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| 2014 June LOSH Baby Shower |
The mother-to-be couldn't attend in person, too full of sorrow to join in the shower with burial of the baby's father upcoming in two days. Gathered together with all the presents, the story of this neighbor in need was told to the women present. A special prayer written by Deacon John, a blessing for both the mother and the baby, was recited. It reflected the power of God's love and the power of practicing to love one's neighbor in very real terms.
Everyone joined in the food and drink and lively stories followed about participants' memories of their first child being born. Some of the stories were hysterical, some were spiritual, all brought lifting of hearts and sprits and good will.
Everyone then signed the giant baby shower card and Sheila Harrison took photos of the gathering. Three carloads of presents were delivered to the recipient's home. Her neighbors, husband, wife, and 4-year-old daughter helped unload and take in all the gifts. The LOSH representatives delivering the shower gifts told our mom-to-be that our group fully understood why she could not attend in person. Then everyone prayed with their arms outstretched including the little girl who said "me too" as she reached her arms over the as yet unborn baby.
With this shower, our recipient neighbor felt the love of women she did not know in her time of sorrow and loss as well as new beginnings and new joy in the anticipated birth of a son. She felt the balm of neighborly love and prayer and generosity help her overcome the pain of her loss, as we, the participants, felt the gift of love flowing out from our organization in praise of our God and our faith. May we all continue the prayers for this neighbor that she may continue to feel the love of the Father reach into her heart and into all the hearts of good neighbors everywhere.
Gifts included:
Baby washcloths, towels, burb towels, newborn undershirts and onesies.
Crib sheets and baby clothes for 3 month olds, socks, sun hat, and even baby sunglasses
Changing table with pad and 6 month clothes for the cooler months
Receiving blankets and crib blankets and 6 month clothes for cool weather
Bumper pads for crib and 6-9 month clothing
Digital thermometer and 9 month clothing
Jacket/snow suit, hat, for 9 month old
Diabers, pacifier, wipes, lotion, vaseline, A&D ointment, shampoo, baby tylenol, Q-tips, nasal aspirator.
Also provided were baby bed and car seat furnished by ChangePoint (pregnancy counseling) in Hot Springs, and a monetary gift from the Sacred Heart Respect Life Committee. The Family Asssistance Committee of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church organized the Baby Shower. The Family Assistance Committee is newly formed and funded by Sacred Heart Social Justice committe to assist needy families identified by parishioners and/or local institutions or authorities.
Photos: kindness of Sheila Harrison
Robi Heffington, wife of the Chaplain Rich, welcomed all the donations from Ladies of Sacred Heart. The bags were delivered by Nancy Froning and Sheila Harrison. The horses started arriving at the track on Monday and along with them will come the workers. Robi said she now had two volunteers who manage the clothes closet and our gifts will provide them with several days work of sorting, sizing and putting away all the very useful items.The chaplain and Robi offered a prayer of thanksgiving before we left and prayed especially for our generous members.
THANK YOU LADIES!
Submitted by Sheila Harrison 11/14/2013
Submitted by Sheila Harrison 11/14/2013
Sent:Friday, January 18, 2013 7:22 PM
Subject:Thank you!
Hello,
My name is Dawn and we have never met, but I needed to send you a note of thanks. On Dec.14,2012 my community was harmed in a way no one could imagine.
What started out being a day full of promise and love turned into a day of horror, shock, and sadness. My three children were off to school, my husband, who is a Police Lieutenant was hard at work and I had taken the day off to clean my house and go Christmas shopping. As I am vacuuming I realize my doorbell is ringing and my phone is going off with text messages, calls, and emails all at once. My neighbor starts yelling something about a shooting and a lockdown and what did I know.
I listened to my voice mails, to the recorded message that all schools are locked down for a possible shooting in a school. My breath was lost, my stomach hurt and I got my keys and drove to my children's school which is Newtown High School as fast as I could. I, like the rest of my town assumed if there is a shooting, it was at our high school. As I drove the pit in my stomach increased with every police car, ambulance, and helicopter that was rushing into our town. I could tell by the lack of activity at the High School that there was nothing going on there and I thanked God.
As I turned down the next road to make the loop back to my house, and I realized it's our elementary school. It was like a war zone with police running; guns drawn and parents frantic and crying and ambulances lined up. There were at least 50 of them just sitting idling. I remember wondering why there were so many ambulances and why were they just sitting there? Why weren't they helping to save someone? Sadly we know now that they had no one to save.
The past few weeks have been a blur. As a community we have mourned, comforted and cried. We have started memorials, baked pies, and lit candles. We have written poetry, songs and petitions. We have painted pictures and looked at the smiling faces from photos of each and every one of the victims. We have buried children and teachers. Our community is broken but being held together through love.
A few days ago, I received one of your prayer shawls. I feel as if one of the 26 angels brought it to me. Who would believe that a piece of cloth could have so much power. I have kept myself wrapped in it and have felt your love and blessing daily. In addition to physically warming my back, it gives me strength and comfort and it is helping me through this difficult time. I hope you understand how powerful your love and prayer is and please know that the hours you spent putting together shawls have brought comfort to so many. I cannot thank you enough and please know that so many others feel the same as me.
We are Newtown, We are Strong, and we choose Love!
Many thanks,
Dawn
Subject:Thank you!
Hello,
My name is Dawn and we have never met, but I needed to send you a note of thanks. On Dec.14,2012 my community was harmed in a way no one could imagine.
What started out being a day full of promise and love turned into a day of horror, shock, and sadness. My three children were off to school, my husband, who is a Police Lieutenant was hard at work and I had taken the day off to clean my house and go Christmas shopping. As I am vacuuming I realize my doorbell is ringing and my phone is going off with text messages, calls, and emails all at once. My neighbor starts yelling something about a shooting and a lockdown and what did I know.
I listened to my voice mails, to the recorded message that all schools are locked down for a possible shooting in a school. My breath was lost, my stomach hurt and I got my keys and drove to my children's school which is Newtown High School as fast as I could. I, like the rest of my town assumed if there is a shooting, it was at our high school. As I drove the pit in my stomach increased with every police car, ambulance, and helicopter that was rushing into our town. I could tell by the lack of activity at the High School that there was nothing going on there and I thanked God.
As I turned down the next road to make the loop back to my house, and I realized it's our elementary school. It was like a war zone with police running; guns drawn and parents frantic and crying and ambulances lined up. There were at least 50 of them just sitting idling. I remember wondering why there were so many ambulances and why were they just sitting there? Why weren't they helping to save someone? Sadly we know now that they had no one to save.
The past few weeks have been a blur. As a community we have mourned, comforted and cried. We have started memorials, baked pies, and lit candles. We have written poetry, songs and petitions. We have painted pictures and looked at the smiling faces from photos of each and every one of the victims. We have buried children and teachers. Our community is broken but being held together through love.
A few days ago, I received one of your prayer shawls. I feel as if one of the 26 angels brought it to me. Who would believe that a piece of cloth could have so much power. I have kept myself wrapped in it and have felt your love and blessing daily. In addition to physically warming my back, it gives me strength and comfort and it is helping me through this difficult time. I hope you understand how powerful your love and prayer is and please know that the hours you spent putting together shawls have brought comfort to so many. I cannot thank you enough and please know that so many others feel the same as me.
We are Newtown, We are Strong, and we choose Love!
Many thanks,
Dawn
This Lent, all women in the parish are invited and encouraged to attend a day of reflection, interactive dialogue and prayer based on the story of Martha and Mary from Luke's gospel. The Ladies of the Sacred Heart are sponsoring this inspiring day that will explore the tension between "doing much serving" and "just being at the feet" of Jesus. There's no cost. Please join us on Monday, March 18, beginning with Mass at 9:00 a.m. The program will start at 10:00 a.m. and will end shortly after 3:00 p.m. We're asking each person to bring her own lunch - coffee and drinks will be provided. Paula Doyle will be leading the presentations, and there will be plenty of time for personal, private reflection, as well as opportunities to share in small group discussions. Please mark your calendars. Questions, call Peg Birzer at 915-0320 or Ellie Hubert at 922-5231.
The January 14th general meeting was held as part of the parishwide baby shower. LOSH members brought their donations and member donations were also used as centerpieces for the tables. A truly festive atmosphere reigned over our meeting.
After Deacon Bernie said grace and led members in the pledge of allegiance, Fr. Bill blessed the shawls and reminded attendees of several upcoming parish and diocesan events. Buddy Dixon took the microphone after Fr. Bill's remarks and gave a presentation on the planned excursion to Crystal Bridges and other points of interest sponsored by the Sacred Heart Men's Club. It is my understanding that the available reservations are now filled and a waiting list has been started should there be any cancelations before the trip.
Our speaker, Marlene Zenker, was then introduced. She gave a poignant, and yet often humorous, description of her journey with her husband to the Island of Madagascar. Poverty and extreme hunger were everywhere. Marlene came home with a feeling that the hunger she witnessed up close and personal should be publicized if there would ever be a solution for this widespread misery. She authored a children's book entitled "The Empty Bowl" to awaken in both children and adults a concern for the paralyzing poverty and hunger that remains prevalent in parts of the earth.
Marlene cites the call of our Savior, as presented in Matthew 25:35-40, to remind us of our responsibility to feed the hungry, and to comfort the afflicted as we are, indeed, our brothers keepers.
After her presentation, Marlene signed books purchased by members.
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| LOSH Members who modeled Lagniappe Boutique fashions: Back row l-r, Toni Phillips, Pat Becker, Darlene Barta, Vinnie Calvey, and Front row l-r, Mary Duffy, Phyllis Melenson, Elsa Naeger, Dotti Asten |
Home Plate catered a very tasty chicken/spinach salad with pecans and mandarin oranges and raspberry vinaigrette dressing which was served by the “guys in bow ties”, members of Sacred Heart’s Men’s Club and the Knights of Columbus local council. The ladies were expertly pampered by these waiters, as well as by more “guys” who acted as bartenders serving mimosas or a selection of wines to satisfy the ladies’ tastes.
Fashions by Hot Springs Lagniappe Boutique, presented by owner Marcia Dobbs-Smith, proved that elegance and fun could be merged in fashionable clothing for all sizes, shapes and occasions. Models for the fashion show were all members of the Ladies of Sacred Heart. They graced the stage and then circulated among the tables so all attendees could get a close up look at the lovely clothing and jewelry they modeled.
The fashion show was interspersed with awards of door prizes, donated through the generosity of local businesses, and ended with the results of the raffle and winners of the silent auction bids. The beautiful raffle prizes and auction items were all the artful creations of very talented SHJ parishioners.
Fashion show chairwomen Nancy Froning and Joyce Field, with a whole lot of help from their committee members, can be proud of their highly enjoyable and very successful event.
Check the Photo Gallery for more pictures of this event.