Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church — 2021 Stewardship Renewal Handbook

2021 Stewardship Renewal

STEWARDSHIP

not a program

· not a fundraising campaign · not an empty buzzword

A WAY OF LIFE

A Stewardship Prayer

Jesus, teach us to pray. Help us to manage our time so that we can spend it with You. Holy Spirit, fill us with your gifts. May we offer ourselves in sacrifice for all in need. Father, give us generous hearts. Help us to manage our finances and to give You priority. As your faithful disciples, we ask this for ourselves and people everywhere, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen 2

Becoming A Stewardship Parish

In common language, "stewardship" simply means taking good care of one's belongings. But at Our Lady of the Assumption, when we talk about stewardship, we mean something more than that.

As Christians, we believe that we don't really own anything, per se. God has created all things; everything we "own" is really "on loan" from God. From this perspective, then, stewardship means taking care of God's gifts.

Everything God has given us — special skills, a nice smile, a good income — is meant not only for us, but for others as well. As strange as it seems, being a good steward of these gifts involves giving them away. As we learn from Jesus' life, self-giving is the road to true happiness.

Stewardship is using our time, talent, and treasure to build God's Kingdom. All three elements are equally important.

Our annual Stewardship Renewal is an important event for the community of OLA. It is a time when we reassess the way we use God's gifts by making commitments of time, talent, and treasure. Renewing ourselves in these areas results in great spiritual benefits for us as individual parishioners and for the community around us. This year, how will you use your gifts?

TIME: Do I make time for prayer, to read the Scriptures, to thank God and ask for His help?

TALENT: Is my talent at work, actively building the Body of Christ?

TREASURE: Do I give a proportionate amount of my treasure to God through the weekly offertory?

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Time Preparing Yourself Spiritually “Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, "Prayer and Christian life are inseparable” (CCC, 2745). In fact, St. Paul tells us to “pray constantly.” But as anyone who has ever tried to pray on a regular basis will tell you, prayer can be hard work. That is why we have to make a firm commitment to be persistent.

Just as we learn to budget our money or schedule occasions for service, we also have to be very specific when we make time for prayer. Many people set aside 10 minutes in the morning to sip a cup of coffee and read the daily readings. Others pray a Rosary on the way to work. Still others pray with their children before bedtime, or pray with their spouse before retiring for the evening.

Whatever the format, the important thing is that we make a conscious effort to spend time with the One we love most.

“Stewardship of time… should include setting aside periods for family prayer, for the reading of Scripture, for visits to the Blessed Sacrament, and for attendance at Mass during the week whenever this is possible.”

— U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response

Action Steps to Improve Your Prayer Life

• Plan to spend 15 minutes every morning in quiet prayer by reading and reflecting on Sacred Scripture. A helpful place to start is the readings for each day, found at usccb.org/bible/readings or on Catholic phone and tablet apps, such as iBreviary, Magnificat or Divine Office.

• Thank God for the good things He has given you that you might take for granted throughout the day.

• Pray with your children each night before bed, giving each family member an opportunity to pray for something and concluding with an Our Father, Hail Mary and the Glory Be.

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Talent Being an Active Servant

Every week, our parish is buzzing with activity. There are groups that pray together, groups that minister to other parishioners, and groups that reach out to the community. Christ Himself taught us that “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). When we lay down our wants and desires to serve each other, God blesses our efforts! Will you consider where God is calling you to serve Him?

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.’

Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.” — Mark 1:17-18

Action Steps to Become More Active in Service • Pray about how the gifts God has given you can best be used to serve others.

• Use your Commitment Card to find a parish ministry that will help you grow personally in living out your faith.

• Commit to being faithful to God through those you serve in word and deed.

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Treasure Consistent and Generous Giving Our deepest reason for giving is not because our parish has needs, but because we have a spiritual need to give. We are called to give to God from our first fruits, and to recognize that everything comes from Him. Our gifts to God should be out of gratitude for what God has done for us. Just like the apostles who laid down their nets the moment that Jesus called them, we too should lay down everything, even something as important to us as our finances, to follow Christ.

God’s promise to us is a promise of life and security when we place all of our trust in Him. “The Lord will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Take a Step Toward 10 Percent

At OLA we honor the scriptural tithe. We invite parishioners to give 5% of their gross income to God through the offertory, 1% to the diocese and 4% to other charities.

Using the chart, find your current percentage of giving, then determine what steps you can take toward giving 10% of your household income. Consider increasing your gift by 1% or 2% until you reach the scriptural tithe, and then be faithful to your commitment, whatever it may be.

Action Steps to Be Financially Generous

• Pray about the best use of your financial resources and ask God to show you where you need to give Him priority in them.

• Evaluate your regular offertory gift and increase it based on what you think God is calling you to give until you reach the full tithe.

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• Make a commitment to give regularly to God through the parish offertory, and be faithful to your tithing commitment, even when you attend Mass elsewhere.

2021 Ministry Catalog

Opportunities

to

Live Your Faith

For your convenience, we have categorized our ministries by the Four Pillars of Stewardship: prayer, hospitality, formation, and service. Please review all of the ministries and discern how God is calling you to get involved.

Prayer Ministries

Prayer prepares us to do God’s will, strengthens our faith in God, and helps us to love.

Altar Guild Consists of persons who care for the altar linens, candles, and vessels used for Masses and Sacramental Rites.

Contact: Marylee Johnson, 916-359-1225, jmjohn@surewest.net

Altar Servers Assist the presider at various liturgical celebrations, including weekend and weekday Masses, school Masses, and funeral services. Girls and boys fifth grade and older are invited to participate.

Contact: Dcn. Michael Tateishi, 916-481-5115, deacon@olaparish.net

Christian Meditation Gathers weekly on Monday afternoons either via Zoom or in the church and follows guided meditations to help participants grow in relationship with Christ.

Contact: Fran Rider, 916-956-4229, bilrider2808@sbcglobal.net

Eucharistic Adoration Takes place in the chapel Tuesdays and Thursdays following the daily Mass until 7 p.m., and on First Saturdays following 8 a.m. Mass until 12 p.m. Adoration is an opportunity to sit with the Blessed Sacrament and pray. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for designated times.

Contact: Joan Dennis, 916-335-3532, joanjerzak@yahoo.com

Eucharistic Homebound Ministers Distribute the Eucharist to those in need at their homes. Members of this ministry are dedicated to serving the spiritual needs of homebound parishioners by bringing Christ to them and by keeping them connected to our community.

Contact: Peggy Vellanoweth, 916-488-1982, pcvella@aol.com

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Assist in the distribution of Holy Communion.

Men and women (16 years and older) must be fully initiated Catholics to participate.

Contact: Dcn. Michael Tateishi, 916-481-5115, deacon@olaparish.net

Lectors Lay ministers who proclaim the Word at Mass or at other liturgical celebrations. Men and women (13 years and older) who are fully initiated Catholics are invited to participate.

Contact: Casey Oliver, 916-481-5115, worship@olaparish.net

Legion of Mary An international evangelical organization dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Members bring the Eucharist each week to care facilities in the area and facilitate a Mass once a month at each of those facilities. Members also meet weekly and pray the Rosary together.

Contact: Parish Office, 916-481-5115

Mass Captains and Sacristans Help organize liturgical ministers at Masses and ensure all set-up tasks and clean-up tasks have been completed.

Contact: Dcn. Michael Tateishi, 916-481-5115, deacon@olaparish.net

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Music Ministers Open to all who wish to support the full, conscious, and active participation of the singing assembly during the celebration of Mass, prayer services, and more. Music ministers serve in the pews and on the music risers in ensembles to offer comprehensive leadership and encouragement.

Volunteers are needed for the Choir in the Pews at all Masses and for our ensembles. Vocalists and instrumentalists are welcome.

Contact: Casey Oliver, 916-335-1918, worship@olaparish.net

Vocations Committee Are you called to a ministry of fostering vocations, especially to ordained ministry and religious life? The committee's tasks include organizing a campaign of prayer for vocations, creating parish awareness of vocations, and inviting individuals to consider the call to be a priest, deacon, sister, or brother.

Contacts: Dcn. Paul and Sharon Friedrich, deaconpaul@olaparish.net

Hospitality Ministries

Jesus teaches that when we welcome one another, we welcome Him. Greeters Receive the community and welcome them to Masses.

Contacts: Jenny Teeters, 916-612-0337, jennyteeters@gmail.com; Chris Hine, 916-201-9843, chrishine726@hotmail.com

Martha & Mary Gathering Open to all parish ladies. They meet for fellowship, spiritual growth, and to assist with parishioner funeral receptions.

Contact: Peggy Stradford, 916-402-4437, peggystradford@icloud.com

P.E.R.T. (People Enjoying Retirement Together) Promotes the spirit of friendship while providing programs and activities to enhance the temporal and spiritual life of their later years.

Contact: Mary Ellen Hoffman, 916-489-1424, howaboutme50@aol.com

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Pray and Play Fosters fellowship and community for our parish families by gathering on the school playground after the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass.

Contact: Katie Cunha, 916-203-4425, katieecunha@gmail.com

Social Committee Promotes parish unity through the planning and execution of social events like our community dinners.

Contact: Joan Cotton, 916-849-2282, jecotton2014@gmail.com

Ushers Help worshippers find seats, take up the collection, give visitors necessary information, and assist Mass Captains with additional responsibilities at weekend Masses.

Contact: Don Thamer, 916-489-1424, don.nprz6@gmail.com

Women’s Book Club Meets to share the joy of reading on the second Monday of each month.

Contact: MaryAnne Campos, 916-488-7823, gcampos@sbcglobal.net

Formation Ministries

Throughout our lives, we seek to draw closer to God. Adult Faith Formation Provides the opportunity for adults to learn more about their Catholic faith through participation in workshops, presentations, and study programs offered in both the parish and throughout the diocese.

Contact: Dcn. Michael Tateishi, 916-481-5115, deacon@olaparish.net

RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) The process through which adults or youth (those between the ages of 7-18) are fully initiated into the Catholic Church through the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Volunteers serve as sponsors or team members. All can help by inviting friends and family members who are not Catholic to come and learn more.

Contact: Dcn. Michael Tateishi, 916-481-5115, deacon@olaparish.net

Faith Formation for Children Volunteers teach students who do not receive religious education during their regular school hours. This program supplements the faith formation already started in the home and during Masses. It includes preparation for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Contact: Joan Cotton, 916-488-4626, faithformation@olaparish.net

Liturgy of the Word for Children Led by a team of parent volunteers during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass in St. John’s Hall. Children learn about the readings and Gospel at their level and participate in a related activity.

Contact: Tracy Urban, 1tracyju@gmail.com

Living the Word A group dedicated to reading and contemplating the Sunday Scripture readings for each week.

There are also opportunities for faith sharing and discussions about how to live your faith in your daily life. Volunteers can serve as discussion leaders, and this group also facilitates monthly Lectio Divina and Taize Prayer.

Contact: Dcn. Michael Tateishi, 916-481-5115, deacon@olaparish.net

OLA School A ministry of our parish that provides a great education to our children to help them develop their whole being — mind, body, and spirit. Our goal is to prepare our children for life and to make them disciples of Jesus Christ as He commanded the Church to do.

Contacts: Robert Love, 916-489-8958, love@olaparish.net; Steven Vidal, 916-489-8958, vidal@olaparish.net

Sacrament Preparation (Baptism/Marriage) Offered for parents seeking preparation for Baptism for their children and for couples seeking preparation for their marriages.

Contact: Dcn. Michael Tateishi, 916-481-5115, deacon@olaparish.net

Youth Ministry Offered for the youth of our parish in seventh through 12th grades. Students are encouraged to participate in liturgical ministries at 11 a.m.

Sunday Mass, youth group meetings, service projects, and more. Adult volunteers can serve as core team members or participate in other ways to help parish youth grow in faith and community.

Contact: Johann Rubia-Miller, 916-257-1970, youth@olaparish.net

Service Ministries

God calls us to put love in action through concrete acts of service.

Bereavement Committee Members provide caring support to those who have lost loved ones while assisting with funeral planning. Please call the parish office if you need their services.

Contact: Kate Walsh, 916-481-5207, kateandpat@hotmail.com

Carmichael HART A coalition of faith communities, non-profits, businesses, agencies, and individuals, who are committed to finding solutions to homelessness.

OLA helps provide volunteers and resources for the winter shelters.

Contact: Juan Yniguez, 916-207-9512, jcyniguez@att.net

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Catholic Daughters of America Strive “to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow or sickness.”

Contact: Teresa Reavis, 916-202-1893

Catholic in Recovery A nonprofit organization that seeks to serve those suffering from addictions and unhealthy attachments by making connections with others who have struggled or still struggle.

Contact: Jenny Teeters, 916-612-0337, jennyteeters@gmail.com

Children’s Nursery Staffed by fingerprinted and trained adults along with parish teens. This service is for families with young children, ages 6 months to 4 years old, who wish to drop off their children at the nursery in Seton Hall during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass.

Contact: Tracy Urban, 1tracyju@gmail.com

Family Promise Ministry Provides fellowship and healthy meals to homeless families with children. Permanent housing is the ultimate goal, along with developing the selfsufficiency needed to sustain them.

Contacts: Donna Blaschke, 916-622-2769, dsblaschke@outlook.com; Chris Hine, chrishine726@hotmail.com

Front Office Volunteers An essential support for our parish and a welcoming presence to our many visitors and callers. In addition to greeting parishioners and visitors, volunteers assist office staff by answering phones, helping with clerical tasks, and more.

Contact: Ivan Florez (Office Manager), 916-481-5115, officemgr@olaparish.net

Giving Tree Ministry Provides Christmas gifts to needy families who live within OLA’s parish boundaries — many of the families are clients of OLA’s food locker.

Work begins in October with gift signups and ends with gift sorting and distribution before Christmas.

Contact: Carmy Baca, 916-207-9512, Bacacbaca_929@yahoo.com

Knights of Columbus A Catholic family fraternal service organization which assists the Church and communities in the Arden-Carmichael areas.

Contacts: Michael Dougherty, 916-470-7599, madphd@comcast.net; Peter Kilkenny, 916-692-5446, pakcantor@gmail.com

Offertory Counters Volunteers who work in teams to count the offertory collections, weekly on Monday mornings.

Contact: Vince Madden, 916-973-8011, vince@mvmadden.net

Respect Life Committee and OLA Gabriel Project Raises awareness of pro-life issues among our parish community. The OLA Gabriel Project, inspired by the Word and example of Jesus Christ, offers immediate and practical assistance to pregnant women and their families.

Contacts: Carolyn Albers, 916-296-2675, lattegirl@live.com; Gregg Gilles, 916-715-9204, gregganthonygilles@gmail.com

St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) OLA Conference A group of Catholic lay persons who respond to the needs of the poor living within the OLA parish boundaries through the twice-weekly on-site food locker and temporary assistance with rent, utilities, clothing, etc.

Contact: Frank Romano, 916-359-2148, fromano@winfirst.com

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Councils & Leadership Committees Members of the councils and leadership committees are appointed by the pastor.

Pastoral Council A pastoral consultative body which strives to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit among God’s people in the parish. It gives its help to the pastor in fostering pastoral activity. The Pastoral Council develops pastoral programs, improves services, and evaluates the effectiveness of various programs and services.

Contacts: Carmy Baca, 916-207-9512, Bacacbaca_929@yahoo.com

Parish Finance Council A consultative body of lay parishioners who advise the pastor in matters pertaining to the financial affairs of the parish.

Contact: Joe Selewicz, 916-973-0229, joejsel@gmail.com

Liturgy Committee Under the direction of the pastor, sets goals, direction and principles for the liturgical life of the parish, assesses the needs of the worshipping assembly, trains competent liturgical ministers, and implements directives from the universal Church and the diocesan church.

Contact: Dcn. Michael Tateishi, 916-481-5115, deacon@olaparish.net

Building and Grounds Committee Coordinates the regular maintenance and improvement of the parish buildings and grounds.

Contact: John Blaschke, 916-471-9650, johnblasch@outlook.com

Environment Committee A subcommittee of the Liturgy Committee.

Liturgically adorns the inside of the church.

Contact: Joan Cotton, 916-849-2282, jecotton2014@gmail.com

Safety and Security Committee A subcommittee of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Addresses safety and security issues for the parish and the school.

Contact: Steven Vidal, 916-489-8958, vidal@olaparish.net

Stewardship Committee A subcommittee of the Pastoral Council. Helps the pastor guide the development of stewardship within the parish. The first duties of committee members are to educate themselves and to live as good Christian stewards. The committee will also seek ways to promote stewardship within the parish through year-round communication and special initiatives, and most importantly, by supporting the annual Stewardship Renewal.

Contact: Casey Oliver, 916-481-5115, worship@olaparish.net

Strategic Planning Committee A subcommittee of the Pastoral Council. Helps develop and monitor the implementation of the Pastoral Plan for the parish that is renewed every three to five years. The Plan recognizes, informs, and guides parish pastoral activities. This effort is facilitated by the Strategic Planning Committee in collaboration with the entire faith community including parishioners, staff, and the pastor.

Contact: Juan Yniguez, 916-207-9512, jcyniguez@att.net

Communications Committee A subcommittee of the Pastoral Council. Assists the pastor and parish office in coordinating parish communications using multiple communication platforms, including the parish bulletin, parish website, Flocknote, myParish App, and social media. This committee also helps our parish build community by communicating the needs of fellow parishioners to those who may be able to help and by promoting the services of our various ministries.

Contact: Jenny Teeters, 916-612-0337, jennyteeters@gmail.com

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Your Offering To God

Stewardship Involves Commitment It’s difficult to give God any percentage of our time, talent, or treasure if we do not first give Him 100 percent of our hearts. For this reason, our Stewardship Renewal is a time for growing closer to God above all else. It is a time to make God our top priority, and then express this growth through written commitments. How will you turn more readily to Him with your whole heart?

Time

nued) ing

ested in Join

(s) ily member

sted fam

Prayer is the beginning of stewardship. Only when we spend time with God in prayer are we spiritually prepared to offer ourselves in service to others.

You can read about each of the ministries listed below in the Ministry Catalog. When you sign up, the ministry leader will call to explain how to get involved.

In thanksgiving for God’s gifts, each household at Our Lady of the Assumption is asked to give a specific percentage of income based on the biblical tithe:

 = Currently Involved  = Interested in Joining

plus 1% to the diocese 4% to other charities

 Attend weekday Mass at least once a week  Visit the Lord in Adoration once a week (offered Tuesday and Thursday)

itment Card 2021 Comme, Talent & Treasure

uncil

ee

Making a Consistent Gift to the Offertory

 Attend Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days

are

My Offering

ittee

unds Comm e s Committe

 Spend at least 15 minutes a day in personal prayer  Pray together with my loved ones

of Tim

 Read the Bible for at least one hour a week  Pray the Rosary at least weekly

ommittee ittee rity Comm

First & Last

ommittee ittee ning Comm

 Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet every day

Name

 Go to Reconciliation every other month

 Pray for the sick of our parish  Pray for my country daily  Work to overcome a sinful habit

& Last Name

Spouse: First

 Pray for an increase in vocations

Spo

 Pray for life from conception to natural death

ail

Spouse: Em

 Pray for those serving in the military  Pray for fallen-away Catholics

Address City

08 chael, CA 956 Way | Carmi ish.net par 1-5115 | ola

State

ZIP

d to Mass bring this car tion, please pe provided.

After comple g the envelo ! or mail usin God bless you and you Thank

 Altar Guild  Altar Servers  Christian Meditation  Eucharistic Adoration  Eucharistic Homebound Ministers  Extraordinary Ministers of Holy

5% to our parish

My Offertory pledge to Our Lady of the Assumption: %

Percentage of household income: Please complete either a weekly or monthly offertory gift: Weekly gift

$

x52 =

$

annually

Monthly gift

$

x12 =

$

annually

or

Weekly giving based on proportion of income

HOSPITALIT Y MINISTRIES

 Pray for our priests

use: Phone

Clearly write the first name(s) of interested family member(s) on the line.

PRAYER MINISTRIES

 Lectors  Legion of Mary  Mass Captains and Sacristans  Music Ministers  Vocations Committee

 Invite a friend or acquaintance to Mass

Email

Write the f irst name of the family member who wishes to join or is active in each ministry on the lines. You may write multiple names for the same ministry.

Communion

 Schedule time for a spiritual retreat

Phone

Treasure

Using My Talents in Parish Ministries

Please check the circle next to your commitments to prayer:

DERSHIP

ip committees

Talent

Spending Time with God in Prayer

 Greeters  Martha & Mary Gathering  P.E.R.T. (People Enjoying Retirement

At Our Lady of the Assumption, each household is asked to work toward giving 5% of their income to the parish.

Some families may have difficulty reaching this goal at first. If so, try increasing your weekly gift incrementally until you reach an amount that you know is right for you.

Weekly Giving Chart

Together)

 Pray and Play  Social Committee  Ushers  Women’s Book Club

% of Hshld Income:

10%

$30,000

$58

$70,000

$135

Household Income $50,000

Continued on back panels

$100,000

$96

$192

5%

4%

$29

$23

$67

$54

Amount of Weekly Gift $48 $96

1% $6

$38

$10

$76

$19

$14

Please bring your completed Commitment Card to Mass on October 2/3, mail it to the parish in the envelope provided, or fill it out online at olaparish.net.

TIME

Several suggestions for regular prayer are listed on your Commitment Card.

Will you set aside time each day to spend with God?

TALENT

Your Commitment Card lists numerous parish ministries available for your involvement. Will you offer yourself in service to God through others?

TREASURE

This year, will you make a specific financial pledge to contribute to the Sunday offertory?

5057 Cottage Way | Carmichael, CA 95608 | (916) 481-5115 | olaparish.net

Please keep until Fall 2022