Dear Friends of Saint Ann’s Shrine,
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
*The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament offers a daily reflection. If you’d like to receive this uplifting message, simply send an email to cee@blessedsacrament.com.
*Your loved ones can be remembered during Mass at Saint Ann’s Shrine. Call 440-449-2700 for details.
*We invite you and your group to join us at Saint Ann’s Shrine for Daily Mass at 11:30AM, Monday-Friday (call for Holidays). Mass is currently being held while following social distancing guidelines.
*We have Blessed Oil and Holy Water available to which you are welcome to make a donation. Contact Saint Ann Shrine at 440-449-2700 or visit our website at st-ann-shrine.org.
*Be sure to “Like” us on Facebook & visit our newly updated website that includes numerous videos produced during this time of social distancing. You can securely and safely support Saint Ann’s Shrine and the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament through our website!
*Our Blessed Sacrament religious in Bethany and at Regina Health Center in Richfield 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 st-ann-shrine.org.
*You may consider donating gifts of stock. Depending on the stock’s current value, you may avoid capital gains tax by donating the stock directly to Saint Ann’s Shrine or the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. Consult your financial advisor for the most advantageous opportunities for you.
*If you’ve ever visited Saint Ann’s Shrine in Cleveland, we encourage you to submit your comments on Trip Advisor so those who may consider visiting us can read of your experience! We hope you can visit again soon!
* You can support the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament through distributions from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Contact your Financial Advisor for the most advantageous and beneficial plan for you!
* You may choose to make a secure, recurring monthly gift to Saint Ann’s Shrine or the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. Please check the box on the reply slip and we can automatically process your credit card gift each month!
*We ask you to please consider becoming a member of our Legacy Society by naming Saint Ann’s 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.
*Emmanuel 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 (440) 449-2103 or emmanuel@blessedsacrament.com. Visit our website: emmanuelpublishing.org.
*We have started a new ministry where we present all new Catholic babies born at our local hospital a bib from Saint Ann’s Shrine and the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. If you are interested in supporting this new ministry of ours, please contact Scott Gongos at 440-449-2700 or sgongos@blessedsacrament.com.