Fw: Mercy, God’s Gift to All

[Joby Kuriakose]

Please join us for many of our upcoming events over the next couple of weeks. See the detailed dates, times and locations below.

Mercy, God’s Gift to All – Talk by Fr. Jason THIS Sunday, March 6th (7-8pm in the Church)   In the midst of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, this Lent is the perfect opportunity to discover the true meaning of mercy. In this presentation, Fr. Jason will explain the Jubilee Year of Mercy and the Divine Mercy Devotion. Please join us to discover mercy as God’s gift to all.

Weekly Lenten Collection Items: We are collecting various items for those in need in our local community… toiletries, granola bars, individual snacks (sweet and salty) for lunches, diapers, wipes, baby items, bottled water, juice boxes, Easter candy for stuffing eggs, etc.  Please drop off any donations in the labeled basket in the Narthex.

Homeschool Mass – Friday, March 4th (8:30AM in the Church) - Join us every 1st Friday for a Homeschool Mass.  We will pray a decade of the Rosary with the children and meet out front after the Mass.  All are welcome! Come join us! For more information contact Susanne Christopher (610) 563-9242; susannech...@gmail.com

“Eating into the Capital Campaign”  - Fish Fry – Friday, March 4th (5-8PM in the Social Hall) Please join the Knights of Columbus for our Lenten Fish Frys.  Part of the proceeds will go towards our Capital Campaign. Tickets for Adults are $9, Children 8-12 are $5, and 7 & under are free. Tickets are available at the information desk in the Narthex or by contacting Bill Hickman (mfg...@comcast.net).

Children's Stations of the Cross – Friday, March 4th (5pm in the Church) – These stations are designed for children in Pre-K thru 2nd grade but all families are invited to attend. Please contact Stacy Applegate at sappl...@stbrendansatl.com with any questions.

Bilingual Stations of the Cross – Friday, March 4th (7pm in the Church –Please join us on Friday evenings for bilingual Stations of the Cross.  These 14 stations commemorate Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man and help remind us that this journey gave us our salvation.

“Eating into the Capital Campaign”  - Fish Fry – Friday, March 4th (5-8PM in the Social Hall) Please join the Knights of Columbus for our Lenten Fish Frys.  Part of the proceeds will go towards our Capital Campaign. Tickets for Adults are $9, Children 8-12 are $5, and 7 & under are free. Tickets are available at the information desk in the Narthex or by contacting Bill Hickman (mfg...@comcast.net).

Children's Stations of the Cross – Friday, March 4th (5pm in the Church) – These stations are designed for children in Pre-K thru 2nd grade but all families are invited to attend. Please contact Stacy Applegate at sappl...@stbrendansatl.com with any questions.

Respect Life Workshop  - Friday, March 4th (5:30-7pm in the classrooms). Various activities and crafts reaching soldiers, mothers, homebound, prisoners, etc. will be offered to reinforce the church's teaching of respecting all life. Please bring diapers, wipes and baby items. Sponsored by Challenge. Contact: Carmen Ross at carm...@comcast.net; 770-349-9216.  Sign up to volunteer at http://www.stbrendansatl.com/volunteer-opportunities/

Bilingual Stations of the Cross – Friday, March 4th (7pm in the Church –Please join us on Friday evenings for bilingual Stations of the Cross.  These 14 stations commemorate Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man and help remind us that this journey gave us our salvation.

Mercy, God’s Gift to All – Talk by Fr. Jason – THIS Sunday, March 6th (7-8pm in the Church) Are you ready to encounter the incredible mercy of God? In the midst of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, this Lent is the perfect opportunity to discover the true meaning of mercy. In this presentation, Fr. Jason will explain the Jubilee Year of Mercy and the Divine Mercy Devotion. Please join us to discover mercy as God’s gift to all. The evening will close with a simple reception.

St. Brendan’s Soccer Registration – This Week We are so excited to be kicking off another St. Brendan’s soccer program and facilitating positive experiences for children and families. We ONLY need a couple more girls to compete with the YMCA this season with a U12 girl’s team (Under 12 as of August 1st).  The season runs from March through May with local games usually on Saturday. For additional information, contact Dan Henkel at d...@thehenkels.com; 404-606-8326.

Lenten Four Day Mission at St. Benedict Catholic Church - March 7-8-9-10th  7-9pm (11045 Parsons Rd, Johns Creek GA)  - COST: FREE ! Fr. Larry Richards, will conduct the four day mission with a different theme each night: ·         Monday - God’s Love and practical information on how to pray ·         Tuesday - Gift of the Mass and the importance of family ·         Wednesday - Passion of Jesus Christ and forgiveness of our sins ·         Thursday - Healing service and discipleship   Click HERE for more information.

DIG- “Get Grounded” Men’s Nights – Tuesday, March 8th (6:30-9PM Social Hall) Please join other men of the parish for an enjoyable night of great food followed by motivating, thought provoking conversations about values and other important things that influence the everyday life of a man. Try it…you will like it….. Satisfaction Guaranteed! No reservations required and guests are always warmly welcomed. Optional Mass at 6:00PM - $10 suggested donation. Contact: Don Conklin dcon...@stbrendansatl.com

St. Brendan's Seniors Luncheon – Thursday, March 11th at 11:30 (Social Hall) Our guest speaker will be Louise Easterbrook with the Forsyth County Extension Service.  She will fill us in on the upcoming gardening season.  We hope to see you there. New members are always welcome.  Please RSVP to Judy Dorn at theto...@yahoo.com or 404-431-8550. Do not forget the 50-50 drawing.  The winner gets 50% and the rest goes to the Capital Campaign.  A Lenten meal will be provided for $8.

“Eating into the Capital Campaign”  - Fish Fry – Friday, March 11th (5-8PM in the Social Hall) Please join the Knights of Columbus for our Lenten Fish Frys.  Part of the proceeds will go towards our Capital Campaign. Tickets for Adults are $9, Children 8-12 are $5, and 7 & under are free. Tickets are available at the information desk in the Narthex or by contacting Bill Hickman (mfg...@comcast.net).

Children's Stations of the Cross – Friday, March 11th (5pm in the Church) – These stations are designed for children in Pre-K thru 2nd grade but all families are invited to attend. Please contact Stacy Applegate at sappl...@stbrendansatl.com with any questions.

Preparing Sack Lunches for the Poor - Friday, March 11th (5:30-7pm in the classrooms. We will prepare sack lunches that will be delivered to the poor on Saturday, March 12th. Please bring lunch meat (turkey, ham, cheese), peanut butter, jelly, sliced bread, sandwich bags, brown paper lunch bags, bottled water, juice boxes, sweet or salty snacks. Contact: Kelle Russo at  kru...@stbrendansatl.com; 770-722-9181. Sign up to volunteer at http://www.stbrendansatl.com/volunteer-opportunities/

Bilingual Stations of the Cross – Friday, March 11th (7pm in the Church –Please join us on Friday evenings for bilingual Stations of the Cross.  These 14 stations commemorate Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man and help remind us that this journey gave us our salvation.

Serving the Poor in Forsyth County - Saturday, March 12th (7:30am – 12pm at Unseen Hand Ministry – 8630 Wallace Tatum, Cumming, 30028) We will take our prepared lunches and “Mercy” kits to distribute to the homeless and less fortunate in Forsyth County. In addition, we will help serve in other ways where Unseen Hand Ministry needs help (distribution of clothes, paper goods, etc). You are welcome to bring any clothing (men’s and children’s clothing are most needed), paper goods, toilet paper, paper towels, blankets, etc. Contact Kelle Russo at  kru...@stbrendansatl.com; 770-722-9181. Sign up to volunteer at http://www.stbrendansatl.com/volunteer-opportunities/

Calling ALL Teens - Cardboard Box City is a 22-hour long experience of what it means and feels like to be homeless. Teens from the parish will use a cardboard box as their "house" and will be collecting food and hygiene supplies for the homeless. March 12-13, starting 3pm Saturday and ending 1pm Sunday at St. Brendan the Navigator.  Email abr...@stbrendansatl.com for more details.

Cardboard Box City Unload & Sort (Rain or Shine) - Sunday, March 13th (12pm – 2:00pm at the Barn Parking Lot (back of the property). We need lots of helping hands to unload trailers, sort, and store the estimated 40,000 items collected at Cardboard Box City. Please bring willing working hands, feet, a friend, and an open heart. Contact: Kelle Russo at  kru...@stbrendansatl.com; 770-722-9181. Sign up to volunteer at http://www.stbrendansatl.com/volunteer-opportunities/

St. Brendan's Seniors Luncheon – Thursday, March 17th at 11:30 (Ruby Tuesday Restaurant, 796 Hwy 400 South, Dawsonville, GA next to the North Georgia Premium Outlets) Please bring a non-perishable food item to the church for the food pantry.

“Eating into the Capital Campaign”  - Fish Fry – Friday, March 18th (5-8PM in the Social Hall) Please join the Knights of Columbus for our Lenten Fish Frys.  Part of the proceeds will go towards our Capital Campaign. Tickets for Adults are $9, Children 8-12 are $5, and 7 & under are free. Tickets are available at the information desk in the Narthex or by contacting Bill Hickman (mfg...@comcast.net).

Children's Stations of the Cross – Friday, March 18th (5pm in the Church) – These stations are designed for children in Pre-K thru 2nd grade but all families are invited to attend. Please contact Stacy Applegate at sappl...@stbrendansatl.com with any questions.

Outdoor Living Stations of the Cross – Friday, March 18th  (7pm gather at the entrance of the Church) Please join us for a special outdoor live Stations of the Cross. Come and walk in the footsteps of Jesus as we experience this prayerful and powerful event. Silent dramatic interpretation will be presented at each station. These visual vignettes with accompanying brief bilingual reflections will present a profound depiction of the final hours (or Passion) of Jesus. Sponsored by the Hispanic members of St. Brendan’s. All are welcome!!

St. Brendan's Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, March 19th  from 9-10:30 AM (Social Hall) Join us for face painting, crafts, a special Easter Storytelling, and of course, an Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza!. Easter baskets and eggs provided, parental supervision required. To volunteer, contact Evan at sbmiss...@gmail.com.

Face on the Street  - Saturday, March 19th (11:30am – 2:30pm at Central Park at The Collection 410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041). We need your help to invite and welcome all to St. Brendan’s for our Holy Week celebrations. We will have live music from our youth group spreading the Good News and sharing our mission of Go…Baptize…Teach along with the love of Christ.  Please bring a friend, smiling faces and an open heart. Sponsored by Youth Faith Formation.  Contact: Stacy Applegate at  sappl...@stbrendansatl.com; 770-205-7969 Ext. 13. Sign up to volunteer at http://www.stbrendansatl.com/volunteer-opportunities/

Palm Sunday “The Passion of the Lord” – March 19th – 20th Saturday, February 19th   5:00pm 7:00pm (Spanish) Sunday, February 20th   7:00am (earlier time) 9:00am (begins at Serenity Lane/The Pond), 11:00am, 1:00pm (Spanish), 5:00pm

Food Pantry Easter Market - Tuesday, March 22nd and Wednesday, March 23rd  (3pm-7pm in the Social Hall) On Tuesday, the Food Pantry team will prepare for the Easter Market. Wednesday, the Food Pantry clients will come to the market to receive their Easter meal. Help is need on both days to setup and run the market. Please bring non perishable food items to replenish the Food Pantry (most needed items include: canned fruit, evaporated/powdered milk, oil, cereal, jelly and tuna). Sponsored by Food Pantry Ministry.  Contact: Barbara Gordon at barbara...@aol.com; 404-431-9924

The Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday) – March 24th    7:00pm Bilingual Mass of the Lord’s Supper (with incense) 8:30pm Adoration until 11:30pm 11:30pm Night prayer* No 8:30am or 6:00pm Masses

Be a Missionary in your own backyard -Friday, March 25th – Saturday, March 26th meet in the Faith Formation Center daily at 9am after Mass. 8:30am- 10am Mass, Daily breakfast & spiritual talks 10am – 4pm Daily Missions to local areas door-to-door (lunch on your own).   As a missionary you will be spiritually fed before you are off to feed the hungry, pray with the suffering, visit the sick, invite those who have fallen away from the church to come back, and to show your love for your neighbor.  Please bring an open heart that is willing to serve others.  Sponsored by Family Missions Ministry. Contact: Dan Henkel at d...@thehenkels.com; 404-606-8326. Sign up to volunteer at http://www.stbrendansatl.com/volunteer-opportunities/

Marian Consecration – Friday, March 25th  (9am and 9pm in the Church)- Consecration to Jesus through Mary is the surest, easiest, shortest and most perfect means to becoming a saint.  If you have been following the 33 Days to Morning Glory book, please join Fr. Jason for the public Marian Consecration on Good Friday, March 25th at 9:00am or 9:00pm in the church.

The Passion of the Lord (Good Friday) – Friday, March 25th   8:30am Morning prayer* 9:00am – 7:00pm Reconciliation available (except during services) 12:00pm Mid-day prayer* 3:00pm English Stations of the Cross 4:30pm Spanish Stations of the Cross (off-site) 6:00pm Spanish Stations of the Cross 7:00pm The Lord’s Passion/Veneration of the Cross (Bilingual) No 8:30am or 6:00 pm Masses Day of Fast & Abstinence

Holy Saturday – Saturday, March 26th    8:30am Morning prayer* 12:15pm Mid-day prayer* and Easter Food Blessing 8:30pm Easter Vigil Bilingual Mass with incense (Begins at Serenity Lane) (Usually ends around 11:30pm)   No 8:30am, 5:00pm, or 7:00pm (Spanish) Masses No Reconciliation on Holy Saturday

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord – Sunday, March 27th    7:00am (earlier time) 9:00am Mass 9:30am Mass at Pinecrest Academy OLG Chapel 11:30am Mass (later time) 12pm Mass at Pinecrest Academy OLG Chapel 1:30pm Spanish (later time) 5pm Mass

LIFT (Living In Faith Together) – Tuesday, April 5th (6:30PM in Social Hall)  LIFT is an open monthly event for women of all ages.  The evening includes social gathering, dinner, an inspiring speaker presentation and time for table discussion.  It’s a great way to enjoy time with friends or meet new ones, while you grow in faith and understanding. $8 requested cover for dinner, beverages and dessert.  RSVP is not necessary. Email Jan Rooney; j...@janrooney.com, with questions. Future LIFT dates:   May 3

Ministry Leader’s Meeting – Wednesday, April 6th (Social Hall) 6:30pm refreshments/social with meeting to begin at 7pm.  All Ministry Leader’s (or designated representative) are asked to attend this mandatory meeting. There is a full agenda, including and update on the parish building effort, ministry procedures, and more. We look forward to seeing you there.

DIG- “Get Grounded” Men’s Nights – Tuesday, April 12th (6:30-9PM Social Hall) Please join other men of the parish for an enjoyable night of great food followed by motivating, thought provoking conversations about values and other important things that influence the everyday life of a man. Try it…you will like it….. Satisfaction Guaranteed! No reservations required and guests are always warmly welcomed. Optional Mass at 6:00PM - $10 suggested donation. Contact: Don Conklin dcon...@stbrendansatl.com

It's time to register for Faith Formation 2016-17! Join us on April 17, 2016 in the Narthex from 8-1pm to register. More details including class times, and registration forms to follow.

SAVE THE DATE – Vacation Bible School - June 20-24th 9am-Noon - Get your explorer’s equipment ready and join us on our quest to follow Jesus…The Light of the World!

Want to volunteer? Check out the many volunteer opportunities that we have available for St. Brendan's at http://vols.pt/QP3DmS For more information about volunteer opportunities contact Kelle Russo at kru...@stbrendansatl.com

Capital Campaign Pledge Update - Many campaign pledges were returned in the last month, but we have not nearly heard from all our parishioners on this matter.  If you have not received a packet containing all the information about our phased approach to the Master Plan, please ask at the reception desk, or look for the table of packets in the Narthex.   We are seeking 100% participation from every family in the parish.  There are many ways to get involved beyond completing a financial pledge.  Various committees need help immediately—specifically, fundraising, selling raffle tickets, obtaining raffle gifts, social committee, and jack of all trades.       Our social committee plans to host small group meetings in homes to provide access to our clergy regarding future parish plans.  Our priests are prepared to speak with you, answer questions and encourage your financial commitment in the form of a pledge.  Remember, the pledge may be different among families, but the sacrifice should be the same.   Click HERE for suggested Giving Plans for Phase I. Click HERE for Gift Acknowledgements

Upcoming Social Meetings  - For those parishioners who have not returned pledge cards for this phase of the Capital Campaign, look for a special invitation from one of our priests to join a social meeting at a neighbors house, where the campaign will be explained in detail.  You will have a chance to meet some of your neighbors who also have not pledged and may have additional questions.  Spending an hour with one of our priests, in comfortable surroundings is a treat not often provided.  Take advantage of this offer to get your questions asked and to see how your family will benefit from the Master Plan at St. Brendan’s.

Capital Campaign Volunteer Activities Abound  Many volunteer opportunities are available to support upcoming activities to raise money (FUNdraising), provide communications, host pledge events, and more.  Please reach out for Vin O’Reilly who is responsible for coordinating our volunteer force. Vin can be reached at vinor...@comcast.net or contact the Parish Office to volunteer.

Archbishop’s Annual Appeal – Love Never Fails Thanks to all the families who made pledges and payments to the Archbishop’ Annual Appeal that was kicked off in late January.   For those families who have not yet pledged, envelopes are available in the Narthex.  The Archbishop encourages everyone to participate in this annual request.  These funds support the many ministries that are served out of the Chancery.  Additionally, parishes like St. Brendan’s benefit from funds that support training and development of staff, clergy and volunteers.   Once St. Brendan’s has met the goal established by the Archdiocese for this year, all excess funds will be returned to the parish.  Last year, we received over $65,000 back, which went directly to our Capital Campaign, helping us achieve the first million dollars toward our expansion.

On- Line Giving – With the busy hectic schedules and traveling, we understand if you cannot make it to your home parish every Sunday. Remember, the church is open year round, 7 days a week, offering the sacraments, the Mass, the same valuable spiritual service, programs and guidance in the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Therefore, we need your support year-round. Please consider on-line giving! It’s safe and secure. Go to www.stbrendansatl.com and sign up today! Thank you!

Grants Manager and Grant Writers (4) Needed: St. Brendan’s is looking for volunteer grant writers to support the Capital Campaign and to develop funding for Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy – 3 Year Terms. These volunteers would search for Grants that might apply to St. Brendan’s, and write applications for to obtain grants. Contact: Pastoral Council Member, Bill Kelly 404 775 2171 or billke...@gmail.com

If you’re interested in helping those in need, serving our parish, growing in faith or obtaining access to top-rated insurance protection for your family, then the Knights of Columbus is the organization for you. As a member, you will strengthen your faith and become a better Catholic, husband and father. Through your support of our parish and community, you will form friendships with fellow Knights that can last a lifetime. Please consider joining our council. For more information, contact Douglas Hoffman, 5hof...@comcast.net.

Blessings to you and your family,

Kelle Russo – Parish Life Coordinator

kru...@stbrendansatl.com or 770.205-7969 Ext 41

 

 

St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community

633 Shiloh Road, Cumming GA 30040

770.205.7969 Parish Office

770.205.5040 Fax www.stbrendansatl.com