masses are streamed live at ollonline.org/live and facebook.com/ollwaterford/live

Altar Help

January 7, 2020 Art Robak, Patty, Mary Ellen Robertson

January 14, 2020