Saying THANK YOU is never enough!
Saying a simple THANK YOU for supporting our annual Giving Tree just doesn’t seem like enough to let you know the deep gratitude expressed by the 14 groups you helped this year with your generosity. Our parish has been blessed with such a giving heart, and it is so important that you realize every tag taken made a difference to so many who are not as fortunate as us. Amen, I say to you, whatever you do for one of these least brothers or sisters of mine you do for me (Mt. 25:40). We are sure the Lord is smiling down on all of you good and faithful servants. We pray all of you have a very blessed Christmas and that the blessings continue throughout 2025. Thank you again, Darlene Rinke, Melissa Byrne, Anita Strach and Vickie Bird
Christmas Donations
Only those donations we receive two weeks before through two weeks after Christmas may be allotted to the Christmas collection (this is not assessed the normal AOD 7% tax). This is the AOD’s policy, and we are required to follow it. Thank you for donating to the Christmas collection only between December 11, 2025 and January 8, 2026. Any donation received on or before December 31 will appear on your 2025 giving statement.
1/2 - 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil
1/3 - Mary's Closet Collection
1/3 - 20s & 30s Prayer and Pancakes
1/4 - The Epiphany of the Lord
1/5 - MagnifiTOTS Play Group
1/9 - St. Paul of the Cross Women's Retreat Begins
1/10 - Work of Our Hands Yarn Ministry Meeting
1/11 - The Baptism of the Lord
1/11 - New at OLGC! Sensory Mass
1/12 - Lectio: Salvation Bible Study Begins
1/12 - Life Issues Ministry Monthly Meeting
1/15 - Feed the Homeless
1/17 - Luminaries for Life
1/21 - Rose Mass for the Unborn
Risk of Heart Attack or Stroke During Winter Holidays
From Your Parish Nurse, Margo Murphy, RN
“With all vigilance guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life.” Proverbs 4:23
Scientific research has shown that during the winter holiday season there is an increase in heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular emergencies. This increase spikes during the last week of December, with more people dying of heart attacks between December 25 and January 1 than any other time of the year. With these sobering statistics it is critical that we pay extra attention to our heart and brain health during this time.
This is likely due to a combination of factors, such as: cold weather, which can restrict blood flow in the arteries, added stress and anxiety due to holiday preparations, eating rich foods and having alcoholic drinks, traveling, skipping medications, getting less rest. But one of the most critical factors may be that people ignore the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke and put off seeking medical care until after the holidays.
Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke in yourself or another person, calling 911 and receiving prompt care—or in the event of a cardiac arrest, calling 911 and starting CPR, is one of the best gifts you can give yourself, your loved ones, or even a stranger. Also, don’t ignore any new symptoms that may arise during the holidays. See a doctor, get checked out. Don’t worry about spoiling everyone’s fun. Your loved ones aren’t going to be upset. They want you here for more Christmas holidays.
Heart Attack Symptoms
- Chest discomfort - Discomfort in the center of the chest that may feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. This can last for a few minutes, go away, and then return.
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, or stomach.
- Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulders.
- Shortness of breath.
- Feeling very tired or faint.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Breaking out in a cold sweat.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- As with men, women’s most common symptom is chest discomfort. But women often report feeling anxiety, and a squeezing pressure in the upper back that feels like a rope tied around them, in addition to the other symptoms described above.
Stroke Symptoms - think of “B.E.F.A.S.T.”
- B: Balance - Dizzy, off balance, walking differently, numbness in legs.
- E: Eyes - Blurred vision, double vision, loss of vision.
- F: Face - Face drooping or numb. Ask person to smile, is the smile uneven?
- A: Arm - Numbness in one or both arms. Raise both arms, does one arm drift downward?
- S: Speech - Slurred speech. Ask person to repeat a simple sentence. Can they repeat sentence clearly, can they understand you, are they confused.
- T: Time to call 911 - If a person has any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 911 immediately. Note time person’s symptoms started and share with EMS.
*Another very important symptom of a stroke is a sudden severe headache. Call 911 even if there are no other symptoms.
Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke may come on all at once, or gradually over a few days. Pay attention to your health. Catch the signs early.
Resources: newsroom.heart.org, heart.org, American Heart Association, American Stroke Association
