"Carrying Jesus to the world begins with making a fitting home for Him in our hearts". |
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Immaculate Conception Church
208 7th Avenue West
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Church Office
611 North Church St.
Suite 101
Hendersonville, NC 28792
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We are a joyful Catholic community of disciples of Jesus Christ, moved by love, to seek the lost and the broken and bring them home |
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IC Blessings
November 1, 2021
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John Canavan, husband of Doris Canavan
Joan Truman
Eternal rest grant to them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
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Sponsored By: Immaculate Conception Women's Guild
When: Friday, November 19 and Saturday, November 20
Where: The Elks Club
Located at: 546 N. Justice St., Hendersonville
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
There will be gift baskets, wreaths, home décor, linens, decorations, gift items, baked goods and more. All proceeds will go to Charities of the IC Women’s Guild and to the Elks Club’s Christmas Food Program. Please come to support the guild’s charitable programs, and to get a jump start on your holiday preparations.
For more information please contact:
Mickey Mell at 828-989-0707 or Mickeymell@Bellsouth.net
Mary Lou Varnes at 828-435-1652 or marylou546@att.net
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THE WALSWORTHS – PARISHIONERS of the MONTH |
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The Walsworths have always confused people with their names . “My name is Gary, Walsworth,” he explains, “but most people, especially our friends at Immaculate Conception call me by my nickname Wally!” His wife, MaryRose, has her name misspelled frequently. “It’s all one word with a capital M and R. Most people want to make it two names instead of just one,” she laughs.
Wally and MaryRose came to Western North Carolina in 2009 after Wally retired from Ashland Specialty Chemicals in Dublin, Ohio. “We had been travelling to the area for 8 years prior to my retirement. We had researched the area and decided that this was where we wanted to live,” he shares.
Having earned a Master’s Degree in chemistry, Wally worked as a developmental and technical service chemist for 32 years. He moved to Dublin, Ohio to work for Ashland Specialty Chemicals and it was there that he met MaryRose. “I had a varied work career,” she says. “I started out at early age working in my family’s store. From there I worked in retail sales, human resources, global forklift and welding companies, and even the diamond/jewelry industry. I ended up in Dublin, OH where Wally was.”
They were married in 1992 in Wally’s hometown of Watertown, NY.
MaryRose was Catholic and Wally joined the Catholic Church in 2003. “Shortly after moving here, I joined the Knights of Columbus at Immaculate Conception. Both of us are very active in the Knights projects and events!” Wally has coordinated the Knights’’ efforts to raise money for organizations that help people with intellectual disabilities. “Our Operation LAMB campaigns have raised $100,000 over the past 10 years, “ he says proudly.
MaryRose volunteers at the OPLAMB fundraisers held at various stores and the Apple Festival. “I am also the ‘head chef’ at the Knights’ Lasagna dinners at the parish for the past 7 years,” she says with a smile. “They are so much fun and always well attended!” They both volunteer at Interfaith Assistance Ministries (IAM) and occasionally help serve lunches at the Rescue Mission.
The couple loves to travel and get together with friends and family. MaryRose likes to paint and play the keyboard in her spare time. Wally likes to golf, do woodworking, and is a wood carver. They both make aerobic walking a part of their early morning routine, and enjoy tasting new wines with good friends.
MaryRose has had one important personal goal – to earn a college degree.
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COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER BY BOUNTY OF BETHLEHEM RETURNS - WITH CHANGES |
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After restrictions made it impossible for Bounty to serve its annual Christmas dinner in 2020, we are happy to say it has returned. This year brings many changes including a new location. Safety protocols are calling the event to be a take-out only event.
Immaculata Catholic School graciously hosted this ecumenical event for almost all of the 38 years. They have been awarded a grant to create a STEM Lab for the school. This grant will remove the school’s commercial kitchen making it impossible to continue to serve as host. After searching for the right space, we were blessed to find the Salvation Army in Hendersonville, just a few blocks away to carry on our event. Captains Phillip and Sherrie Stokes along with the entire staff have welcomed the organizers and event with open arms. “This is a win-win for the Henderson County community”, says Captain Phillip. “It just makes sense for us to help in this way and Bounty of Bethlehem seems to be a natural extension of our Christmas Assistance programs already in place”, added Captain Sherrie.
While the event may look different with take-out only, the heart remains. The mission of Bounty of Bethlehem has always been to be a meal for the community by the community. In order to serve as safely as we can, the sit-down portion of the meal has been eliminated. However, pairing down the sit-down aspect of the day will change some of the volunteers needed. “We still need volunteers”, says Joanne Mummert, volunteer coordinator for over 15 years. “The meal will still need to be prepared taking several days/hours and packaged for pick up.” Joanne, and other leaders, will be available for sign-ups in person. "It's the same day, December 4, 9am - 1pm, but in our new location, at the Salvation Army" continued Joanne.
Since the mid-1980s Henderson County volunteers and supporters have come together to create a tradition of providing The Community Christmas Dinner by Bounty of Bethlehem for anyone and everyone to enjoy, no matter who they are, how they worship, or from where they come. All are welcome. Meals will be available for pick up only beginning at 12:30 and will be available until we run out or 4pm. Salvation Army is located at 239 Grove Street, Hendersonville. Look for more information at https://www.facebook.com/bobhendersonville
Donations can be mailed to PO Box 742 Horse Shoe, NC 28742
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In the Old Testament vocabulary, there was not a word for “thank you.” That doesn’t mean that the people of the Old Testament were not grateful – they simply expressed their thankfulness in a different, but meaningful way.
When they wished to express feelings of gratitude and thanksgiving, they gave a blessing. “Blessed be the light of day.” “Blessed be the food on our table.” “Blessed be the child just born.” “Blessed be the richness of the harvest.” “Blessed be the warmth of the sun.” You get the idea.
Part of the prayer life tradition in which Jesus grew up was this almost endless list of short blessings that praised God for everything from rainbows to a cup of strongly spiced wine! As a devout Jew, Jesus’ life was filled with these short prayers of gratitude. This spirit of thankfulness carried over to the early Christians and the center of their prayer and worship, the Eucharist. In fact, the Greek word for thanksgiving is “eucharist,”
As we gather together this coming Thanksgiving Day, perhaps you and your family could express your gratitude to God for all your blessings by offering these short “Blessed be…” prayers. Simply gather together and take a moment of quiet to recall the daily countless gifts for which to be grateful. Then begin “Blessed be…” Not only will you be beginning a new family tradition, you will also be creating a family litany of blessings!
Fr. Edward Hays, one of my favorite storytellers, calls these “boomerang” prayers. For once given, they come right back at you enabling you to better appreciate the goodness of God in a new way! This Thanksgiving, “Blessed be the joy of God’s gifts, family, friends, turkey and pumpkin pie!!”
Kathy Meersman
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Due to the large number of families in Henderson County in need of furniture and household items, the inventory at the Good Samaritan Attic has become very low. This ministry provides used furniture and household items at no cost to those in need. We provide families with everything from tables, chairs, couches, beds, mattresses, bedding, pots, pans, dishes and much more. Your generosity makes it possible for this ministry to help so many in need. If you are moving or downsizing and would like to donate furniture or household items, please contact Margaret Cavagnaro at (828)280-1298 for pick up. We also offer receipts for tax purposes, if needed. |
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ADULT FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM |
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With an initial focus on the scriptural foretelling of the miracle in the sacrament of the Eucharist, the adult Faith Formation program has begun to meet. The intriguing prophetic predictions were integrated into the religious practices of the ancient Jewish traditions, and Christ’s sacred consummation at the Last Supper was actually the end of the beginning of God’s eternal intent. The discovery of the historical interconnections is both amazing and fascinating.
The program consists of a series of short videos presented by Dr. Brant Pitre, a renowned and ingratiating modern theologian, followed by the group’s sharing of enlightenments, impressions, and questions. Rather than a lecture format, the style is a Socratic engagement in a learning community.
Content of future topics will evolve in response to the interests of the participants.
All adults who are called by the Holy Spirit to seek a deeper understanding and appreciation of their faith are invited to join the sessions that are held every Sunday morning from 10:45 to 11:45 in the Saint Francis room.
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Thank you from the Women’s Guild on your contribution to the Open Arms Baby Shower. We received a wonderful assortment of items, such as beautiful hand made articles, baby clothing, a much needed supply of diapers, lotions, shampoo, diaper rash cream, a car seat and a stroller. We received money donations and gift cards to Walmart and Ingles which will be used to buy formula and vitamins. Several parishioners expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to support Open Arms. Thank you again for supporting this Respect Life Month event sponsored by the Women’s Guild. |
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NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT BRING GOD'S
LOVE TO INMATES
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A special “thank you” goes to the youth in our Faith Formation Program, Edge, Confirmation, and Immaculata School for sharing notes of love, hope, and encouragement for the inmates at Craggy Prison. Some members of the Women’s Guild and parish also wrote prayers. These notes were read during the Agape Project for a special Kairos Retreat, “At the Fence – You Are Not Alone,” held on Saturday, October 9th. The prison Chaplain will pass out the notes and prayers to the inmates. The concern and caring of the youth and adults of Immaculate Conception Parish has touched and brought God’s love and forgiveness to so many!
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Thanks to all that came out to have fun this weekend at the Welcome Back Festival. It was wonderful to see so many parish and school families enjoying the beautiful weekend together at the different events. Special thanks to all that volunteered time and talent to make this so fun. More great fun will be coming soon. |
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