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Holy Hour Prayers for the Dying
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Our Lady of Victory began a new devotion called “Holy Hour Prayers For the Dying” in the chapel from 6-6:50 PM. This weekly devotion is open to anyone who would like to gather together and pray for those who are dying all over the world, people who die suddenly, or loved ones who are currently dying. The purpose for these prayers is to aid in the saving of many souls.
These holy hours are being introduced by a member of St. Dominic Church, Fernanda Moreira, who has been promoting this devotion for 5 years at her parish, and they continue each Saturday morning following the 8:15 Mass.
Fernanda and her sister-in-law, Lourdes , first felt compelled to begin these holy hours when their sister-in-law was dying. They prayed with her and for her for 3 months. After she died, they began to consider the many people who have no one to pray for them and began to compose the holy hour in its present form. The two sisters- in -law prayed together for a period of time and soon other women began to pray with them. They decided to put the prayers in a booklet form with the help of Fernanda’s daughter. The holy hour format was reviewed by Fernanda’s pastor and finally by Fr. Joseph Binzer, who gave it the imprimatur for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. She has approval to present the holy hours to the parish pastors.
Each of us knows someone with a serious illness or someone who has been involved in a life threatening accident. Please consider coming weekly for this important prayer event. There are countless people who appear to have a sudden change of heart as they are dying or have a dramatic change in their lives when they nearly die. It is no accident. God wants us to pray for each other. There is no greater moment to have prayers prayed for a person than when a person is dying. We have only this life to prepare to meet Our Father in heaven. Join together to pray for these people, those you know and do not know , because we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. During these holy hours we invoke God’s merciful love for the dying. What could be more important or more rewarding? Please come even if it is for a small part of it. Every minute is precious in God’s sight.
If you know of someone dying and in need of prayers, and are unable to meet with us in the chapel on Thursday evenings, you can call Cyndy Hummer at 922-4231 (or leave a message). The group will remember that person in their prayers, to give them strength as they approach their eternal destination.
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Ministries of the Worship Commission
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Worship Commission / Lector Ministry
An important ministry at each liturgy is that of the lector (reader). “The lector is instituted to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture, with the exception of the Gospel. He may also announce the intentions for the Prayer of the Faithful and, in the absence of a psalmist, proclaim the Psalm between the readings.” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 99.)
 At OLV, this ministry is coordinated by Joe Baxter. Joe has been a member of OLV for 20 years, is married to Sue, and has 3 grown children. You may know him as he is involved in many other ministries: Usher/Greeter, Extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, Vice Chairman of the Worship Commission, and helps with the St. Vincent de Paul Society.As Lector Coordinator, Joe is responsible to make sure that OLV has trained and committed lectors scheduled to proclaim the Word at our parish liturgies. Each lector receives a “workbook” that they use to practice the readings at home. This book gives you background information and even pronunciation helps. Each lector has a monthly rotating schedule, and finds substitutes if necessary. Before Mass, the lectors sign the ministry book in the church’s atrium.
To become a lector you must:
1) Be an active member of the parish
2) Must have received the sacrament of Confirmation
3) Be able and willing to proclaim the Word of God in a reverent manner.
Joe commented that we are currently in need of 3 more lectors to fill some recent vacancies. If you are interested or feel God is calling you to help with this ministry, please leave your name and phone number at the parish office (922-4460) and Joe will contact you. Thank you!
 Coordinator of Ushers & Greeters- Mr. Ken Burger
When you attend a weekend liturgy at OLV, a smiling face will welcome you. This is one of the many usher/greeters that volunteer their time under the leadership of Ken Burger. This committee is responsible for “meeting people at the church entrance, helping to seat them, guide processions, and take up the collection”. General Instructions of the Roman Missal, 68.
Ken has been involved with the Worship Commission and has coordinated the Usher/Greeter committee for 9 years. Ken enjoys this job as it is “one way that I spread the Word of the Lord in my actions and words. I am learning more and getting closer to Him.”
Anyone who enjoys being with people can volunteer in this ministry. Ken says he could use more volunteers especially at the 4:30 PM Saturday and 11:15 AM Sunday liturgies. If you are interested in helping, please contact Ken at 347-3137. You need to come to Mass a few minutes earlier and help distribute bulletins afterwards.
Ushers also help with whatever is needed. Sometimes a parishioner needs medical attention (good thing Delhi paramedics are right across the street!). If there is a change in temperature, ushers will help open windows, or doors. If no one has signed the Ministry book to bring up the Offertory gifts, an usher might ask your family to help bring forward the bread, wine, and collection.
Ken is also a member of the Lighthouse Community Prayer group and involved with the Cursillo 220 group. When asked what was his most rewarding experience as an OLV church usher?, Ken commented that he loves the “smiles and comments that he gets from people as they leave.” Ken simply wishes them a “Blessed week!” Who could ask for more?
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The Liturgy Planning Committee
Catholic liturgy has been celebrated for over 2000 years, and will continue to be celebrated in heaven for all eternity. Every time we attend Mass, we are reminded that we partake in a sacred action. Because the Mass is the most important part of Catholic life, it’s planning and preparation should not be taken lightly. Thus, we have a committee who gathers to plan, oversee, and evaluate parish liturgies.
 At OLV, Tom Coppedge chairs the Liturgy Planning Committee. This group is comprised of the Priests, Deacon, Music Director, Coordinators of Baptism and the Art & Environment Committee. Together, they coordinate efforts so that our celebration of the Eucharist may possess its full effectiveness, and that we strive for “full, conscious, and active participation” in the liturgical worship of our faith community. The liturgies during the Christmas and Easter Liturgical Seasons are especially busy and take extra effort. Fr. Duffy first invited Tom to join the Liturgy Planning Committee in 1998, and Tom has faithfully continued his service, acting as Chairman since 2000.
Tom and his wife, Ruth, have been married and members at OLV for over 50 years! They are blessed with 4 wonderful daughters, thirteen grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Tom enjoys spending his time coordinating this committee. Participating in the Worship Commission has not changed his perspective of Church. “ I have always loved this Church and this Parish”, he comments, “and this is an opportunity to reinforce my commitment in serving the Lord in a more positive way.”
Thanks Tom for your service and dedication!
RCIA
The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is not a program, but rather a “process” of preparation for the lifetime commitment of becoming a member of the Catholic church. From September to the first Sunday of Advent (Inquiry Period), interested people meet and ask questions about our faith. After deciding to move forward, there is a Rite of Welcoming, and they are invited to attend the 9:30 AM Mass for the Liturgy of the Word each Sunday. If you have never been baptized, you are considered a “Catechumen”; if you are a baptized Christian coming from another faith, you are a “Candidate.”
After the Homily, the Catechumens and Candidates are dismissed to go to the Convocation Center so they can discuss the readings they just heard at Mass. After Mass, the rest of the RCIA team (parishioners, sponsors and priests) join them as they have lessons and discussions about our faith and what we believe as Catholics.
The Journey of Faith continues until Easter Vigil when the Catechumens are baptized, and the Candidates receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation. The weekly classes continue until Pentecost.
At OLV, RCIA is coordinated by Rose Marie Niemeyer. She has been a parishioner for 50 years, has 8  children, 22 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren! Rose Marie works as a legal assistant for a law firm downtown, and enjoys attended the grandkid’s events, golf and bridge. IN HER SPARE TIME(!) she organizes and lovingly gives her time to those entering the church. Rose Marie says working with the RCIA is “a very rewarding experience because you help someone on their journey of faith.” After RCIA, the new members are encouraged to be active members at OLV, and Rose Marie loves seeing them as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, or involved in other committees. “The RCIA team gets as much out of the experience as the candidates do, because they ask so many good questions.” Rose Marie commented that coming from another faith takes courage. We need to extend our support, friendship and prayers for these newest members of the church.
Who may attend RCIA?
| *Persons who have never been baptized as Christians |
| *People who have been baptized in another Christian tradition, and are now interested in Catholicism |
| *People who were baptized Catholic, but not yet received Eucharist or Confirmation |
| *Catholics who would like to rejuvenate their faith |
This year’s RCIA team members are: Peggy Cappel, Teresa & Ron Humphrey, Charley Jenkins, Mary Jo Kessler, Ken Meymann, Jack and Carol Molleran, Susan Neyer, Dot Schultheis, Fr. Reutter, and Fr. George.
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