Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Newsletter — November 2020

Immaculate CONCEPTION Catholic Church Contents: 3 “What’s in It For Us” May Surprise You 4 The Renfro Family: Saying "Yes" to Service to Service and Prioritizing the Need to Give Back 6 Praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory 7 Walking with Purpose Brings Female Parishioners Together in Faith and Fellowship

November 2020

Our God Reigns

Charismatic Prayer Group

Growing in Trust and Prayer During the Pandemic

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t’s been an interesting year for many ministries within our parish, as they adapt and find ways to serve our parishioners amid the uncertainty of our times. However, for the Our God Reigns Charismatic Prayer Group, a group that has been meeting for nearly 30 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has been an opportunity to shift the focus of their ministry and renew their trust in God’s provision.

The prayer group, which has been gathering twice a month for years, usually spends time singing praise and worship, meditating on Scripture, sharing their reflections, and interceding for one another. Due to COVID-19, they haven’t met in person since last spring but now spend additional time praying for the needs of those in the group, and others, who approach them with confidential needs.

“When someone has something they want us to pray for, they’ll email me,” says Jerri Miller, who serves as group co-leader along with Linda Williams. continued on page 2

Jerri Miller, one of the leaders for the Our God Reigns Charismatic Prayer Group, has been reminded of the importance of spending time in prayer, especially when unable to gather with others.

Immaculate CONCEPTION

Our God Reigns

Charismatic Prayer Group

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“I’ll send out a prayer request to make it a priority to and I’ll send out updates, acset aside time to read the cording to what’s going on.”

Scriptures to keep building The group has seen the myself up and not focusing power of prayer in many ways so much on the news,” she since the start of the pandemadds. “God has got this and ic, including the miraculous He is in control.” recovery of a group member’s In the future, Our God nephew, for whom COVID-19 Reigns may find ways to ofwas nearly fatal. fer virtual spiritual growth “He had developed the viopportunities or a Life in rus and was very sick — his the Spirit seminar. But lungs were collapsing, so we for now, Jerri encourages prayed,” Jerri says. “In about people to reach out if they The Our God Reigns Charismatic Prayer Group continues a week [our member] called are in need of prayer, reto intercede for the needs of group members and others me back and said he was minding that all requests via their email prayer list. breathing on his own, though are kept confidential. Espeit had looked like he was not cially during trying times, Jerri has found that the habgoing to make it the week prior. its of personal prayer that she reaching out for prayer can be a That’s one of the miracles. She has developed — many of which powerful reminder of God’s powand her family attributed this to were inspired by practices she er and faithfulness. the prayers that were being of- learned through the prayer group “We’d be glad to offer prayers fered.”

— have helped to sustain her for anyone,” Jerri says. “Even Although the members cer- faith through the difficulties and though we can feel like everytainly miss being able to gather isolation of the pandemic. Par- thing’s out of control because evand pray together, in person, ticularly in times when the usual erything is different and changed, they are grateful for the unity structure of Mass or our regular we remind ourselves that He is they find, interceding for one an- prayer gathering may be limited, still God, and He is in control.” other, from their own homes. she reminds of the importance “It just makes me feel more of prayer, reading Scripture, and If you would like more united to the Body of Christ,” drawing on the power of the Holy Jerri says. “Even though we’re Spirit, given to us in our Baptism information on the Our God separated physically, we still and Confirmation, to feed our reReigns Charismatic Prayer have this unity through the Holy lationship with God. Group, and upcoming events, Spirit and the power of prayer.

“I feel like I can draw on the or if you have a prayer request That’s just so comforting to real- Holy Spirit within me at any time, ize, to know you have that prayer and the gifts that come with the you would like to share with support, that connection with a Spirit of God to strengthen me in the group, please contact group who is all imploring God’s whatever I happen to be dealing Jerri Miller at 501-835-6044. help. It definitely strengthens with,” Jerri says. your faith.”

“I’ve noticed that I really have 2

A Letter From Our Pastor

“What’s in It For Us” May Surprise You Dear Parishioners,

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ou already know that our parish is committed to living as intentional disciples of Christ through the holistic practice of stewardship.

What you may not know is that one of our inspirations and mentors is the late Msgr. Thomas McGread of the Diocese of Wichita.

Who was Msgr. McGread?

Msgr. McGread was a humble, servant priest who created a model for how stewardship should be practiced — both here and in many Catholic parishes across the country. What began simply with Msgr. McGread applying his stewardship principles at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Wichita — where he served as pastor for 31 years — has become a way of life for our parish family and for Catholics around the nation.

With such an incredible blueprint from this visionary priest, how could we go wrong?

We have truly embraced stewardship here at Immaculate Conception, and for that, I am blessed and grateful. From the beginning, however, the question “What’s in it for us?” had to be on our minds as our efforts to educate parishioners and promote the stewardship way of life were introduced.

At first, “What’s in it for us?” seemed to center on what people were willing to do to give back to God as part of practicing their faith and living as disciples of Jesus Christ.

While this is important, there is so much more to it.

The truth is, “What’s in it for us?” is really about “What’s in it for you?”

“What’s in it for you?” perhaps is best explained as one simple principle — cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

When Christ calls us to discipleship, He is also calling us to be faithful stewards of our time, talent and treasure. Our gratitude for these gifts is best expressed through giving a portion of each back to God. Thus, stewardship becomes a way of life that is also the way to holiness. Our relationship with Christ is what we get in return.

Our efforts as a parish to promote the spiritual benefits of active stewardship are designed to foster

a deeper relationship with God for all of us. Membership in a parish family should encourage, support, and celebrate that relationship with the living God, first and foremost. Everything else flows from that.

If we are not focused on our relationship with God, then what will define our spirituality?

If we have embraced the blessings of stewardship as a practical way of being the disciples we are called to be, we will in turn know a deeper relationship with Christ.

We celebrate Thanksgiving this month, which truly is a stewardship holiday since stewardship begins with an attitude of gratitude. I am truly thankful for all that is done here at Immaculate Conception, and for the many parishioners willing to do so much.

In closing, let me share one final thought to help you realize the gift that our parish is to each and every one of us.

Be grateful for all you have.

Be generous in giving something back to God. Be faithful stewards, and you will have done both.

That is what’s in it for you, and in turn, that is what’s in it for us!

And don’t forget — God has been doing this for centuries. We’re just the latest and most fortunate recipients.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless you and your family.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. John Wakube Pastor 3

Immaculate CONCEPTION

The Renfro Family: Sayin Phillip and Brittany Renfro, along with their three daughters, love being involved in service at Immaculate Conception.

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ometimes, love shows up in unexpected places.

Phillip Renfro made the move to Little Rock after college, to work as an engineer for the US Army Corps of Engineers. It was there he met Brittany, working as an employee for the Corps the summer before she began college. If not “love at first sight,” it was soon after — the couple was engaged the following Thanksgiving, and married a little more than a year later. This year, they celebrate 14 years of marriage, along with their three daughters, Rory, Randi, and Ryann.

Brittany, a lifelong Immaculate Conception parishioner, was raised in the Catholic faith.

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Phillip grew up in several different denominations and drifted away from faith entirely, before meeting Brittany and becoming Catholic. For the couple, sharing their beliefs with their children — and their gifts with their community — is at the heart of living their faith.

“As children in the royal household of God’s Kingdom, just as any child is obligated to contribute to his or her family, we have an obligation to support our parish with our time, talent and treasure,” Phillip says. “Everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God.” Brittany has worked as a labor and delivery nurse for nearly

a decade and loves the opportunity to be part of one of the biggest days of people’s lives. And whether she is alongside families in the happiest of moments — or occasionally the most heartbreaking — she finds strength in her faith, serving those God brings into her life.

“The miracle of birth is just not something you ever get tired of witnessing,” Brittany says. “I enjoy being a part of what is arguably one of the happiest days of a family’s life. However, in the not-so-happy situations, I rely on my faith to provide comfort and grace to my patients.”

Phillip currently manages electrical substation projects throughout Arkansas for a local power utility. He recently founded Ark of Heaven Media Group, Inc., a nonprofit Catholic media apostolate, after discerning a call to work to bring Catholic radio to central Arkansas. The apostolate held their public social media launch this

" " to Service and Prioritizing ng Yes the Need to Give Back past September and produces Catholic programming, including videos and podcasts. Their long-term goal is to launch New Covenant Radio on the Internet, as well as the terrestrial FM band, as a frequency becomes available. With the support of generous donors, they hope to share a combination of existing Catholic radio shows, as well as new, locally-based content, highlighting our parishes, schools, clergy, and events.

Despite their busy careers and family life, Brittany and Phillip prioritize being involved in service and the life of the parish. Brittany and her cousin, Megan, are the Immaculate Conception Flower Guild.

“Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s desire for His house of worship to be a beautiful and sacred place,” Brittany says. “With this in mind, the Flower Guild is devoted to surrounding the congregation with the beauty and majesty of God’s creation to lift up our hearts and minds in prayer and worship.”

Phillip serves as Vice President of the Immaculate Conception

“It’s especially when you’re not ‘feeling it,’ when you need to just go for it. Sometimes you have to take the first step. Ask God, ‘ What is Your plan for me?’ and be patient for, and obedient to, His answer.”

— Phillip Renfro Pastoral Council, an instructor for the RCIA process, a member of the Parish Success Team, and, occasionally, a percussionist in the Music Ministry.

“It is always an honor to serve the Lord and the wonderful people of Immaculate Concept — the parish of my Catholic birth — in any way which my talents fit,” he says.

The Renfros encourage other families to consider ways in which they might serve and become involved in the parish.

Even when it seems like they couldn’t possibly add more to their plates, Phillip and Brittany have found fulfillment in being

generous with their time, in service, and hope that their example will inspire their children in the years to come.

“It’s especially when you’re not ‘feeling it,’ when you need to just go for it,” Phillip says.

"Sometimes you have to take the first step. Ask God, ‘What is Your plan for me?’ and be patient for, and obedient to, His answer.”

“Parish involvement has also been a blessing for our girls, who are my biggest helpers in the Flower Guild,” Brittany adds.

“It’s beautiful to watch them develop with desire in their hearts to serve.”

Thank you to Phillip and Brittany for all the ways you have served our parish community!

If you would like to learn more about or support Phillip’s Catholic media apostolate, please visit www.ArkofHeavenMedia.org, or check out ArkOfHeavenMedia on YouTube and social media.

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Immaculate CONCEPTION

Praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory M

any Catholics are aware that the Church dedicates the first two days of November — All Saints Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls' Day on Nov. 2 — to commemorating and praying for the souls of the faithful departed. But did you know that during the entire month of November, the Church places a special emphasis on praying for the souls in purgatory?

The Church has always taught us to pray for the souls of those who have passed on from this life. Even in Old Testament times, prayers and alms were offered for the souls of the dead by those who thought “well and religiously concerning the resurrection” (Liturgical Meditations, The Sisters of St. Dominic). And in the early days of the Church, St. Paul further emphasized the importance and responsibility of not only remembering our brothers and sisters who have passed away, but actively praying for them: “For the Lord himself... will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will first rise” (1 Thess 4:16).

Because of the very state of the holy souls in purgatory, we as earthly brothers and sisters in Christ are closely connected to those who passed on from this life.

We share in the peace of knowing that salvation will one day be obtained, but are simultaneously suffering in separation from God. The Church also teaches that we have the opportunity to play a big part in helping these souls through their period of purgation, so that they may soon enjoy eternal glory with the Lord.

This month, please make a special effort to offer prayers for your deceased friends and loved ones, and all those who have passed away in the grace and friendship of God. Offering a Mass for someone who has passed away is an especially fruitful way to honor the memory and bring comfort to a holy soul in purgatory.

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Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

O Lord, who art ever merciful and bounteous with Thy gifts, look down upon the suffering souls in purgatory.

Remember not their offenses and negligences, but be mindful of Thy loving mercy, which is from all eternity. Cleanse them of their sins and fulfill their ardent desires that they may be made worthy to behold Thee face to face in Thy glory. May they soon be united with Thee and hear those blessed words which will call them to their heavenly home: “Come, blessed of My Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

Amen.

Walking with Purpose Brings Female Parishioners Together in Faith and Fellowship

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n the Gospel, Jesus makes it clear that He does not intend for our spirituality to be an individual endeavor. Instead, He promises us to be present in a special way every time we choose to experience prayer, worship, and faith formation in community — “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Here at Immaculate Conception, we are blessed to have a group that offers women an additional opportunity to learn and grow in their faith together — Walking with Purpose.

Our Walking with Purpose Bible study group started officially meeting three years ago. After two fellow parishioners organized a Lenten women’s retreat almost five years ago, many participants expressed a desire to continue gathering. A second Lenten retreat took place the following year, and then the group decided to really dig in and begin using the Walking with Purpose series of studies for Catholic women throughout the year!

Walking with Purpose meetings follow the school calendar and typically take place on Wednesday evenings in Immaculata Hall. However, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, meetings moved to Zoom last spring and then to an outdoor setting in the fall. Wherever and whenever these faithful women have gathered, the experience has always been a blessing to all!

Becky Dearworth has served as the facilitator for the study since it began at our parish. She finds a special blessing in the fact that members of the group come from all ages and stages of life.

“Walking with Purpose is really open to women in all walks of life,” she says. “We have a 23-yearold in our group and then all the way up to seniors.

It’s amazing because you get those perspectives from different age groups and really learn from each other. I think that’s the best part.”

This year, the group’s Walking with Purpose study is based on the book of Hebrews. Other studies in the series cover a wide range of topics, such

Lisa Brenninkmeyer is the founder of Walking with Purpose. Her studies, typically designed to be explored over a period of about 22 weeks, focus on bringing Catholic women into a closer relationship with Christ.

as God’s unconditional love, keeping life in balance, and modern-day insights from Biblical women.

A few years ago, Becky had the opportunity to see the founder of Walking with Purpose, Lisa Brenninkmeyer, speak at Christ the King in Little Rock. A mother of seven herself, Lisa is a dynamic presenter. Her studies, typically designed to be explored for about 22 weeks, focus on bringing Catholic women into a closer relationship with Christ.

“It has been a great outlet to learn more about continued on back cover

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Immaculate CONCEPTION 7000 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

North Little Rock, AR 72116 Church Office: (501) 835-4323 www.iccnlr.org

Walking with Purpose

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Jesus and our faith,” Becky says. “The studies are really interesting. They cover things that we wouldn’t otherwise think about or talk about, so I think we definitely all learn from it. It has brought us closer.”

In addition to the valuable faith formation that takes place in a Bible study, the women in this group also experience rewarding friendships.

“It’s also very social — we just enjoy getting together and the casual format,” Becky says. “I feel like everybody needs a sense of belonging — more than just going to Mass every Sunday, getting to know the people you are in church with and who have the same interests. It gives you that common link. We’re not from the same friend groups, and that’s amazing. We’re all friends and enjoy being

around each other, but we’re all from different walks, so it’s neat that this brings us together.”

Thankful for the many ways this program continues to enrich her life, Becky would encourage any female parishioner interested in joining the Walking with Purpose group to come out and give it a try!

Interested in joining the Walking with Purpose?

“Walk-ins” are always welcome to join the group at any time during the year! Please text or call Becky Dearworth at 501-231-4372 for more information on meeting places and times.

LITURGY SCHEDULE

Saturday Vigil: 4:00 p.m. | Sunday Masses: 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Daily Mass: Wednesday, Thursday, and First Saturday of the Month at 8:15 a.m.

Confessions: Tuesday: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Thursday: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

ADORATION

Monday thru Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the main church