My dear parish family,
During these three days, which we call the Easter Triduum: (Holy Thursday to Easter Vigil), the Church celebrates one single sacrifice of the Mass.
Holy Thursday: On Holy Thursday, we commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist. At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus offered his Body and Blood to the Father under the appearances of bread and wine. After giving them to the apostles to eat and drink, he enjoined them and their successors in the priesthood to “do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19). The institution of the Holy Eucharist is accompanied by the washing of the feet of his apostles. Through this, Christ concretizes the entire purpose of the incarnation. God had to descend to our lowly human state in order to raise us up to his divine state.
Good Friday: On this day, Christ our paschal lamb is sacrificed (1 Cor. 5:7). The Lamb of God replaces all the symbolic lambs and all that was prophesied about the Messiah comes to fruition. Indeed, this sacrifice becomes the definitive act of God’s redemptive love for man and so, we venerate the Cross because it is the instrument used by God to demonstrate this outpouring of his love for us.
Easter Vigil: This is the night of the Resurrection. Without the resurrection, death becomes a hopeless end to human life and our faith has no value (1 Cor. 15:14). It is in the resurrection that Christ defeats the power of darkness, sin and death. It is most aptly put in the Exultet (Easter song of praise): “The power of this holy night dispels all evil, washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy; it casts out hatred, brings us peace and humbles earthly pride.”
May the events of Holy Week fill us with God’s peace and presence, and I pray that we allow God to work in and through us daily as we meditate on this great gift of our salvation.
Holy Thursday: On Holy Thursday, we commemorate the institution of the Holy Eucharist. At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus offered his Body and Blood to the Father under the appearances of bread and wine. After giving them to the apostles to eat and drink, he enjoined them and their successors in the priesthood to “do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19). The institution of the Holy Eucharist is accompanied by the washing of the feet of his apostles. Through this, Christ concretizes the entire purpose of the incarnation. God had to descend to our lowly human state in order to raise us up to his divine state.
Good Friday: On this day, Christ our paschal lamb is sacrificed (1 Cor. 5:7). The Lamb of God replaces all the symbolic lambs and all that was prophesied about the Messiah comes to fruition. Indeed, this sacrifice becomes the definitive act of God’s redemptive love for man and so, we venerate the Cross because it is the instrument used by God to demonstrate this outpouring of his love for us.
Easter Vigil: This is the night of the Resurrection. Without the resurrection, death becomes a hopeless end to human life and our faith has no value (1 Cor. 15:14). It is in the resurrection that Christ defeats the power of darkness, sin and death. It is most aptly put in the Exultet (Easter song of praise): “The power of this holy night dispels all evil, washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy; it casts out hatred, brings us peace and humbles earthly pride.”
May the events of Holy Week fill us with God’s peace and presence, and I pray that we allow God to work in and through us daily as we meditate on this great gift of our salvation.
God bless you and see you at Mass!
Fr. Henry
GOOD FRIDAY LENTEN MEDITATION
Letters to 21st Century Christians, 1:00 pm — 2:00 pm
We shall read potential letters to the Church of today from some of the characters who were present at the Passion of Jesus Christ. These letters have been composed by Fr. Henry Atem and Deacon Rich Kren (St. Stephen the Martyr, Lilburn). We shall read from Judas, Pontius Pilate, Veronica, Simon of Cyrene, Peter, Barabbas and Mary, our Blessed Mother.
This will be followed by Tenebrae at 2:00 pm which is a service that commemorates the darkness that Jesus experienced on the day of his suffering, passion and death. This commemoration is marked by reading the Psalms of lament while extinguishing candles.
Join us!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM
THE PARISH OFFICE
The parish office will be closed beginning Holy Thursday (March 28) through the Monday within the Octave of Easter (i.e., the Monday after Easter Sunday, April 1).
For sacramental emergencies (only), call the parish office number (770)963-8992. Listen for telephone prompts and dial the number for sacramental emergencies. Leave a message (be sure to leave a call back number) and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
For sacramental emergencies (only), call the parish office number (770)963-8992. Listen for telephone prompts and dial the number for sacramental emergencies. Leave a message (be sure to leave a call back number) and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
We will NOT have Eucharistic Adoration between Holy Thursday and the Monday following Easter.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament resumes on Tuesday, April 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in DeSales Hall.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament resumes on Tuesday, April 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in DeSales Hall.
Registration is now open!
Your parish preschool offers weekday classes for children ages 2 through 5. Our highly trained staff plans activities that help foster growth in physical, cognitive, social and spiritual development. Call today for more information or to schedule a tour.
770-962-1676.
In two weeks we will celebrate a special Mass on Lawrenceville Lawn Sunday, April 14 at 11:30 am. Please be sure to RSVP to help us plan. Those with physical disabilities should indicate if they will need transportation from the church. Register at the link below.
Our parish's 50th Anniversary Gala is scheduled for Friday, May 10th at 6:00 pm at Grand Ivy Point, Suwanee. We will have live music, dancing, and a special dinner - don't miss it! Purchase tickets ($100 per person) online or after Masses with cash or check.
For more information on the other events in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of St. Lawrence Parish, visit our page on the parish website.
Tutorial Videos for ParishSOFT (My Own Church)
Below we have two videos to aid those wishing to register or update their information with the parish through our electronic database, ParishSOFT (My Own Church).
This method of registration allows you to have access to your parish registry account, not only to register if you are new, but also to update your registration, for those members previously registered.
Save these links in case you'd rather watch later:
My Own Church Member Registration: https://vimeo.com/102551875
My Own Church Member Navigation: https://vimeo.com/103550025
Please allow our administrative office up to 48 business hours to review and approve any profile changes (new registrations and edits). If you have any issues, please contact Darleine Arce at darce@saintlaw.org or Brandy Lake at blake@saintlaw.org.
For those who are not comfortable with technology or who would prefer a more traditional method of registering or updating information, you can always fill out a paper form found at the welcome window of the parish office.
Class Updates
- REMINDER: There will be no Faith Formation classes for K-5, EDGE or High School Bible Study on Sunday 3/31 due to Easter, or 4/7 due to Spring Break.
- REMINDER: No Faith Formation on Wednesday 4/3 due to Spring Break.
- **Important Meetings
- Mandatory meeting for parents and youth entering the second year of Confirmation preparation. This meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10 at 6:15 pm. Attendance is very important.
- If your child is going to receive their First Holy Communion
next year in Spring 2025, there is a mandatory parent
meeting on Sunday, April 21 in the Gym while your child is in class! You will receive the calendar, paperwork requirements, dress code, etc., everything you need to know to prepare for the first time they receive Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
Enrollment for Faith Formation programs
Information on the registration process: Please note that the family must be registered (and active parishioners) at a Catholic parish, preferably St. Lawrence. If you are not active parishioners at St. Lawrence, you will need to obtain a letter of permission from the pastor of the parish where you are registered.
Before beginning the registration process you should have your envelope number available to facilitate the registration process which will be exclusively online.
If you are unsure of your parish registration status or do not remember your envelope number, please contact the parish office at
If you are unsure of your parish registration status or do not remember your envelope number, please contact the parish office at
(770) 963-8992.
Links to register your child/children are available below.
Please register your child(ren) according to their upcoming grade level. If you have questions, contact our faith formation staff.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Save the dates of June 3 to June 7 for our Vacation Bible School, with the theme SCUBA, where we will be "Diving into friendship with God!
Children will go on an amazing underwater adventure where they will experience the ever-flowing, neverending love of God.
Our Middle School teens will be attending Camp Hidden Lake this summer. Hidden Lake is a Catholic retreat center, focused on providing teens with an opportunity to encounter God within the beauty of His creation. Camp Hidden Lake is open to rising 6th grade through current eighth grade students. Please register your teen.
Catholic Heart Work Camp is a mission trip experience, open to all rising Eighth Grade Students to Graduating Seniors. Please pray for our teens who will be attending this Mission Trip experience.
Steubenville Atlanta
July 26 - 28, 2024
Teens, experience the life-changing love of Christ and be strengthened in your discipleship journey with thousands of Catholics from all over the world.
Calling all high schoolers! Join us at Steubenville Atlanta on July 26-28, 2024.
In our ever-changing world, Jesus is the answer to the longing of our hearts for meaning, fulfillment, security, and love. This summer, join hundreds of Catholic teens (plus thousands of others who will be attending @go2steubenville conferences across North America) to be illuminated by the light of Christ and the love that he has for us all.
Contact Nic for more information.
#Steubie24
All rising freshmen in high school through rising freshmen in college are invited to attend this weekend retreat with our group.
Please register your high school teen while there is still space.
OPPORTUNITIES TO DEEPEN YOUR
SPIRITUAL LIFE
The Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Group will resume its weekly bible study sessions at 9:00 AM each Sunday in the Divine Mercy room on Sunday, April 7. We will begin our study of The First Letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians, using the Ignatius Bible Study Guide and Commentary. The inspirations contained in this book are extremely relevant for our times. All adults are invited! No previous bible study experience is necessary and extra copies of the book will be made available.
Georgia Gwinnett College Students
Are you looking for a welcoming community to deepen your faith and build lasting connections?
Look no further!
Look no further!
Campus Catholics at GGC invite you to join our weekly meetings where you can be a part of a community that values our Catholic faith, friendship, and personal growth. We can't wait to meet you! Meetings are every Thursday, on campus, from 2 - 3:15 pm in A-1300. Snacks provided!!!
For more information please email jtalley@ggc.edu or jmorris14@ggc.edu.
Catholics Returning Home
If you are a Catholic who has been away from the Church, we have an invitation and a warm welcome for you.
St. Lawrence is offering Catholics Returning Home sessions beginning on April 18.
This is your chance to get issues addressed, questions answered and learn about your Faith. We miss you and are not complete without you! Please consider attending.
To register or get further details please call 770.963.8992 or email
Name Tag Sunday
will be celebrated the weekend of April 20 and 21.
If you would like to order a personalized name tag, please fill out the order form below. Please note, it may take up to 2-3 weeks for your tag to arrive.
Ladies of
St. Lawrence
Thursday, April 4, 2024, 7:00 pm, Cogswell Hall
All women of the parish, 18 and older, are invited to hear Seminarian Jacob Butz present on the Theology of Partying: A Catholic View of Celebration.
Questions, please contact Rosanne Larkins at losl@saintlaw.org.
Nursery care will be available. Please RSVP to losl@saintlaw.org no later than tonight, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 for babysitting reservation.
Email: africancommunity@saintlaw.org
RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
Thank you for all your support with the collection of Easter Bags/Baskets for Catholic Charities and Mending the Gap. We were blessed to donate 263 total bags/baskets to these worthy organizations! We were overwhelmed with the response and thankful for the generosity at St. Lawrence!
EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE
Pilgrimage events will include Masses, Eucharistic adoration and prayer, as well as service projects. All public events are free of charge. Below is a list of parishes and Catholic centers in Atlanta where they will be processing with the Blessed Sacrament on pilgrimage.
Planning has begun for our next Eucharistic Congress in Atlanta. It will take place on June 20-21, 2025.
Building a Community of Prayer
Let us pray...
For our faithful departed, Angel Gutierrez Chavez
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
For the sick of our parish, especially Boris Andreyev, Caren Barnaby, Priscilla Bennett, Ricardo Betancurt, Stuart Blackburn, Shirley Brown, Victor Bute, Gabriela Calle, Susan Clayton, Pat Crellin, Bryan D’amico, Kim Davis, Karen Dekle, Antonio Diaz, Monique Eluka, Judy Fletcher, Isabel Garcia, Maria Garza, Philip Gibson, Lynne Gormley, Peggy Grannan, Teresa Haywood, Mike Hernandez, Diana Jaramillo, Bill Jones, George Lappan, Bob Lauman, Mary Lee, Fisher Londono, John Lucas, Claudia Luviano, Eva Macakova, Rose Mackin, Jack Martin, John Monsalve, Luis Monsalve, Martha Muñiz, Murakami family, Irene Muse, Hugh M. O'Brien, Gabriel Orozco, Jaime Orozco, Gaudencio Ortiz, Merilee Pavik, Lucy Pérez, Michelle Pérez, Tony Pérez, Gwen Persichetti, Mary Peterson, Betsy Podriznik, Carl Raimondi, Elvia Rosa Rodriguez, Maira Rodriguez, Joan Romeo, Joshua Rosas, Christi Shrader, Carlos Soares, Betty Suiter, Judy Szekely, Terry Tatum, Oscar P. Tolentino, Marlene Torres, Paul Van Name, Sidney Weaver, Gabriel Wegendt, Laura Ann Wingate, Ann Woodson, along with their families and caregivers.
The prayer list will be cleared every 90 days. To add names or remove prior to the 90 days, contact Darleine Arce, administrative assistant, at (770)963-8992 x442 or by email at darce@saintlaw.org.
For our men and women in uniform, especially Vallerie Azansou, Danykha Nicole Backus, Philip Balmes, Nathan Barrick, Brandon Crocker, Jordan Crocker, Nathan Crocker, Ryan & Kirsten Crocker, Justin Ellis, Mario Flamenco, Giovanni Gachelin, Edgar Godinez, Isaac Gomez, Mark F. Gonzalez, Simone Hardy, Matthew Herbig, Brian Hodgson, Mariana Lacuzong, Nick McNabb, Brendon Murray, Kangudia Ntumba, Wesley Phillips, Rapheal Quarshie, Dillon Riedlinger, Dethan Stafford, Eileen Dilks Tatum, Philip Turner, Da’Maris Vanzandt, Brandon Ware.
If you have a son or daughter serving in the military and would like for his or her name to be on our prayer list, please contact Mary Jo Ware OR Laura Herbig at careforthetroops@saintlaw.org.
For all pregnant mothers and mothers to be, especially Bridgette Adams, Rosemary Burns, Lauren Farkas, Stefanie Hauck, Sterling Henderson, Luz Mariela, Yesenia Medellin-Anastasio, Katie Merriman, Tiffany Morley, Nneze Eluka Nwankwo, Virginia Partridge, Nathalie Smith.
To add your name to this list, please contact our Respect Life Ministry at respectlife@saintlaw.org.
Please continue to pray for our
Catechumens and Candidates
and
meet our new candidates for Pentecost
RESOURCES FOR THOSE IN NEED
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Need Assistance? To request help contact our local St. Vincent de Paul Society (For zip codes 30019, 30043, 30045 & 30046) call (678)215-4514
For all other Zip Codes, call (678)892-6163
Grief Support is available at St. Lawrence. If you're in need, please contact Barb Kennedy, R.N., at (678)427-4116.
Our parish Stephen Ministry provides confidential one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives, such as:
- Divorce or Separation
- Troubling medical diagnosis
- Death of a loved one
- Job crisis
- Birth of a child
- Relocation
- Spiritual crisis
…and many other concerns
There is no fee associated with Stephen Ministry.
Contact: Trudy Turner at
(404)234-2891
Our Stewardship of Treasure
As a church that seeks to serve, we wish to provide you the convenience of giving the way you want, whenever you want. ParishSOFT Giving offers you the opportunity to make secure, automatic contributions from your bank or credit card account to our church.
Benefits of Online Giving:
- No check writing or ATM stops before Church
- use your checking/savings account or credit/debit card
- schedule recurring or one-time donations
- change a gift or account anytime you like
- give to offertory, special funds, pledges
- view your giving history anytime
Reminder: On Holy Thursday, the collection will benefit our ministry of Helping Hands of St. Lawrence.
The second collection this Sunday (March 31) will support the formation of Archdiocesan Seminarians. Thank you for your generosity!
Online Giving through ParishSOFT Giving. We encourage you to use the link below to our secure ParishSOFT Giving program. By creating a login, you can set up recurring or one-time gifts, contribute to specific funds, and see your giving history at any time. This will take the place of our current online giving platform, Vanco. Our goal is to have everyone switched over, or using Online Giving for the first time, by the first week in April. https://www.saintlaw.org/giving.
Text to Give: Simply text the word "Giving" to: (319)409-6381 dedicated for our ParishSOFT Giving Text users. The first time you do this you will be given an option to fill in your card information. Subsequently, all you need to do is text your donation to that number. You will always be given a receipt and funds will be credited to your parish donation statement.
Thank you for your support!
Events around the Archdiocese
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Auxiliary Spring Appreciation Tea and Silent Auction
Sat. April 13, 2024, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Help us raise funds for OLPH Home in this metro-wide event to be held at St. Peter Chanel Church, Roswell.
Invite friends, family members, and colleagues! $50 for reservations (tables of 8 also available).
1. Reservations and/or to donate a ticket for a Sister or Priest to attend.
2. Silent auction/in-kind donors, sponsors, and/or program ad space.
For more information, contact coseifring@bellsouth.net.
DISCERNMENT RETREAT
FOR WOMEN
The Archdiocese of Atlanta is excited to offer this retreat for women ages 18-35 who are discerning their vocation. If you know of any women who would be interested in attending, please have them register at calledbychrist.com/events.
Not willing to let go of your marriage? Many couples continue to struggle in a marriage, but are not willing to give up on each other. There is hope.
Retrouvaille is a program designed to help struggling marriages regain their health. It helps a husband and a wife rediscover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. The program is highly successful in saving hurting marriages, even bringing reconciliation to couples who have already separated or divorced. Retrouvaille is a peer ministry of volunteer couples that can help you learn the tools of healthy communication, build intimacy and heal, just as they have done in their own marriages.
Retrouvaille is a program designed to help struggling marriages regain their health. It helps a husband and a wife rediscover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. The program is highly successful in saving hurting marriages, even bringing reconciliation to couples who have already separated or divorced. Retrouvaille is a peer ministry of volunteer couples that can help you learn the tools of healthy communication, build intimacy and heal, just as they have done in their own marriages.
For more information about our upcoming Retrouvaille Weekend program, May 3 - May 5, 2024, contact: Mus and Rubina @ 404.234.6006 or visit our website: HelpOurMarriage.org
We are here to listen and take action.