March 15, 2020 Third Sunday of Lent NEVER THIRST n a society I of strong opinions and division, I’ve found that it is easy to judge others Reflection based on Elizabeth Murphy how they see the world. Whether it’s politics, religion, or socio-economic status, PJs and popcorn night was a big hit for Sistertalk, a program from Encounter. there always seems to be separation among people. no casseroles required We are called to love every person as a son or daughter of Sistertalk means heartfelt conversation God, yet sometimes we let our differences keep us from that. ith more than 80 ministries at women wore their favorite In this week’s Gospel, Jesus St. Annʼs, there is something jammies, watched the movie W illustrates how to break down for everyone. But one program by Unplanned and talked about what barriers through acceptance. the Encounter adult faith ministry it means to protect society's most He fnds a Samaritan woman has a special niche. vulnerable. Sistertalk provides a forum for “There are not many places at a well, speaks with her and women to come together to talk where we can still have these types asks her for a drink. Samaritans about important issues of today. of important conversations,” said and Jews were separated in Thereʼs no homework and no Encounter Director Stephanie culture and beliefs, so the casseroles. Itʼs a place for all ages Holden, “and Sistertalk is flling woman is shocked by the to have relevant conversations that need.” mercy and love she receives while also having some fun. The leadership team now is from Jesus. “Wouldnʼt it be nice to know planning Sistertalkʼs events for fall. We are called to shock the and have ‘sistersʼ who know “We hope that our efforts world with our acceptance and your name and support you in encourage women to understand love because through these the ordinary of your life?” asked the importance of taking time to interactions, Jesus can reveal Nancy Webster, a member of the encounter Christ by taking the time himself as our savior just as he programʼs leadership team. to encounter the beauty in each revealed it to the Samaritan The group, which has been other,” Webster said. woman. around for three years, most Visit st-ann.org/encounter or Elizabeth Murphy, 18, is a senior at recently hosted an evening when email [email protected] for info. Walton and a member of Life Teen. bring the message home Children: Can you think of a way to show acceptance in your day at school tomorrow? Teens: Who is the Samaritan woman in your life, the person society is ignoring who you need to love? Adults: Whatʼs one way this Lent that you can bring Godʼs love and mercy to someone who feels left out? March 15 READINGS Third SUNDAY of lent First Reading: Exodus 17-3-7: The Israelites question Moses about their time in the desert. Responsorial: Psalm 95: If today your hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Second Reading: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8: God proved his love for us when Christ died for our sins. Gospel: John 4:5-42: Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well. The gift of Lent Renew yor heat Refresh yor sol recommit yor life Stations of the cross and fsh dinners Friday evenings during Lent Dinners: 5:00-7:00pm, Nolan Hall Stations: 7:00pm in the church Enjoy the Knights’ fsh dinner, then stay for stations. This Friday, the La Salette Life program is hosting stations with a La Salette theme. Learn more about this group at st-ann.org/lasalette. Reconciliation service Thursday, March 19, 7:00pm, church Several priests will be available to hear individual confessions at this opportunity to come as you are and prepare your heart for Easter. XLT evening of music and praise Friday, March 27, 7:00pm, church Speaker Jose Vasquez is a teacher, actor and flmmaker who has served as a core member and facilitator in Launch, Edge and Life Teen. Vasquez will be giving a powerful talk about how we can use Lent to renew our hearts, live fully awakened to God and be the best version of ourselves. Book study and other resources In addition to the the events above, the entire parish is invited to read “Rediscover the Saints.” On our parish website, fnd a variety of refections, podcasts, prayer programs and more to guide you through the season. Also listed are fasting and abstinence guidelines and a complete schedule of events, including Holy Week and Easter. For more resources, visit st-ann.org/lent New archbishop named Last week, Pope Francis named Bishop Gregory John Hartmayer as the seventh archbishop of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Now with the Diocese of Savannah, Bishop Hartmayer will succeed Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, who served Atlanta from 2005 to 2019. Bishop Konzen and Bishop Shlesinger will remain in the archdiocese. We are looking forward to formally welcoming our new shepherd at his installation on May 6. COMMUNITY All are welcome at St. Ann. We believe there is a place for everyone to make a connection and grow in faith. No checks required: A new way of giving We are excited to announce St. Ann’s new online giving provider, WeShare. Giving via credit card and automatic drafts from your bank account are easy and convenient Shop, donate, volunteer ways to support St. Ann’s. You can set Annual event benefts parish, local charities up and maintain your account from your When you support the St. Ann's garage sale, own device. Donating is simple, safe and you’re not just unloading your spring cleaning completely secure. In coming weeks, you will items or getting a great bargain. Each year, fnd a streamlined online giving portal at St. Ann’s Women's Council turns your treasures st-ann.weshareonline.org. and purchases into parish improvements (new roof Those who use our current online giving for Nolan Hall, Launch classroom upgrades) and system, Vanco, will receive an email with fnancial support for area charities that focus on directions for switching to a WeShare account. women, families and children. For more information, please contact • Set aside your items for the donation days. John Callozzo at [email protected]. • Sign up to help: Volunteers are needed for all phases of this major parish fundraiser, including Coronavirus-related processing donations, staffng the sale and policy changes for Mass providing food donations for event workers. Given the ongoing concern over the • Shop the event. Your dollars make a difference. coronavirus, Father Ray, in conjunction with Visit st.ann.org/garage-sale for event details, the archdiocese, has made the following donation guidelines and volunteer registration. changes to Mass: • We will suspend distribution of the Precious Blood. • We will distribute the Blessed Sacrament in the hand only. • We will exchange only verbal greetings at the beginning of Mass and at the Sign of Peace. • We will refrain from holding hands during the Our Father. Thank you for your cooperation. Please refer Join the youth and adult missions programs for a to our website for details and updates. weekend of service, prayer and worship. Visit st-ann.org/missions for details and to register. As you know from our published project timeline, we received preliminary costs on our proposed building last month. In order to stay within our budget, church leaders and the building committee met Monday to determine how to keep our plans in line with the cost estimates. We will update you when those plans are finalized. Meanwhile, the fundraising portion of Opening the Doors of Tomorrow is well ahead of schedule, with about $1 million more in pledges needed to reach our goal. In the last six weeks alone, our parishioners have pledged more than $2.5 million to the campaign! Thank you for investing in the future of St. Ann’s. For those of you who have not yet pledged, please consider doing so by May 15 so we can keep this project moving forward. And to those who already have pledged, look for your first statement to arrive in early April. COMMUNITY All are welcome at St. Ann. We believe there is a place for everyone to make a connection and grow in faith. Tee it up for charity Annual tournament open to all in the community The Knights’ 18-hole, best ball tournament supports a number of local causes and promises to be a fun-flled day. Included are lunch, skills contests on the course and prizes galore for the contestants. Sponsorship opportunities are Thanks, Graham available. Register today at Everyone’s pal, Graham st-ann.org/knights. Kuhn, who came to St. Ann’s as a part-time chorus Greet parishioners and friends director, ended his 13-year The Hospitality Ministry is recruiting volunteers to help with career with the parish this Holy Week events and Easter Sunday Masses. week. The musician, graphic Assistance is needed with greeting and seating parishioners, taking designer and video guru has collections, directing people to Communion and distributing chosen to pursue his side bulletins. No previous experience is required. business, Focus Films, full Training can be done before Mass or with a phone call. time. We wish him the best Contact Frank DeMelf: [email protected], 770-756-0176. and hope he visits often. Service Looking for a way to put your faith into action? Even a small gesture can make a big difference. Help restock Spanish Guild the food pantry diaper drive Next weekend, please March 28-29, narthex pick up a grocery bag The Spanish Guild is or a list of requested collecting baby diapers of items and shop for all sizes and wipes to for the hungry in our its annual donation to communities in northern community.