Dear Friends of Saint Ann’s Shrine,
The month of November seems to sneak up on us faster and faster every year, and once again we find our Church listing the names of our parishioners and friends who went home to God in the past year. We happily pray for them at the Eucharist on All Saints Day and again on All Souls Day and for the entire month. Why? Because we believe that their hope has evolved into supernatural reality, and they are now and forever comfortably in their eternal home, sweet home with the Triune God they dedicated their lives to long ago.
We traditionally think of All Saints and All Souls Day as focusing exclusively on our deceased loved ones. Yes, they have already made it, achieved the goal of heaven…but what about you and me and every other living person who are actively on the way? We are all saints in the making struggling to imitate Jesus and his values every day until God calls us home also. We need one another’s prayers and support daily!
The prayers, and especially the celebration of the Eucharist on both these feasts days, as well as the many Masses that people lovingly offer in memory of deceased loved ones attest to the unity we all feel between the living on earth, the deceased, and their numbering among the Saints in heaven.
Here at Saint Ann’s Shrine, we will observe a Novena of Masses for the names you send in of people in your family or friends you would like to be prayed for. These names will be placed before the statue of Saint Ann in the Chapel. Whatever donation you might be able to offer will be much appreciated toward the development of the mission of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and the health needs of our aging religious. If you would like to have a Mass said in memory of a loved one, please call our office at 440-449-2700 or visit our website at st-ann-shrine.org.
In the Spirit of Good Saint Ann,
Blessings and Peace,
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 or visit st-ann-shrine.org for details.
*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 website that includes numerous videos. 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 keep in prayer. 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.
*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.