Our Parish mailing address is:
195 Amicks Ferry Road, Chapin SC 29036
Sign-up HERE to bring up the Gifts at Mass
Sign-up HERE for all Liturgical Ministries
If you need help please contact the parish office at 803.345.3962
or Fr. Dennis Willey at 843.834.5447.
Dear Friends,
This Sunday is the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time. We will remain in Ordinary Time until the beginning of the Lenten Season on, 05 March, Ash Wednesday.
I want to emphasize the importance of our Parish Neighbors Ministry to our parish. We live in a complicated world and sometimes things can get tough for any of us. It is important to know our neighbors and fellow parishioners during these times. We are not alone. Our Parish Neighbors Ministry allows parishioners living in the same neighborhoods to get to know each other during the good times so that they can be there for each other when things get tough. We can't do this without your help and participation; Parish Neighbors is actively seeking leaders and neighborhood coordinators. We need YOU! Please prayerfully consider bringing Parish fellowship to your neighborhood. If interested in learning more, to volunteer, or to verify your neighborhood, contact Kitty Kelly Wilson at 803-979-1837 or email parishneighbors@ollchapin.org.
This Friday is a First Friday. We will have Adoration after the 12Noon Mass, 07 February, and end at 7:00PM with Benediction. Here is the link to sign up to cover an hour: ADORATION
There IS Faith Formation and EDGE this Sunday. There is NO LifeTeen. The 5:00PM Sunday Mass is NOT a LifeTeen Mass - we will need adults to sign up for the various ministries for this Mass.
On Saturday, 08 February, from 11:00AM until 4:00PM, and after the Vigil Mass, the Knights of Columbus will be in the FLC for the pick up of Boston Butts that were ordered for the Super Bowl Boston Butt Sale. Thank you for your support!
The Men's Club is hosting the annual Valentine’s Dinner Dance on Friday, 14 February, beginning at 6:30 PM in the FLC. It’s a fun event of great food & drink, dancing and fellowship. Please call or text John Stockdell (803-727-6860) or Mike Bozzo (803-543-0193) for reservations as soon as you can, as there is limited seating. See the FLYER for details.
The Year 2025 is a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church. Pope Francis declared the Jubilee of Hope on 9 May, 2024. He invites all the faithful to be Pilgrims of Hope during this Jubilee Year. You can learn more about being a Pilgrim of Hope at the USCCB Website. There is so much to talk about during a Jubilee Year that it is hard to know where to begin. To start, I encourage you to read about Indulgences for the Jubilee Year. I promise to share more information in the coming weeks. “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5)!!!
The Respect Life Ministry will be on the plaza after Masses this weekend to sign up participants to take part in 40 Days for Life, 05 March to 13 April. See the flyer below for details.
The recently reorganized Funeral Receptions Committee will also be on the plaza after Masses this weekend to sign up parishioners that are not currently in a ministry to help with set up and clean up or to bake a dessert or provide a side for the many Funeral Receptions (Repasts) the Parish is able to provide for families after the Funeral of their deceased loved one. See the flyer below for details.
Catholic Appeal of South Carolina (CASC) 2025:
As of 14 January 35 families have made one time gifts and/or pledges totaling $1,768. This represents 3% of our goal of $57,941. No additional funds are currently pledged but if there were they would not be included in our total until the monies are received. Bishop Fabre has challenged all parishes in the diocese to exceed 25% participation. We will provide a participation rate in the near future once the diocese gives us additional information.
Some brief reminders:
There is 8:00AM and 10:30AM Hospitality this weekend hosted by the 8:00AM Bakers of Fellowship and the Knights of Columbus respectively!
Pray for peace in the world and for protection from storms and other natural disasters.
Peace and all good,
Fr. Dennis
PADRE'S PICK
A weekly series of videos to watch (or listen to) that I recommend for every parish household and family! What better way to start the new year than to invite family back to Mass. This the sixth in a seven part series on the importance of attending Sunday Mass.
The entire Word on Fire Library is also available. Just click the white "play" arrow to begin or follow the link to access the library.
CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
We are working on the first phase of our new campus signage. This is a multiphase project which should make it easier for all of us and visitors to navigate our campus. Look for the new signage soon!
Bishop Fabre-Jeune continues to ask that we delay our project to install moveable Altar Rails for the Sanctuary. To understand some of the benefits of installing Altar Rails at Our Lady of the Lake please read this ARTICLE.
Future plans for the fountain in front of the church are to extend the plaza in front of the church with pavers so as to include the area around the fountain. We will raise funds to complete this project by selling pavers to be inscribed with family names, in honor of, or in memorial. We are very close to finalizing pricing for the pavers.
PARISH FINANCIAL UPDATES
Last Sunday's collection was $19,222!!! This is the time of year where we see large, once a year, gifts. Many are from parishioners who give yearly from investments that have Required Minimum Disbursements. There is a significant tax advantage when RMDs are given directly to a charity like the Church. Check with your financial advisor if you have RMDs and would like to reduce your tax burden. We are currently in a good place financially. Thank you for your continued generosity to the parish.
The weekly financial report is available HERE. We remain deeply grateful for your generosity.
In the coming months I will share additional information about Planned Giving and how your estate planning can support the mission of Our Lady of the Lake far into the future! You can also visit Stewardship & Mission Advancement - South Carolina Catholic at the Diocese of Charleston's website to learn more.
Please remember that every gift to the church helps, no matter the amount. We emphasize equal sacrifice - NOT equal giving! We ask that all registered households give what they can to support the ministry of the Church. We are always THANKFUL for your generosity and support!
THANK YOU!!!
Do you give online using your credit card? If so, our vendor now allows you the option to add the processing fee to your gift. Please consider making this change and strengthen the power of your gift.
CHILDREN'S ENVELOPE ARTWORK
We encourage all our parish children to use their envelopes at the Sunday Morning Masses. Children can make a monetary donation or just write something on the envelope; a good deed, a prayer, artwork, etc. Father Dennis will hold a basket and invite the children to come forward at the appropriate time. If you have forgotten an envelope or need more, they are available in the Narthex.
NOTES OF IMPORTANCE FROM
THE DIOCESE
Jubilee Pilgrimage Site in the Diocese of Charleston:
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Charleston has been designated as the only site in the Diocese of Charleston where a pilgrim may obtain the special
Jubilee Indulgence. The indulgence is subject
to the usual conditions: sacramental confession,
reception of Holy Communion, prayers for
the intentions of the Pope, and total detachment
from all sin, including venial sin. Please see the Jubilee Guide for details about visiting the Cathedral.
Marriage Anniversary Mass:
Celebrate your marriage with Bishop Fabre at St. Martin de Porres Church, 2229 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC on Sunday, 16 February, at 11:30AM. Please be sure to REGISTER as seating is limited!
Some Wonderful Opportunities brought to you from St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, Daniel Island, SC:
Sunday, 16 March from 2:30PM to 5:30PM:
Mr. Jason Evert, author of 22 books, founder of Totus Tuus Press and the Chastity Project, will speak in our church on gender identity based on JP2'S Theology of the Body. Tickets will go on sale from the St. Clare's website in a couple of weeks. This talk is appropriate for young teens through adults. Confirmation students and parents are encouraged to attend.
Sunday, 30 March at 4:00PM:
Floriani, a four-man a cappella group specializing in Gregorian and Byzantine chant, will give a free concert at St. Clare's. A free workshop for your choir members and others will be offered Saturday morning, March 29. More information is forthcoming.
Check it out!
VISIT the Catholic Miscellany
For the most up-to-date information from the diocese visit: charlestondiocese.org/events.
Read the FEBRUARY CARITAS; the Diocesan Monthly E-Newsletter.