Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 Per Canon 1246, because the Solemnity of the Assumption falls on a Monday this year, August 15th, “the precept to attend Mass on this day is abrogated.”  Although the obligation to attend Mass is revoked, there will be two opportunities to celebrate this feast day with 7:00 am Mass at Our Lady of the Lake, Ashland and 8:30 am Mass at Saints Peter & Paul, Moquah. .

From the Relevant Radio website:

August 15 marks one of the most important Marian feast day of the  year: The Assumption. This day commemorates when Mary was assumed into  Heaven, body and soul. In 1950, Pope Pius XII made it a dogma of the  Church, an unquestionable teaching that verified this undeniable truth.  While the New Testament makes no explicit mention of Mary’s dormition or  assumption into Heaven, it has been affirmed by Christian Tradition and  the accounts of saints, and historical Scripture points to its  veracity. Just as God brought Enoch and Elijah directly into Heaven, He  has the power to bring Our Lady, who was conceived without sin.

Because of this flawless conception, Mary was not subject to the  stains and scars of Original Sin, namely labor pains, sickness, and  death. Therefore, when Pope Pius XII wrote the dogma for the Assumption  of Mary, he did not specify whether she died or whether she “fell  asleep.” Some say that she died, not because of sin, but to imitate the  life and death of Christ, perfection in all things. Others say that  because she was not subject to it, she merely entered a deep sleep  before her assumption.

Whatever the case, the dogma states the following: “Now God has  willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary should be exempted from this general  rule. She, by an entirely unique privilege, completely overcame sin by  her Immaculate Conception, and as a result, she was not subject to the  law of remaining in the corruption of the grave, and she did not have to  wait until the end of time for the redemption of her body.” (POPE PIUS  XII, MUNIFICENTISSIMUS DEUS, para. 5) Mary was assumed body and soul into Heaven. While others are subject to decay, being buried, and  waiting to be reunited with their Heavenly bodies, the Virgin Mother of  God was not only granted incorruptibility but instant entrance into  eternal salvation.

This event alone speaks to the vital significance of our bodies while  on earth. While we are not ultimately called to be permanent  inhabitants of this world and we should not tether our being to the  material goods of our mortal lives, the purpose of our bodies remains  singularly critical. It is responsible for helping us conduct ourselves  in a way that helps us honor God, know God, and love God. That is our  most important goal in life. To that end, we are called to respect our  bodies, just as the Virgin Mary did, in the hopes that our bodies too  will make their way to Heaven at the final judgement. (Catechism of the  Catholic Church, 366, “Body and Soul but Truly One”)

After all her body and mind had to undergo on earth, Mary was finally  granted a release, a letting go of the seven sorrows. The end of her  life marked the end of her earthly trials. God was finally taking His  beloved mother home to bask in His infinite paradise. This image of Mary  being carried the rest of the way can be an inspiration to us in our  darkest times. When we feel like letting go and giving up, God will not  let us go. He will shoulder our burdens if we let Him.

And there is no better intercessor than Our Lady herself. Let us go  to Mary through the Rosary and bring her all our intentions, struggles,  and petitions. Join us live at 7pm CT for the Family Rosary Across America!

Holy Mary, our hope, handmaid of the Lord, seat of Wisdom, pray for us.

The Big Money Raffle to benefit Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School was held at the parish picnic on Sunday, August 7, 2022 and here are the following winners:

Grand price -  $2500 

• Pete Peterson

$1000

• Clarence Campbell

$500 

• Mary Bartol

$100

• Mary Liebenthal
• Paul Rewalt
• Danielle Vanderscheuren
• Gary and Kris Foss
• Jorge Cisneros
• Harper Lulich
• Donna Anderson
• Janice Bernier
• Patty Eaton
• Chad Whiteaker

Thanks to everyone who participated in the drawing

The  post has been corrected to reflect that the grand prize is $2500 not $2580 as previously posted. Please accept our apologies. 

Over the past few years, OLL volunteer gardeners have been busy establishing new perennial beds and planters. Many perennials have been relocated from the convent garden to the church and school gardens. We could use some help with spring clean-up, and regular summer maintenance of established beds. Perhaps you are interested in “adopting” a small section of the garden for weekly maintenance? Please contact the Pastoral Center, 715-682-7620, if you can help - small efforts by many will add up to continued beautification of our gardens. 

What better way to show the Ashland community of our vibrant parish and school by volunteering to help.

Middle and high school students participating in the YDISCIPLE Faith Formation program recently completed a semester study series titled, Theology of the Body. Students dove into the extraordinary story of their creation as unrepeatable individuals, and the purpose of life…being a sincere gift of self for others and striving for eternity in heaven. The last few weeks focused on discerning God's will, vocation, family, authentic friendships, dating, and living a life of virtue. To cap the program students were invited to make a pledge to chastity. They lit votive candles, asked for Mother Mary’s intersession and spent time with the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration. 

Please keep our youth in prayer as they courageously live out Catholic values in a culture that is increasingly hostile to them.