Entries for 'tbrotherton'

Dear Parishioners:

One of the gifts of the Easter season is baptism.  We are blessed to celebrate many Baptisms every year here at the Church of the Annunziata.  The gift of new life is a great gift to our families and our entire parish community. It was wonderful at Easter to have so many families and their children with us at Mass.  The sounds of life were joyful for all.

I especially want our Parents of Young Children to know how grateful we are that you and your family have joined us for Mass at Annunziata.  It is our hope that your little ones will grow up to be vital members of our parish family. We are grateful for your faith example and leadership of your children as you begin this journey with us. 

I and all of Annunziata realize that it’s not easy to get your whole family to Mass, and it can be even more difficult to keep all of your little ones still throughout, but your kids should know that this church is their home and we, the community, are all brothers and sisters. They should feel welcome and at home in this place of worship, in the house of God. 

We invite you to sing, pray, teach, respond, and explain what is going on at Mass with your children.  Our liturgy is full of life, and our little ones learn how to worship through you and your participation. Children learn by example and your dedication to coming to Mass and attentiveness to it will be their best lesson. 

The presence of children in Mass is a gift to our church and a sign that we are growing! We rejoice that our children are with us, and that our parish welcomes new life! Please remember to keep encouraging our young families, offer your help if they need it, and support them as best you can! 

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

Congratulations also to our second-grade class as they received the gift of the Holy Eucharist for the first time last week; blessings on all as you live out the gift of Jesus within you!

                                                                        Easter Blessings!

                                                                        Msgr John Shamleffer

Let us continue to pray for peace in our world and for all who suffer through war!

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Dear Parishioners:

Our Easter season is celebrated for seven weeks as we break open the word of the Lord and reflect on his presence in our lives.  During the Easter season we celebrate the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.  Let us please pray for our young men and women as they prepare to receive these life-giving sacraments here at The Church of the Annunziata.

Secondly, as our school year is nearing the end I would like to thank all those who make our P.S.R. classes such an important part of our parish life. I would especially like to thank our teachers, our volunteers, our parents and our coordinator Mrs. Carolyn Hall. The gift of our children revitalizes our parish and the faith of our children is a source of joy to our parish community.

Finally, our second-grade class will receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time next Saturday May 2nd let us pray for these young men and women as they prepare of this Sacrament.   Also, many marriages take place here at Annunziata during Easter time, let us all also pray for these couples as they prepare to share their lives together in the Sacrament of Marriage.  Lastly, but very importantly on Saturday May 23, 2026, Archbishop Rozanski will ordain Michael Lagemann, to be of service to the people of God.  Finally, during this joyful season of Easter let us pray for our Pope Leo that he be guided and strengthened by the workings of the Holy Spirit.  As you can see, we are truly a richly blessed Church.

Easter Blessings!

Msgr. John Shamleffer

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Dear Parishioners:

Blessed Easter and many thanks to all who helped prepare, participate and attend our Holy Week services.  The altar society, the clergy and all of our various ministers helped to enhance these beautiful liturgies.  Many thanks for their countless hours and gifts that they give to our community.  The Easter decorations are beautiful; our music ministers, ministers, Deacon Tom, and Msgr Leykem brought joy to our celebrations.  I especially want to thank our faith-filled parishioners who through word and action bring Christ to so many.  If you have not had the opportunity to attend Holy Week services in the past years, please consider attending next year as a gift to yourself.  Next year Easter is March 28, 2027. 

Our Easter season is celebrated for seven weeks as we break open the word of the Lord and reflect on his presence in our lives.  During the Easter season we celebrate the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.  Let us please pray for our young men and women as they prepare to receive these life-giving sacraments here at the Church of the Annunziata.

Our here at Annunziata and our second-grade class will receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time on Saturday May 2nd, let us pray for these young men and women as they prepare of their first communion.   Also, many marriages take place here at the Church of the Annunziata during Easter time, let us all also pray for these couples as they prepare to share their lives together in the Sacrament of Marriage.  Lastly, but very importantly on Saturday May 23, 2026, Archbishop Rozanski will ordain one man to the priesthood, to be of service to the people of God.  Finally during this joyful season of Easter let us pray for our Pope Leo that he be guided and strengthened by the workings of the Holy Spirit and Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski as he guides our Archdiocese.  As you can see, we are truly a richly blessed Church.

Easter Blessings!

Msgr. John Shamleffer

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Dear Parishioners:

Today begins the holiest of weeks within our church year.  From the triumphal entrance with palms to the gift of Christ in the Eucharist; to His passion and dying on the cross; to the glory of his resurrection; we remember, we celebrate, we believe.  I invite all to partake in these sacred days of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday 7pm, Good Friday 3pm, Easter Vigil 8pm and Easter Sunday 9 & 11 am.  These days are an opportunity for us to fast, pray, and attune ourselves to Christ’s paschal mystery.  We need these three days to slow us down, give us time to absorb the saving actions of Christ and their true meaning for us.

I would like to send a special invitation to all to attend our Easter Vigil at 8:00 PM (Held at Ste Genevieve du Bois )this coming Saturday April 4 when the church throughout the world gathers to welcome into our parish families our newest members:  The Church has a rich tradition of welcoming and celebrating with our newest members: who are preparing to enter the Church this Easter.  The Easter Vigil liturgy is the most glorious and uplifting celebration of the year; please consider attending and experiencing this celebration.

Lastly, let us pray for one another this week; let us pray for peace in our world (esp. in Holy Land, Ukraine, and Middle East, for our Pope Leo, for our Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski, for our Archdiocese, for all those separated from our church, and for all of us; that we might live out the Easter promise.  Then we can sing with the saints.

     Hail thee, festival day!

 Blest day to be hallowed forever;

Day when our Lord was raised,

 Breaking the kingdom of death.

Have a Blessed Holy Week!

Msgr. John Shamleffer

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