Saturday, May 13, 2023 – Easter Time
Feast of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament
Dear Friend of the Blessed Sacrament Community & Saint Ann Shrine,
I hope that this letter finds you well! May the blessings of this holy feast, promoted by our founder, Saint Peter Julian Eymard, help you to live the Eucharist and Mary’s faithful witness as a disciple of the Lord and faithful daughter of Saint Ann.
Lifelong, dedicated, faithful service to God, our faith, and our communities: this is the path of our brothers, deacons and fathers of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in their service to the Lord. You may have developed a personal relationship with some of our priests, brothers, and deacons over the years. We cherish our friendships with you and are so ever grateful.
As you know, our retired Blessed Sacrament Community religious never actually stop in their work! Just like your family, our Community faces escalating household and healthcare expenses. We do not receive financial assistance from the dioceses or other churches in which we serve. Your financial support makes it possible for our members to live a blessed retirement and full lives with assistance of our part-time housekeeper, maintenance man, nurse and cook.
Most of our members live here with me in Highland Heights at our Bethany Center home/wing of our campus where they serve Saint Ann Shrine and the Saint Paschal Baylon parish. A few are able to assist with celebrating Mass at local religious sisters’ convents and other Catholic organizations. Those who need additional assistance live at Regina Health Center in Richfield, Ohio where they receive outstanding care.
We humbly request for your assistance in supporting our retired members of the Blessed Sacrament Community. There are several ways you can financially support our brothers, Deacon Joe and priests:
- By returning the attached reply slip with your form of support (cash, check, credit card).
- Securely on our new website at st-ann-shrine.org.
- Through a donation of stock.
- Joining our Legacy Society by leaving us in your Will or Estate Plan
Your support strengthens and sustains the care for our priests, brothers, and deacons. We need you to assist with the long-term viability for taking care of our religious members who have spent their lives serving others. You can also memorialize your own legacy through a gift that makes a significant impact on sustaining our mission for years to come!
Please know you will be included in our prayers during daily Mass at Saint Ann Shrine and in the Liturgy of the Hours, when we celebrate Morning and/or Evening Prayer. You have made a difference in our lives: please know the peace of mind that you have made an impact on us and exhibited your devotion to Good Saint Ann as she looks over and protects all of us!
If you have any questions regarding the ways to support the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, please contact Scott Gongos, our Director of Mission Advancement, at 440-449-2700 or sgongos@blessedsacrament.com.
Thank you again for your sincere generosity, your prayers and ongoing assistance. May God bless you for your kindness. Let us continue to pray for each other and be assured that you are remembered in all my prayers.
In Christ Our Eucharist,
Very Reverend John Thomas J. Lane, SSS
Provincial Superior
*We invite you and your group to join us at Saint Ann Shrine for Daily Mass at 11:30AM, Monday-Friday (please call ahead for Holidays).
*The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament offers a daily devotion/reflection. If you’d like to receive this uplifting message, send an email to cee@blessedsacrament.com.
*Your loved ones can be remembered during Mass at Saint Ann Shrine. Call 440-449-2700 for details.
*Our Blessed Sacrament religious in Bethany and at Regina Health Center pray for you daily. Please let us know of any special intentions you’d like us to remember. You can submit your prayer though our website and request a candle to be lit for your special intentions at st-ann-shrine.org.
*We have Rosaries, Chaplets, Statues, Blessed Oil, and Holy Water available for a donation. Contact Saint Ann Shrine at 440-449-2700 or visit our website at st-ann-shrine.org.
*If you are 70 ½ years of age or older, you can support Saint Ann Shrine or the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament through distributions from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Your IRA Charitable Rollover Gift may satisfy your annual required minimum distribution and reduce your taxable income. Consult your financial advisor for the most advantageous opportunities for you.
*The article below includes wonderful information and suggestions how you can support Saint Ann Shrine and the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in ways that can benefit you and your philanthropic giving: https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/guidance/philanthropy/donating-retirement-assets-to-charity
Posted on May 19, 2023 by Scott Gongos
