In the lands where Jesus walked, for centuries the Christians in and around Bethlehem have earned a living by carving unique religious statues and images from olive wood and selling it to visiting pilgrims.
Tag: Beloit
Spring Fling to be held for Our Lady of the Assumption School in Beloit
BELOIT — It’s a fundraiser to benefit Our Lady of the Assumption Grade School (OLA) as people support its faith-based education But, it also promises to be so much more, according to Aron Bussan, chairperson for the event.
The sixth annual Spring Fling takes place Saturday, April 13, from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. at La Casa Grande Banquet Hall, 818 Fourth St., in Beloit.
Besides parishioners and school parents, the public is invited and welcome to enjoy an evening featuring a potpourri of entertainment, according to Bussan, who is an alumnus of the school.
Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration held in Beloit
BELOIT — More than 600 people honored Our Lady of Guadalupe at a lively, yet spiritual celebration on her feast day, December 12.
The evening’s events included a concert by the Mariachi Juvenil del Sur Band from Harvard, Ill., Mass, and a sharing meal featuring Hispanic specialties.
People from Beloit, Janesville, Clinton, and areas of Northern Illinois gathered at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Church for the celebration that is meaningful and part of the heritage to residents in Latin American countries, especially in Mexico.
Beloit parish hosts free Thanksgiving dinner
BELOIT — For the third year, a group of Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) parishioners are organizing, preparing food, and inviting anyone in the Beloit community to a free Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings on Thursday, Nov. 22.
Serving will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in Assumption Hall. There is an elevator to the lower level dining hall. People who are alone are especially invited to attend.Dismas Ministry carries out Works of Mercy
BELOIT — A connection with people, stressing God’s goodness and love, often can help incarcerated persons on their journey back to a lawful, productive life.
Pope Francis has often invited Catholics to carry out the Works of Mercy, and in particular, to visit the imprisoned.
Historic Beloit church is renovated
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| St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Beloit recently completed a renovation of its historic church, which was dedicated in 1886. The renovation included cleaning and painting of all church walls and repainting of statues and the corpus on the crucifix (above). A stylized tree of life design was created as a background for the crucifix. The tabernacle, formerly on a side altar, was moved to the center of the altar area and placed on a custom-made table. (Catholic Herald photo/Pat Casucci) | ||
BELOIT — The rejoicing, joy, and peace of Easter Sunday was enhanced for St. Thomas the Apostle parishioners.
After a major $335,000 renovation of the church interior, it was the first time in almost three months that a Mass was celebrated by Pastor Fr. John Hedrick in the historic church built in 1885.
The church had been closed since January 8, 2018.
The regularly scheduled weekend Masses for St. Thomas were held at St. Jude Church. Father Hedrick is pastor of both parishes.
In a recent interview, Father Hedrick said, “We have had lots of positive comments about the renovation. On Easter Sunday, there was a sense of awe as parishioners looked around the church, seeing how beautiful it is.”
Necessary renovation
Father Hedrick said the renovation was necessary after significant plaster repair was needed on a church wall and part of the ceiling. “The church walls also looked in need of cleaning, and it was decided to not just paint them,” he said.
“After a couple pieces of plaster fell, we knew we had to take care of this 133-year-old building, not let it deteriorate,” he explained. The last time the walls were painted was in 1975.
Extensive planning for the project included a fund drive with parishioners contributing about $175,000. In addition, Father Hedrick said two memorial bequests and parish funds made the extensive renovation possible.
Thrift store in Beloit seeks to continue serving people in need
BELOIT — Since opening its larger thrift store, Beloit St. Vincent de Paul Society volunteers agree there has been a notable increase in customers. The customers often express their appreciation for the inviting, expanded store area.
After operating its store in about 1,500 square feet for the past 30 years, last spring the society purchased the adjoining building at 614 Fourth St. Now with 4,444 square feet of space, there is room for appliances and furniture as well as clothing and household items.
Portable Planetarium comes to Beloit
BELOIT — Students at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) School in Beloit had a recent surprise.
They had a field trip and a chance to learn about the night time sky brought to them.
On November 15, the Portable Planetarium from the Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, Ill., made a stop at the school.
Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Beloit to serve Thanksgiving meal
BELOIT — Are you alone with no place to go or have no family members nearby on Thanksgiving Day?
You can spend Thanksgiving dinner with dozens of people in the comfortable, friendly surroundings at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Parish.
Beloit students ‘plant’ Pinwheels for Peace
BELOIT — On September 21, Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School children took part in an international art project, Pinwheels for Peace, by “planting” pinwheels with messages of peace in front of their school and church.
Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started in 2005 by two art teachers, Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan, of Coconut Creek, Fla., as a way for students to express their feelings about what is going on in the world and in their lives.