Who is Our Lady of Guadalupe?
In 1531 Mary appeared to a 55-year old Indian, Juan Diego, as he was hurrying down Tepeyac Hill to participate in Mass in Mexico City. Mary told Juan to tell Bishop Zumarraga of her wish that a church be built on the spot of the apparition. When the bishop asked for proof of the appearance, Mary had Juan take some roses which bloomed on the cold arid hillside, arrange them on his mantle, and carry them to the bishop’s house. When Juan opened his roughly woven mantle, the roses spilled out and on the mantle appeared the miraculously painted life-size figure of Mary that is reproduced in stained glass at our Grotto and in the Gathering Space of the Church. Juan was to see Mary four more times and Pope Benedict XIV made December 12 a feast and holy day of obligation in Mexico.
Stewardship
As members of the Church, and as the people of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we follow Jesus Christ. We make a conscious decision to follow Christ no matter what the cost. We accept the call to lifelong conversion, to life-shaping CHANGES of heart and mind. We commit our very selves to the Lord. We realize that all is a gift from God, all are gifted by God, and that all are called to give back in praise to God.
This is stewardship. It defines who we are and how we respond in faith. We bring our whole selves in this response. Our energy and creativity. Our faith and our resources. Our hopes and our dreams. Our money and relationships. We respond to God with our whole selves, because all we have and are comes from God. We are merely the stewards, the "manager," of these gifts.
So with out time, our talent, and our treasure, we are generous. We return in gratitude what God has given to us. We offer our TIME in prayer, in worship, and in building relationships with others in this community. We bring our TALENT to the diverse events and ministries that are a part of Our Lady of Guadalupe. As we bring our TREASURE to support the financial demands of this mission, the day-to-day and the once-a-year costs. This is our share in the ministry to Jesus, who brought the generous love of God to life in our midst. This is discipleship. This is stewardship. This is no optional. We NEED to do this!
Stewardship committee: Fr. Tom Ludwig-Pastor, Toni Hamera-Pastoral Staff, Peggy Aschermann, Cathy Crook, Sarretta Jung, Alice Andresen, John Joe, Nancy Joe, and Terry Steinbecker.
Sacramental Preparation and Celebration
Baptism
A sacrament of initiation, Baptism is a principal sign of God's love for us.
Through this sacrament, we enter into and celebrate a new life in union with Jesus Christ and the Christian community. For infant Baptism, a preparation class for parents is scheduled on the second Monday of the month. Parents seeking Baptism for their child must be registered in this parish. School-age children, whose parents request Baptism, are enrolled in a special series of classes to prepare for the Sacrament. To schedule a Baptism or to register for Baptismal preparation, contact Toni Hamera, 232-2847.
Adults are initated into the Catholic faith through the Church's process called the Rite of Christian Initiation (R.C.I.A.), also "the Catechumenate." Adults interested in becoming Catholic are invited to please contact Kathy Powers, 232-2847. Participants will participate in weekly sessions beginning in mid-September. Initiation Sacraments for adults are usually celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
First Eucharist
One of the initiation sacraments, Eucharist is the prime symbol of love. It expresses the love present among Catholic Christians who gather to remember what Jesus has accomplished for us and to thank God for all that has been given to us. One year of religious education (1st grade) is required prior to beginning 2nd grade. The parish School of Religion works with parents to prepare second-graders for First Eucharist. Parents are asked to attend several educational sessions for parental preparation. For more information, contact Toni Hamera, Coordinator, Religious Education, 232-2847.
First Reconcilation
Jesus Christ empowered the church to continue the ministry of healing and reconciliation when He commanded His disciples to forgive sin in His name: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone's sins, they are retained." (John 20:23) The parish School of Religion works with parents to prepare children for their first reconciliation in the second grade. For more information, contact Toni Hamera, Coordinator, Religious Education, 232-2847.
Confirmation
Along with Baptism and Eucharist, Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation. Our goal is, through the diocesan Confirmation process, to companion candidates on a Catechetical as well as a conversion-of-heart experience that will encourage them toward a strong commitment to full participation in the church. This process is for entering freshman and sophomores and, in its entirety, is approximately 2 years long. It includes catechesis, service, community building, prayer, and spiritual formation. A new class begins every other year and, following completion of the process, Candidates are confirmed in the spring as sophomores and juniors. For more information contact Ellen Simon, Coordinator, Confirmation and Youth Ministry, 232-2847.
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
This Sacrament is not only administered to the dying, but especially to those suffering with a serious illness. Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he or she may receive the Anointing of the Sick. The renewed Rite attempts to include the prayerful support of the Christian community (family, friends, and the parish community of the sick person.) Parishes may offer communal anoining during liturgy. It is recommended that, if possible, you receive the Sacrament prior to entering the hospital. If you wish to receive the Sacrament, or inquire about it, please call Fr. Tom Ludwig at the parish office, 232-2847.
Marriage
Marriage Preparation at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish assumes active membership and practice of faith. The person seeking to be married in our parish must be registered for one year prior to contacting the parish office to begin mariage preparation. This membership implies regular attendance at Mass and involvement in the community. Children of registered parishioners, of course, may also celebrate their wedding at our parish.
The couple must contact the Parish Office at least 12 months prior to the anticipated date. The couple will then receive a preparation Booklet which must be read completely before contacting Peggy Aschermann, our Parish Wedding Coordinator.
If a person does not practice his/her faith or refuses to cooperate and participate in the Marriage Preparation process, the wedding date may be postponed or denied altogether. The Marriage Preparation Program will be explained to the couple at the first meeting with the wedding coordinator.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Anyone discerning God's call to the ordained ministry, or has a desire to talk about this vocation, is invited to contact Fr. Tom Ludwig, 232-2847, or the Diocesan Vocation Director, Fr. Steve. Cook, 800-246-1850, ext. 572.
Parish Organization
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish espouses a model of church where all the baptized are called to ministry and service, and where the gifts of each parishioner are valued and respected. The Parish Council, comprised of Ministry Team representatives, is responsible for visioning, planning, and policy formation and serves the pastor in this advisory capacity. The Finance Ministry Team advises the pastor and business manager in the stewardship and budgeting of financial resources. The staff is resonsible for ministry and leadership and day-to-day administration. Ministry teams comprised of parishioners and parish staff attend to specific areas of parish ministry.
Ministry Team Structure and Mission
Parish and Family Life Ministries
Ministry Team members: Terry Lipira, Team Leader, Mary George, Ruth Thornton, Barbara Scott, Mary Smithers, Bill Hurley, Sheila Surmeier, Cheryl Murra, Cis Holzhauer, Terry Lipira, Byron & Sarretta Jung, Kathy Weigand, and Kathy Powers, Pastoral Staff Facilitator. Purpose: Building community through social interaction. Activities have included card games for adults and families, making greeting cards for homebound, Senior Moments, Welcoming New Parishioners, Hospitality following Weekend Liturgies, and any parish social event.
“The Ladies of Guadalupe Altar Society” serves the parish community in a variety of ways. All women of the parish belong to this organization. The Ladies of Guadalupe Altar Society perform various ministries and services as requested by the pastor and the parish staff, as well as services determined by the members in accordance with their organizational by-laws. Officers for 2007-2008 are: Belinda Ball, President; Virginia Colgan, Vice-President; Dana Gertner, Recording Secretary, Mary Nold, Treasurer, and Donna Lindgren, Corresponding Secretary. Annual dues of $5 are payable by August 1.
Worship Ministries
Ministry team members: Peg Aschermann, Sr. Susan Holmes, Darlene Jago, John Kreipe, Matthew Shelton, Richard Shelton, Ronna Shelton, Lucy Walker, Ginger Geeding, and Fr. Tom Ludwig, Pastor. The Worship Ministry Team plans and coordinates the Liturgical celebrations of our parish. Bringing together our Liturgical ministries, pastoral musicians, and members of the Art & Environment team, they work to plan and coordinate prayerful celebrations of the Liturgy. They also strive to enrich our people’s understanding of the Mass. This Ministry Team has about 10 meetings a year (usually on the first Monday of the month) and does additional work in between the meetings.
Parish Choir is an opportunity for parishioners to offer their gifts and talents to enhance the liturgies. Open to the youth and above, the Parish Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m., except during Lent, which is Monday’s from 7-9 p.m.
Children’s Choir is an opportunity for the young members of our parish to offer their gifts and talents to enhance the liturgies. Under the direction of Sandy Gumm and Jennifer Kneib, the choir meets on Sunday mornings from 10:20 to 10:50 a.m. and sings at various times of the year. All children are welcome.
Cantor Ministry. Cantors are made up of all volunteer cantors and accompanists. We rehearse for upcoming liturgies and talk about the role of the cantor in our parish.
Art & Environment Committee is responsible for decorating the church and environs, especially during the major seasons of the liturgical year. Much time and planning are necessary to communicate the seasons of our lives and our journey through the liturgical cycle. This committee meets several times throughout the year. It is a great service to our parish and can be quite nurturing to the spiritual life as one contemplates the beauty of nature to express spiritual realities!
Faith in Action Ministries
Kathy Powers, Pastoral Staff Facilitator. Ministry Team members: Debby Grechus, Team Leader, Belinda Ball, Ken & Connie Newton, Terry Lipira, Barbara Scott, Linda Ortiz, Kristi Nikes, Kayla Kelder, Mary Lou Latham, Stephan Coleman, Jim Grechus, Ted & Joyce O’Meara, and Kathy Powers, Pastoral Staff Facilitator. Purpose: To offer opportunities for our parish community to “embrace the poor, the suffering, and the lost,” to raise awareness about Catholic Social Teaching, and to lead the parish in responding appropriately to social injustices in our community and world. Outreach program includes: School Clothes Closet, Mittens & Sox Collection, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Gifts of the Magi (at Christmas) & Angel Giving Tree, Soup-er Bowl Sunday, Mothers Day Baby Shower,“What Can You Do For a Child Today?”, “Soles for Christ,” monthly food collection, annual Parish Collection for the Poor, Open Door Food Kitchen, and Cold Weather Shelter.
Other processes include:
Sister Parish. Sister Parish expresses the global dimension of the Gospel call to conversion by seeking an intentional faith relationship of justice and solidarity with our vulnerable sisters and brother in San Miguel Arcangel Parish, Totonicapan, Guatemala. In seeking a mutual relationship as sisters, OLOG exchanged on-site visits and maintains and translates direct communications with San Miguel Parish. A principal work is OLOG’s participation in an Educatio Assistance Program for needy students of San Miguel Parish. OLOG now facilitates assistance to 45 students in primary and middle school grades in Totonicapan. Contact: Margaret D’Huyvetter, Peg Ashermann, or Fr. Tom Ludwig.
JustFAITH II is a 2-year process that gives skills for parish social ministry. Contacts: Kathy Powers and Toni Hamera.
Small Christian Communities. Having completed three years of RENEW, our parish currently has several small Christian communities gathering at least monthly for prayer, breaking open the Word, social interaction and service. Group leaders are Mary George, Kathy Powers, Mark & Cis Holzhauer, and Joyce & Ted O’Meara. Contact Kathy Powers if you are interested in participating in or leading a group.
Youth Ministries
Ellen Simon, Pastoral Staff Coordinator
Ministry Team members: (youth) Lilly Caton, Christi Nold, Frankie Dasta, Ryan Losson, Asia Ygsi, Will Allen, Caroline Hamera, Kate Gallagher, and Dana Nold. Adults: Laura Caton, Cindy Krug, and Jack George.
Purpose: To meet the needs of young people by providing opportunities for faith formation and development of the total person intellectually, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, by developing relationships and sharing leadership between adults and young people, and by affirming the goodness of each involved. Included in this ministry area: faith formation, spiritual enhancement, service, and community building of young people (grades 7-12).
Facilities & Grounds Ministries
Steve Kneib, Staff Coordinator
Purpose: To oversee the maintenance and upkeep of parish facilities and grounds, planning future needs, and evaluating current services. Administers hall and facility rentals and reservations.
Finance Ministries
Fr. Tom Ludwig, Pastor; Jeanne Sample, Parish Business Manager;
Terry Steinbecker, Chairman; Members: Rick Gilmore, Seann O’Riley, and Becky Boerkircher. Purpose: To provide leadership and service as a consultative group to the pastor in the responsible planning and administering of all parish financial matters and in setting of business policy and procedures — to provide effective management of parish assets.
Faith Formation Ministries
Adult Faith Formation - Kathy Powers & Toni Hamera, Pastoral Staff Coordinators;
Ministry Team members: Bill Andresen, Belinda Ball, Barry Claywell, Barb Eddins, and Larry Sample. Purpose: To provide opportunities for adults to increase their knowledge of Catholicism, deepen their faith and grow in spirituality.
R.C.I.A. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (Catechumenate). This is the Church’s process for preparing adults for initiation into the Catholic Church. Contact Kathy Powers, Pastoral Associate. Team members include: Larry Sample, Toni Hamera, Kathy Weigand, Adam Watson, Penny Lewis, and Marsha Wright. Any adult parishioner is invited to assist and/or invited to attend for faith enrichment.
Children’s Faith Formation - Toni Hamera, Pastoral Staff Coordinator; Ministry Team members: Lilly Caton, Dawn Hansen, Maureen Mitchem, and Valyne Pochop. Purpose: To promote the faith development of our parish children and assist parents in their primary role as the first teacher of their child’s faith. Also includes: Cathechist formation, liturgical involvement (Children’s Choir), sacramental preparation, socialization, social justice awareness, intergenerational activities; and family development. Activities included under this ministry team are:
School of Religion’s mission is a commitment of love and genuine concern for the spiritual growth of each child in our program. In partnership with the parents, we hope to ground each child in the love of Jesus Christ. Our classes start in mid-September and are held on Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:50 a.m. for grades preschool through 6th grade.
Blockbuster. We also have Blockbuster for 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students twice a month on Sundays. Religious education in a youth group format. Tons of fun!
Children’s Liturgy of the Word helps children hear the Sunday readings at age appropriate levels and to make it relevant in their lives. It gives them the opportunity to understand the Gospel message and participate in the Eucharistic celebration at their own level. This occurs during the Sunday morning 11:00 a.m. Mass. The children are dismissed at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Word and return at the Preparation of the Gifts. Preschoolers through age 7 are welcome. This takes place September - May.
Junior Youth Group is an opportunity for kids to gather weekly after school for games, crafts, snacks, service projects and fun. Open to 4th-6th graders, we meet from 3:45-5:15 p.m. on Mondays, October through May, in Summers Hall. A monthly schedule is sent to our families to keep them informed about our activities.
Parents Day Out. Linda Kafka and Merelyn Sale, Staff
Purpose: to focus on the development of the whole child: physically, socially, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually. We are open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. for ages 2 years and older.
RCIA for children. For those parents who wish to have their school age children initiated in the Catholic faith, we offer a process called the Children’s Catechumenate. Beginning in October, children participate in sessions to prepare them for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
Vacation Bible School is held the first week of August for children ages 4-10. Each evening is filled with lessons, crafts, games, and music. We provide supper each night for the children, and parents are invited to an end of the week picnic and program. There is a charge for Vacation Bible School and a free-will offering is taken at the picnic.
Nursery. There is a nursery at the southeast end of our facility that is staffed during the Sunday Masses. Children under the ages of five are welcome to stay while their parents attend Mass.
For information on all the above Children’s Faith Formation Ministry programs, please contact Toni Hamera at 232-2847.
Pastoral Care Ministries
Ministry Team members: Mary George, Coordinator, Cathy Crook, Estelle Weiss-Faustlin, Joyce Estes, Roger & Joan Knapp, Gloria Gilmore, Marilyn Johnson Fitzgerald, Lucille Pfleiderer, Ted O’Meara, Fr. Tom Ludwig and Kathy Powers, Pastoral Staff Facilitator.
Pastoral Care Purpose: To share ideas, offer advice, suggestions to pastor and pastoral associate in ways our parish can effectively respond to the needs of parishioners who are suffering physically or emotionally, or grieving loss of any kind. Ministries include sacramental and pastoral visitation at Heartland Regional Medical Center, long-term care centers within our parish boundaries, and in private homes. For individuals or families in crises, counseling, listening sessions, and referrals available. Contact Fr. Tom Ludwig or Kathy Powers, 232-2847.
Grief Support. From time to time, our parish grief support group “Mourning Journey,” gathers for periods of several weeks/months, to provide support for parishioners grieving loss. Contact Kathy Powers for more information.
Meals for the Sick. When aging parishioners return home following surgery or serious illness, our “Caring Hands” ministry will bring one complete meal a day for a negotiable period of time to the parishioner’s home. Dietary restrictions are considered; no cost for this service. Contact Marge Retter, Gloria Gilmore, or Lou Pfleiderer for more information.
Long-Term Residence Care - We provide the sacraments to residents at long-term care centers in our parish boundaries. Holy Communion is brought weekly and pastoral visitation offered as follows: Joan Knapp - Vintage Park, Vintage Gardens, Meadow View; Richard Bauer - Abbey Woods & Saxton Riverside; Jeff Daise-Carriage Square, and Estelle Weiss-Faustlin - LaVerna Village/Heights.
Heartland Regional Medical Center. Parishioners are urged to contact the parish office, or have family do so, upon admittance. Eucharistic Ministers from Our Lady of Guadalupe serve on a daily rotation basis to bring Holy Communion to all Catholic patients.
Masses of Christian Burial and Memorial Masses. Upon the death of a parishioner, the family is invited to meet with pastor and staff to plan the funeral liturgy. Luncheons at the parish are offered to all families; free will offering accepted. Parishioners serve as greeters, lectors, musicians, liturgical ministers, prepare and serve the luncheon for family and friends.
Mary's Ministry. Parishioners trained in various facets of pastoral care, such as Aging, Listening, Grievning Loss (death, relationship, friendship, job, etc.), Prayer, Sick and Dying, Chemical Addiction, Confidentiality, etc., are available to visit with any parishioner who is experiencing any type of difficulty in their lives. Contact Kathy Powers, 232-2847, for more information. This service is viewed as part of our Christian walk with one another. There is no fee involved. Mary's Ministers at OLOG are: Carol Buhman, Charlotte Grider, Debby Ideker, Gertrude Beck, Barb Eddins, Debby Hernandez, Joan Knapp, Lou Pfleiderer, and Kathy Powers.
