This Week at Our Lady of the Lake!

Our Lady of the Lake School is committed to the Word of God through living out the Good News of Jesus Christ. A supportive educational team of students, staff, parents, and community aims at providing a creative, Christian learning environment. An emphasis is placed on developing students’ individual abilities, promoting social awareness, and encouraging them to become responsible, contributing members of church and society.

Dear OLL Families,

As we have begun Thanksgiving week, it is with a sense of gratitude and warmth that I reach out to our cherished school community. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday; it is a time to reflect on the blessings we share and to appreciate the importance of family and community in our lives.

In the midst of our busy lives, it is easy to lose sight of the significance of spending quality time with our loved ones. This Thanksgiving, let us make a conscious effort to be present with our families. Whether you are gathering around the dinner table, sharing stories, or engaging in simple yet meaningful activities, let these moments be a reminder of the precious gift of togetherness.

Our Lady of the Lake School has always been a community that values compassion, gratitude, and unity. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us extend these virtues to our homes and neighborhoods, creating a ripple effect of kindness and love. May this holiday season be filled with warmth, gratitude, and the joy of being surrounded by those we hold dear.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Thanksgiving filled with blessings, laughter, and the true spirit of togetherness.

Have a beautifully blessed week,

The Home School Association (HSA) invites you to join us at the Inaugural Cocktail Reception on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 6-10 PM at The Highlawn in West Orange, NJ. Enjoy an unlimited beer, wine, and sparkling bar and choose from a delightful array of hors d'oeuvres as you take in iconic panoramic views of the New York City skyline. This is the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow parents, teachers, and community members while enjoying our tricky tray, silent auction, and 50/50 raffle.

How to Participate:

• Attend. Purchase your ticket at tinyurl.com/ICRTickets to take advantage of early bird pricing that expires November 1. The first 75 tickets purchased will receive 1 free 50/50 raffle ticket! Family and friends are welcome to attend.

• Donate. Each family is required to sign up for a donation option at tinyurl.com/ICRDonations by October 31.

• Sponsor. Family and business sponsorships are available at tinyurl.com/ICRSponsor to help underwrite event expenses.

• Volunteer. Sign up to volunteer at tinyurl.com/ICRVolunteer for donation collection or event support.
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To learn more about the event and our $23,000 goal toward supporting the school, please visit tinyurl.com/ICRTickets. Questions? Email fundraising@myoll.org.

Thank you in advance for your support of this important initiative!

OLL is now offering an after school STEM Enrichment Program for all grades, beginning with Grades K-2! The six-week sessions are presented by Montclair Learning Center and will take place in the Cafeteria on Wednesdays, 3:00-4:00pm, beginning on November 29th (see specific dates on flyer for this and subsequent sessions). Thanks to a STEM grant from Cross River Bank, we are able to offer the sessions at a discounted rate of $140 per child. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first come, first served basis once payment is received!

• Use the button to register children K - 2 for Tinker Lab.

• Click here to register children K - 2 for Tinker Lab: https://forms.gle/VVx8j1b5x3ypKbPp8

• Payment can be made online using the link below or by check or cash to the main office: https://bngn.blackbaud.school/?id=1lqbi3rtltx#/home/

Jesus again speaks to His disciples in the form of a parable. This week we hear of the master who went on a journey and entrusted his possessions to his servants, to each according to his ability. Returning after a long time, the master looked to see what the servants had accomplished in his absence. He was overjoyed that they were able to do with the talents entrusted to their care. Those were the good and faithful servants who were invited to share in their master’s joy because of their effort. One servant, however, simply buried the talent in the ground. Its potential was wasted and that servant was cast out into the darkness.

Jesus is that master and we are His servants. Each of us are given different gifts and talents with which we are entrusted to assist in building the kingdom of God here on earth. One of the great problems today is that we do not look at the gifts and talents that we have received, but rather we are saddened by that which we lack. Many people look at images from social media with intense jealousy. Sadly, they are often paralyzed and unable to focus on and use the gifts they received from the Lord.

As we have been reminded in the past few weeks, do not know when the Lord will return. We must stay wide awake and sober awaiting the coming of the Lord, for he will come suddenly. When he comes, we shall be called forward to give an account of what we have done with the gifts of time, talent and treasure which were given to us. If we remain faithful to the Lord and use our gifts wisely, he shall say to us, “come, share your master’s joy!”

Pax et bonum,

Fr. Peter

The Parish has created a Christmas ornament to help celebrate Our Lady of the Lake’s 100th Anniversary. It will make the perfect Christmas gift for your friends and family or for you! Ornaments are $25. Cash or check payable to Our Lady of the Lake. You can pick up the Ornaments at the Daily Parish Center.

To kick off the Christmas season, our parish community will gather together on Saturday, December 16th following the 5:30 p.m. Mass to light up our church, school, parish center and rectory buildings with Christmas lights. We will celebrate our 100th Anniversary with a commemorative Christmas ornament which will be available for purchase.

Each year the Verona Clergy Council organizes a prayer service for people of all faiths. This tradition continues this year at 7:00 on Sunday evening, November 19. We will gather at First Presbyterian Church of Verona which is located at 10 Fairview Avenue. The clergy leaders of six of Verona's houses of worship and one in West Orange will lead us in scripture readings from Jewish, Islamic & Christian traditions, as well as music related to Thanksgiving with a joint choir from a few of the congregations. All are invited to join us as we offer thanks and praise to God for the goodness He has bestowed upon us.

Our Lady of the Lake Parish will be holding our first annual Calendar Raffle fundraiser. Soon, all registered families will receive an order form to purchase a ticket. Each ticket costs $120 and only 300 will be sold. They will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. During 2024, there will be a drawing on the 15th day of each month. The winning ticket is worth $1,000. That winning ticket is put back in for the next month's drawing so it is possible that a ticket may be drawn multiple times. It could actually be that one lucky ticket is drawn each month and the winner receives the entire $12,000! Remember, you've got to be in it to win it. Tickets make a great Christmas present for that person who has everything. The proceeds will be used for the grounds and maintenance of our parish.

Coping Kits by Success Street, LLC is a unique self-care kit for kids. Each kit is carefully packed in premium packaging and includes the following:

• One collectible breathing card
• One collectible mindfulness exercise card
• One collectible positive affirmation card
• One quality surprise item from small business owners and independent brands across the USA
• Instruction card and supply list for a peaceful project

11/21: Instrumental Music

11/21: Forensics Meeting

11/21: Chess Club Meeting

11/22: 1st Trimester Ends

11/22: Early Dismissal Day - 12:10 p.m.

11/23 - 11/24: School Closed - Thanksgiving Recess

11/30: Inagural Cocktail Reception - The Highlawn - 6:00 p.m.

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12/19: Gr. 4 - 8 Christmas Concert - 7:00 p.m.

Email: tconroy@myoll.org
Website: https://myoll.org/
Location: 26 Lakeside Avenue, Verona, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-239-1160
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ollverona