My dear parish family,
May is the Month of Mary. In Catholic theology, Mary is considered to be the highest creature in the created order. Therefore, after our devotion to the Most Holy Trinity, we direct our veneration and honor to her. We called this hyperdulia. Her willingness to accept the vocation to become the Mother of God remains the most powerful example and testimony of humility to God and cooperation with God’s will, second only to that of Jesus Christ. During the month of May, the Church invites us to pay closer attention to her example and to ask for her intercession, so that we too could learn the value and importance of submitting to God’s will in all things even when the future seems obscure and uncertain. Therefore, I urge and invite you to consider incorporating a Marian devotion into your life this May. It might be to pray the rosary daily. You can also order a book on Marian devotions and choose a prayer that will help you to develop a maternal affection for her. We shall have a MAY CROWNING at all the Masses on the weekend of May 4 / 5.
In addition, May is also the month for our mothers. MOTHER’S DAY (MAY 12) is a special day set aside for us to show gratitude to all the women who have nurtured us and shaped our lives. I ask you to consider adding their intentions to our MOTHER’S DAY NOVENA OF MASSES. It will take place from May 13 – 21. You can add their intention by filling out an envelope which can be found on the information table in the narthex or come by the parish office or fill it out online on the parish website.
Also, beginning in May, you will be able to honor your loved ones (living or deceased) by memorializing them with a donation for the altar flowers on the sanctuary. Whenever you do so, we shall include their name in the bulletin. For more information, contact Brandy Lake (Director of Business Operations) at 770.963.8992 or blake@saintlaw.org.
God bless you and see you at Mass!
Father Henry
Mother's Day Novena
May 13-May 21
We will be celebrating our Mother's Day Novena as we ask God to bless our mothers, grandmothers, Godmothers, mother-in-laws, stepmothers, wives, aunts, sisters, friends or any woman who has kindly nurtured you with a special motherly love.
If you would like to honor or memorialize a special woman in your life in our Mother’s Day Novena, please pick up an envelope from the information table in the Narthex, fill it out and return it to the parish office prior to Mother's Day weekend. For your convenience, for our online giving users, you also have the convenience of using an online form.
Earlier this week, we sent a special edition "Flocknote" or digital e-newsletter dedicated to the Gala on May 10. We encourage you to take a moment to read through that email if you have not yet done so (you can also access that information on our page dedicated to the 50th on our Parish website).
Purchase tickets using the link above or stop by the parish office during the week, 9am to 5pm, to purchase in person. The last day to purchase tickets will be Monday, April 29.
Video from the Bilingual Mass at Lawrenceville Lawn, Sunday, April 14
Be part of the next chapter of St. Lawrence Parish history.
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, (770)962-1676, for more information or to schedule a tour.
St. Lawrence Preschool is accepting applications for Assistant Teacher positions for our new school year starting in August. Experience is preferred, but not required. Qualified applicants must love young children, have a high school diploma and excellent communication skills in English. Please contact Wendy Guillory at wguillory@saintlaw.org for more information.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School Registration has officially opened and we couldn't be more excited to embark on this deep-sea adventure from June 3 to June 7.
Cost: $40/ Child
Ages: Rising Kindergarten - Rising 5th graders.
Children will go on an amazing underwater adventure where they will experience the ever-flowing, neverending love of God.
The deadline to register is May 26, so be sure to sign up early as spaces will be limited and this is a week your child won't want to miss.
Volunteer Information
To provide this program for our children, adult and teen volunteers are greatly needed! There are many different ways and areas where you can volunteer your time and talent:
- Sing & Play Splash (Music)
- Reef Rec (Games)
- Deep Bible Adventures (Story Time)
- Imagination Station (Science Experiments)
- Sticky Scripture (Scripture Stories)
- Tidal Treats (Snack)
- Group Leader
- Decorating Team (takes place 1-2 weeks prior to VBS beginning)
Volunteers range from rising 8th grade students to adults. Please contact Michelle Sander with questions (msander@saintlaw.org).
Thank you for your prayerful generosity in sharing your God-given gifts!
Doughnuts for a cause!
Until May 19, 2024, 50% of your order will be donated back to St. Lawrence to benefit our middle school teens when you purchase via our fundraising sales page! Doughnut coupons can be redeemed anywhere around the country, and at any time throughout the year.
All proceeds from the sale will help make it more affordable for our St. Lawrence families to send their middle schoolers to Camp Hidden Lake this summer. This year we are sending 30 teens to be immersed in the love of God, and have the opportunity to worship Him in the midst of His beautiful creation.
You can purchase Digital Dozens from our St. Lawrence Campaign Promotion Page, and you can redeem your order in-store or during your next visit to a participating Krispy Kreme.
Treat yourself or gift to friends and family!
2024 Vic Egidi Memorial Scholarship
Each year the St. Lawrence chapter of the Knights of Columbus presents scholarships in memory of lifelong member and educator, Vic Egidi. Available to graduating high-school seniors from our parish in good standing. Good standing is defined by existing parish registration, weekly participation at Mass on Sundays with your family, involvement as a volunteer with any of our parish ministries, or possibly supporting the parish in some other manner.
This fund was established in 2013 by the Egidi family and the Knights of Columbus to honor Vic’s lifetime commitment to education and to the Knights of Columbus. The scholarship was first presented in 2013 and continues today.
Applications must be completed and submitted by May 30, 2024. Decisions regarding the scholarship will be announced on June 30, 2024.
Questions? Contact Nic Schmitz at nschmitz@saintlaw.org
OPPORTUNITIES TO DEEPEN YOUR
SPIRITUAL LIFE
The Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Group will continue its weekly bible study sessions at 9:00 AM each Sunday in the Divine Mercy room until the end of June. We are currently studying The Second Letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians, using the Ignatius Bible Study Guide and Commentary as our guide. 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.” For more information, please contact Phil Scafidi at biblestudy@saintlaw.org.
Calling all Ministry Leaders: We have our quarterly ministry leaders’ meeting on Monday, May 6 at 6:30pm in Cogswell Hall. We ask you to please make an effort to be present and on time or send a representative from your ministry. If you cannot attend and cannot send someone, please contact Lori Crocker in the parish office, lcrocker@saintlaw.org.
All men of the parish, 25 and older, are invited to attend the next Men of Faith gathering, where the Knights of Columbus will be hosting the icon of St. Joseph which is part of the Knights of Columbus’ Pilgrim Icon program which will be on display in our parish.
Questions? Email menoffaith@saintlaw.org.
FAMILY PROMISE OF ST. LAWRENCE
Family Promise will be hosting families at Promise Haven on Moon Road. We are seeking volunteers for the week of May 12-18. Learn more about Family Promise by visiting their organization page here.
Our week is coming up. We ask that you support our upcoming week with gift cards in donations of $20.00 from gas stations, grocery stores or stores like Walmart and Target. Family Promise information and donation envelopes are in the literature rack.
RESPECT LIFE MINISTRY
Your next opportunity to donate will be this Tuesday, April 30th from 4pm - 6pm! The April Drive will be a Diapers & Depends Drive and we will be collecting all sizes of children's diapers and adult depends/diapers. These will benefit Mending the Gap and the Lawrenceville Co-op!
Mark your calendars for the Baby Bottle Campaign on Mother's Day Weekend: May 11th & 12th. More information to come next week.
Divorced? Divorced and Remarried? Separated?
Join the Monthly Divorce Support Group forming at Saint Lawrence.
Join the Monthly Divorce Support Group forming at Saint Lawrence.
Come join to Learn, Share, Grow, Pray, Socialize and Heal. The first meeting will be Thursday, May 9 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in Divine Mercy.
If you would like to join but are unable to attend at that time, or for more information, please email Paul Krauth at divorcecare@saintlaw.org. RSVP not required but highly encouraged.
Coming this summer!
Weekly on Tuesday nights, for 8 weeks, beginning June 4 through July 30, from 7-8:30 pm, in Cogswell Hall. Registration information is now available on our parish website or sign up below!
There is no cost to participate unless you choose to purchase a participant book ($15).
Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
Will you consider donating blood at St. Lawrence? Mark your calendars now and save a life.
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.
Building a Community of Prayer
Let us pray...
For our faithful departed, Diego Andres Sanchez
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
For the sick of our parish, especially Ricardo Betancurt, Victor Bute, Gabriela Calle, Sonny Canfield, Frances D’Amato, Judy Fletcher, Isabel Garcia, Lynne Gormley, Peggy Grannan, Diana Jaramillo, Bill Jones, George Lappan, Eva Macakova, Rose Mackin, John Monsalve, Luis Monsalve, Martha Muñiz, Murakami family, Irene Muse, Jaime Orozco, Merilee Pavik, Mary Peterson, Carl Raimondi, Joan Romeo, Judy Szekely, Oscar P. Tolentino, Nicole Topoleski, Paul Van Name, Louisa Wiles, 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 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, 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 Neophytes
(those who were newly initiated (received) through the Sacraments of Initiation)
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
The second collection this Sunday (April 28) is for Holy Land. 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. We no longer support Vanco and ask that you transition your giving to ParishSoft Giving. 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
FR. KEVIN HARGADEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION
Fr. Kevin Hargaden, who formerly served here at St. Lawrence, is celebrating his 25th year as a priest and you are invited to attend his jubilee celebration! His current parish, St. Francis of Assisi in Cartersville, is hosting "A Taste of St. Francis" on Pentecost Sunday, May 19th.
Festivities will start with a 10:30am Mass, followed by food, fellowship, a talent show, and more! All are invited to attend. The celebration is free, we only ask that you bring your favorite dish to share. You can find more information and register to attend here: https://stfac.org/pentecost2024
The Way for Men is a three-day retreat for adult male survivors of abuse offered by the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Victim Assistance Program. It will be May 24-26, at Carmel Retreat Center in Hoschton, GA. The registration deadline is May 16, 2024. Please contact Sue Stubbs at 404-920-7550 or sstubbs@archatl.com for more information.
CURSILLO RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES THIS FALL
Who is Cursillo For?
- Are you longing to experience your faith more deeply and live it in your daily life?
- To enrich your relationship with God, no matter how strong it may be right now?
- Are you looking for a community with which to share your faith journey?
- Do you want to become more confident in and enthusiastic about your faith and in sharing it in the secular world?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Cursillo is for you.
The world “cursillo” is Spanish for “short course,” and Cursillo retreats are set up to be just that – a short course in Christianity through a highly structured weekend retreat that runs from Thursday evening through Sunday evening.
Men's Cursillo Weekend:
October 10-13
Women's Cursillo Weekend:
October 17-20
Want to experience Cursillo?
We are here to listen and take action.