October 2026
Dear Friends,
The scriptures call us to be ready and watchful for the coming of the Lord, for we know not the day nor the hour. (Mt. 24:44, Mt. 25: 13). During these days of autumn, we experience the change of seasons. We celebrate the feast of All Saints, followed by the Remembrance of All the Holy Souls.
Death came unexpectedly to our chaplain, Reverend Roger C. Bourgeois, SSS. He was called from this life during the night on the feast of the Queenship of Mary, August 22nd. He spent the week with friends celebrating his birthday on August 16, marking 96 years and his continued active ministry.
Father Roger would say that we are all saints in the making, living the truth of the gospel and finding our way to the Father’s home. Saddened by his sudden death, there is consolation in knowing his faith prepared him to make the transition to leave everything behind.
He loved his ministry as the chaplain of the Shrine of Saint Ann, praying before the Blessed Sacrament for the intentions of our donors. This work continues to address the many needs that challenge us as we move forward. Please join us in praying for vocations to the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and our religious in formation along with our members in retirement. We are grateful for your generosity and kindness in supporting our mission!
We are partners in this ministry as a family united to the mother of Mary, who trustingly spoke her ‘fiat’, bringing Jesus into the world. Send us the names of people you would like to be remembered in prayer. We look forward to hearing from you and offering you our support. Call 440-449-2700, or visit our website at www.blessedsacrament.com/st-ann-shrine/.
Good Saint Ann, pray for us.
In the Spirit of Good Saint Ann,
Father William Fickel, SSS Brother Thomas Mella, SSS
*Please ask your employer if they support a matching gift program and your donation may be doubled!
*Emmanuel online magazine is a publication of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. The mission of Emmanuel is to “see all of reality in the light of the Eucharist.” Those interested in a Eucharistic perspective on Spirituality, Culture, Scripture, Ministry, Liturgy, and Prayer will find Emmanuel to be an excellent resource. Subscribe today! Contact us at emmanuel@blessedsacrament.com.
*Please share your story of how the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament Community or Saint Ann Shrine has made an impact on your life! We would be so grateful to hear from you! You can reach me at sgongos@blessedsacrament.com or 440-449-2700.
*You can honor your loved ones 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.
*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.
*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.
*We accept grants from your Donor Advised Fund (DAF)!
*Just a friendly reminder that we do NOT sell your name and contact information to other organizations!
