The Prayer Shawl Ministry was created by two women after attending a course on spirituality. As a result, they combined compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting into a prayerful ministry. Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls or Mantles, the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. At the completion, a final blessing is offered not only for the recipient but for the maker of the shawl, before the shawl is sent on its way. We are starting this Ministry here at Our Lady of Lourdes… WHEN: October 1, 2008 9am – 11:30am WHERE: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Center WHAT DO I BRING: Scrap yarn Knitting Needles or Crochet Hook – of your choice (for practice) Patterns and instructions will be given out at the first meetingTO REGISTER AND FOR MORE
Leaders Wanted Pastoral Council Accepting Nominees Our Pastoral Council is currently accepting nominations for new members to fill several open seats. The council is one of the most important leadership groups in the parish. Members of the parish meet approximately every 6 weeks to advise the pastor on issues affecting the mission and ministries of the parish. The council has also taken an active role in sponsoring programs and events that serve the parish. Most importantly our current council will conduct a pastoral assessment of the parish to assist our pastor and team to plan for the future of our community.
A person who wishes to serve on the pastoral council must be a parishioner who desires to offer their time and insight to help the pastor and pastoral team form the vision and future of the parish. Pastoral Council members must have an interest and investment in the parish. Practically, this means that a nominee for the pastoral council must be a person who:
Worships weekly in the parish and takes part in the spiritual life of the community
Offers their time and talent in service or ministry to this community
Supports the parish financially in a manner appropriate to their means
Parishioners may nominate either themselves or another parishioner for the council. Eligible applicants will be asked to complete a profile. Parishioners are appointed to the council by the current council in consultation with the pastor. The goal of this process is to insure that the council represents the diversity of Our Lady of Lourdes and has the gifts and interests necessary to our present goals. To nominate oneself, or another, for membership on the council begin by sending a letter or E-mail to pastoralcouncil@ollchurch.orgor by postal mail to Pastoral Council, c/o Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 455 Hunter Avenue, West Islip, NY 11795. All letters of nomination will be acknowledged and must include your name and return address.
Saint Agnes Medal of Service 2008
On Friday September 12 Rich and Joanne Maher were the recipients of the St. Agnes Medal of service. This is an award recognizing and honoring those who generously and unselfishly give of themselves to their parishes and whose love of the Church has been shown through their devotion to the Holy Father, as well as to our Diocese. They are the unsung heroes in our midst who build up our parish communities by extraordinary service in parish ministry, parish administration or a significant volunteer role. Each year a recipient is chosen from each parish in our diocese to receive this award based on the recommendation of the pastor, pastoral council, and pastoral team. Here at OLL Rich and Joanne are active in service to our school, religious education program, vacation bible program, and children's liturgy of the word. They are supportive of almost every event and program we run here at Our Lady of Lourdes!
On Friday September 12 Rich and Joanne Maher were the recipients of the St. Agnes Medal of service. This is an award recognizing and honoring those who generously and unselfishly give of themselves to their parishes and whose love of the Church has been shown through their devotion to the Holy Father, as well as to our Diocese. They are the unsung heroes in our midst who build up our parish communities by extraordinary service in parish ministry, parish administration or a significant volunteer role. Each year a recipient is chosen from each parish in our diocese to receive this award based on the recommendation of the pastor, pastoral council, and pastoral team. Here at OLL Rich and Joanne are active in service to our school, religious education program, vacation bible program, and children's liturgy of the word. They are supportive of almost every event and program we run here at Our Lady of Lourdes! 
