Dear Friends,
No matter how many birthdays we have already celebrated, the actual day still manages to excite us as it stirs up gratitude for the gift of life and hopes that loved ones will remember the good times we have shared!
When God decided to send his only Son Jesus to earth, he chose three special people: Ann and her husband Joachim who would give birth to a daughter named Mary, who in turn would be mother to the Savior of the World. Mary was conceived immaculate through the married love and agency of her saintly parents. As the Church celebrates the birthday of Mary on September 8th, we cannot fail to remember and be grateful for her parents who gave her life, and nurtured the values and wholeness that has characterized Mary’s popularity throughout the world. We also celebrate Grandparents Day on September 12th, keeping Saint Ann and Saint Joachim close to our hearts.
Mary’s birthday is also a spiritual birthday for many of the priests and brothers in the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament because on that day we pronounced the vows of Religious Life, poverty, chastity and obedience, for the first time. We were now part of the consecrated life of the Church, and committed to help spread the knowledge and love of Jesus in the Eucharist to the world.
One of the ways we do this is through the fund-raising efforts of Saint Ann’s Shrine Mission Advancement Office. Amongst the many of our mission works, these funds contribute to the education of present and future vocations to the Congregation in addition to supporting the devotion to Saint Ann. I thank you in advance for your prayers and generosity in supporting us!
As the Chaplain of Saint Ann’s Shrine in Cleveland, Ohio, a Mass is celebrated at 11:30 AM Monday – Friday. We pray for vocations daily, for the sick and dying, and for the special intentions of our donors and friends.
May Jesus in the Eucharist bless each of you with an ever-deepening Faith in His Real Presence, and fulfill all your prayers!
Yours in the Spirit of Good Saint Ann,
Father Roger Bourgeois, SSS
Chaplain
*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!
