O God who wonderfully created the dignity of human nature, grant that we may share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity. Amen. (Prayer of Christmas Mass during the day)
Dear Friends of Saint Ann’s Shrine and the Blessed Sacrament,
The above prayer is simply saying that 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 it the Incarnation – that incomprehensible moment in time when the invisible God, Creator of the vast universe, 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, the God-Man Jesus.
Think about it, wonder about it and be amazed that our tiny planet Earth, so undersized within the magnificent universe, was chosen by almighty God to be blessed with the Presence of Jesus, the divine Son of God and now and forever, the human son of Mary and Joseph.
We have so many reasons to celebrate the birth of 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.
Every parent wonders what their child will become. The angel Gabriel foretold the future of Jesus by announcing –He will be great, the Son of the Most High God, and his 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.
As you know, Saint Ann’s Shrine is the development arm of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in the United States and its religious priests, brothers and associates are intent on making better known the Real Presence of Jesus in the mystery of the Eucharist. So we invite you to join us in prayer for more vocations, and to let us pray for you and your intentions. Kindly send us the names and intentions on the ornament included, and know that they will adorn two Christmas trees next to the chapel altar during the festive season. We continue to pray for our donors at every liturgy celebrated Monday through Friday every week in the Shrine chapel at 11:30am. Thank you for your support.
May Jesus live always in your heart!
Father Roger Bourgeois, SSS
Chaplain, Saint Ann’s Shrine
Cleveland, Ohio
*We invite you and your group to join us at Saint Ann’s Shrine for Daily Mass at 11:30AM, Monday-Friday (please call ahead for Holidays).
*The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament offers a daily devotion/reflection. If you’d like to receive this uplifting message, 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.
*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 st-ann-shrine.org.
*We have Blessed Oil and Holy Water available for a donation. Contact Saint Ann Shrine at 440-449-2700 or visit our website at st-ann-shrine.org.
*If you are 70 ½ years of age or older, you can support Saint Ann’s 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.
*The article below includes wonderful information and suggestions how you can support Saint Ann’s Shrine and the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in ways that can benefit you and your philanthropic giving: https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/guidance/philanthropy/donating-retirement-assets-to-charity