2025
DOES CHRISTMAS WONDER EVER CEASE?
For Christians and Catholics the world over, Christmas is a sacred and beloved time to celebrate Mystery and Wonder. It is the most joyful and meaningful event the world has ever known. We call in the Incarnation – that incomprehensible moment in time when the invisible God-Creator of the vast universe that envelops us all, in a burst of divine exuberance, chose to mask his awesome divinity and wrap himself in the visible attractiveness of a male human baby, and literally become … one of us.
Think about it, wonder about it and be amazed and grateful that our tiny planet Earth, so undersized within the vast expanse of the majestic universe, was chosen by almighty God to be blessed with the Presence of Jesus, the divine Son of God and now the very human Son of Mary and Joseph.
We have so many reasons to celebrate this special child, Emmanuel, God-with-us, because His coming never ends, but continues every day, everywhere, all the time. Jesus came once – He remains forever.
All parents wonder what their child will become, don’t they? The angel Gabriel foretold the future of Jesus by announcing –He will be great, the Son of the Most High God, and his new kingdom will last forever. That Kingdom of Love, Peace and Justice is within the heart and soul of every baptized Christian and each of us is called to bring this “good news” to others.
Here at Saint Ann Shrine, the development arm of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, we ask you to join with us in making the Real Presence of Jesus better known and loved in the mystery of the Eucharist. We invite you to send in your prayer requests, include them on the reply slip or the ornament, and please know that they will remain before the altar during the Christmas season, and that we pray for our donors at every Liturgy celebrated Monday thru Friday here at the Shrine. We sincerely appreciate your support during this Christmas season and the entire year!
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
Father Roger Bourgeois, SSS
Chaplain, Saint Ann’s Shrine
Cleveland, Ohio
(Please highlight this paragraph on the page)- Saint Ann Shrine is offering 3 Christmas cards to send to your loved ones for a donation of $6.00, which includes shipping, while supplies last. Call 440-449-2700 for more information or if you’d be interested in more than 3 cards!
Throughout 2025, the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament has been celebrating 125 years of service in the United States. We invite you to join us at our last celebration in Lutz, Florida. Please contact Scott Gongos at 440-449-2700 or sgongos@blessedsacrament.com for more details, to R.S.V.P. or if you’d like to meet with Scott while we celebrate!
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Bethany Center Provincial Superior, Presiding
5:00 PM Eucharist Lutz, FL with a banquet following
*The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament is happy to share that in the Oratory of the Blessed Sacrament (the special chapel of the Blessed Sacrament Seminary – now Saint Ann Shrine too), Cleveland Bishop Edward Malesic elevated our status to that of a diocesan shrine! During this Jubilee Year for the church, Saint Ann Shrine will also host the following after Mass:
Tuesdays: Veneration of & Blessing with the Relic of Saint Ann followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until 2:00pm
Wednesdays: Novena with Saint Joseph
Thursdays: Divine Mercy & Rosary recitation
Fridays: Stations of the Cross
During Shrine hours of 8am-4pm, please come and add a prayer to our sacred cross and with the Relic of Saint Ann, light a candle or spend some quiet time renewing your faith and living as a “pilgrim of hope” during this Jubilee Year 2025!
*We are able to distribute the Blessed Oil we have in stock, while supplies last, for a donation. Contact Saint Ann Shrine at 440-449-2700 or visit our website at www.blessedsacrament.com/st-ann-shrine/. We still have Holy Water available for a donation as well.
*We invite you and your group to join us at Saint Ann Shrine for Daily Mass at 11:30AM, Monday-Friday (except on Holy Days or Holidays).
*The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament offers a daily reflection. If you’d like to receive this uplifting message, send an email to cee@blessedsacrament.com.
*You can honor your relatives, friends, or a Blessed Sacrament Community member by having a Mass celebrated in their honor 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. The Blessed Sacrament Community supports you in prayer and Eucharist. You can submit your prayer though our website and request a candle to be lit for your special intentions at www.blessedsacrament.com/st-ann-shrine/.
*We ask you to consider becoming a member of our Legacy Society by naming Saint Ann Shrine or the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in your will. For more information, please contact Scott Gongos, Director of Mission Advancement, at 440-449-2700 or sgongos@blessedsacrament.com.
*You may also consider donating gifts of stock. Depending on the stock’s current value, you may avoid capital gains tax or deduct the loss in value while donating the proceeds of the sale to the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. Consult your financial advisor for the most advantageous opportunities for you.
*Be sure to “Like” St. Ann Shrine on Facebook!
*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.
*Just a friendly reminder that we do NOT sell your name and contact information to other organizations!
