Advent:
Expectant Hearts
Advent Prayer
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!"
Amen.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
WE'RE EXPECTING YOU!
EVENTS, TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS AROUND ST. ANN FOR ADVENT
Nov. 23
Knights of Columbus
Christmas Trees
Arrive, Lot Opens
Dec. 1
Advent Begins
Week 1: Dec.1 • Week 2: Dec 8
Week 3: Dec 15 • Week 4: Dec 22
Dec. 9
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Mass: 6:30 am, 9:00am,
Noon, 7:00pm
Dec. 11
Parish Penance Service 7:00pm
Church
Dec. 12
Christmas Dinner
5:00 pm
La Salette Hall
Dec. 12
St. Ann Sing-along
7:00pm
Church
Dec. 13
Adopt-A-Family
Drop off night
Nolan Hall
Dec. 16
Women's Evening of Reflection:
7:00pm
La Salette Hall
Dec. 21
Cookies and Cocoa
with Santa
Dec. 22
Parish Christmas Tree Lighting following the 6:00pm Mass
Dec. 24/25
Christmas Eve Mass/ Christmas Day Mass
Jan.1
Feast of Mary, Mother of God (Holy Day) Mass Times
Mass Schedule
The new liturgical year begins with Advent on Sunday, Dec. 1
Follow along with the seasonal readings:
Dec. 1 reading
•
Dec. 8 readings •
Dec. 15 readings
•
Dec. 22 readings
St. Ann Advent Penance Service
Wednesday, December 11 at 7:00pm
Local Penance Services: All services held at 7:00 pm
Our Lady of La Salette Catholic Church, Canton, 12/2
The Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, Marietta 12/3
Holy Family Catholic Church, Marietta, 12/4
St. Catherine of Sienna, Kennesaw, 12/10
The Catholic Church of St. Ann, 12/11
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marietta, 12/16
St. Michael the Archangel, Woodstock, 12/17
St. Thomas the Apostle, Smyrna, 12/18
Click here for tools on how to prepare for Reconciliation.
There are a variety of examinations of conscience; find a list here.
Reconciliation at St. Ann
- Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 am (Reconciliation rooms are on the hallway to the right of the altar.) Campus map
- Priests offer reconciliation after 9:00am daily Mass in the narthex.
- Reconciliation is also available by appointment; call the parish office, 770-552-6400 x6001.
Parish Traditions
Parish Christmas tree
Ornament collection starts Dec. 1
Join us for a Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 22 following the 6:00pm Mass.
Donate an ornament to St. Ann as we begin a tradition of sharing pieces of your Christmas joy in our parish home. Share an ornament that represents your family by December 16.
Your ornament will adorn our trees throughout the holiday season. Join us for a Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 22 following the 6:00pm Mass.
Parish Christmas Dinner
Dec. 12, 5:00pm - La Salette Hall
Join us for this fun community event! The parish priests and volunteer crew will cook up a family style meal in celebration of the Covenant of Generosity. This parish-wide event is open to all members of St. Ann and the community free of charge.
We are asking community members to bring a pie or brownies to share for dessert! Drop them off at Nolan Hall before you come in to dinner at La Salette Hall.
Can you volunteer to set-up, clean-up or serve at Christmas Dinner? Contact Hospitality Coordinator, Daisy Whiting. Or SignUp to Volunteer Here.
Dinner begins at 5:30pm and is followed by the St. Ann Christmas Sing-along at 7:00pm.
All are invited.
St. Ann Sing-Along
Dec. 12, 7:00 pm - Church
Enjoy this parish tradition as we gather to celebrate Christmas with the sounds of the season. This year, we are opening Nolan Hall to watch a live stream of the Sing-along.
Christmas Cookie Exchange
Parish Christmas Cookie Exchange: Happening after the Sing-Along.
You are invited to bring cookies for a crowd if you would like to participate in a cookie exchange following the sing-along. (Cookie exchange tables are located in the Preschool Hallway. Drop off your cookies before you come to dinner or the sing-along on December 12.) Learn more, here.
Community Events
A Christmas tradition at St. Ann since 1981, this fundraiser for the parish and local charities features more than 100 artisans, carefully selected by a jury to showcase their handmade goods. See show details and volunteer at the link above. All volunteers are invited to attend the show's preview night.
Visit st-ann.org/apple-annie for volunteer and show information.
This program provides Christmas gifts and dinner to hundreds of individuals and families in need from Atlanta, North Georgia and beyond, as well as the surrounding community of St. Ann.
Visit st-ann.org/adopt-a-family to donate, volunteer or see how you can support this ongoing ministry.
Drop-Off Event: December 13
It's time to register for the Children’s Christmas Choir! The choir will be singing at the 6:30 Christmas Eve Mass in the Church. (Ages 6-12, at least 3 rehearsals required.)
Rehearsals are from 4:45-5:30 on the following Wednesdays: 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18.
Visit
st-ann.org/music to sign up.
Knights of Columbus Tree Sale
Thank you for supporting the Christmas Trees sale this year, they are just about sold out! See times and contact information
at
st-ann.org/knights
Nov. 23 - supplies run out!
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa
Dec. 21, 8:30am | 10:15am | noon
Santa is coming to St. Ann! Join us for this magical holiday event and get your picture taken with Santa!
• At this time, ticket reservations are fully booked. Visit our website to see times, links, and contact information, here.
• Volunteers and cookie donations are also needed to make these event happen! From event set up to student volunteers, we need all the help we can get! Volunteer/Donation Sign Up: here
The Expectant Heart
Resources for deepening your faith this Advent.
Advent wreath prayers
Weekly
St. Ann Advent
Reflections and Prayers
Come here to read the inspiring reflections of Advent as we prepare for Christmas with Expectant Hearts!
Holy Inconveniences: an Advent gathering for women.
Follow the lives of Mary and Elizabeth as they journey through the holy inconveniences each faced. Leaning on God and one another, Mary and Elizabeth show us how daily interruptions and challenges create a space for relationship to flourish, not only with one another but with our Lord. Hosted by SisterTalk.
Please RSVP Here
or at st-ann.org/encounter
All things Catholic with Dr. Edward Sri - (Podcast)
As we approach Advent, are there areas of your life that seem empty? This week, Dr. Sri connects our longing for the Lord to the longing of the first century Jews, who inspire us to look deeply into the disposition of our hearts, to weed out fruitless distractions, and to invite God into the areas of life that we long for him to fill.
A complete guide to a Catholic Advent with prayers, family traditions and activities
Watch this video on the meaning of Advent, a season of hope.
The Jesse Tree is a series of biblical stories that lead up to the birth of Jesus. There are multiple versions of the Jesse Tree, depending on which 25 stories are chosen. It is recommended that you begin the Jesse Tree countdown on Dec. 1.
Saint feast days during Advent
We are all called to holiness. Use the resources below to learn and celebrate.
St. Ann invites
you to become
a member
of our community.
You belong here.
Not just at Christmas or because you may be Catholic, but because you are a disciple of light. Our community is richer and happier when all of the members of the body of Christ know there is a place to learn, grow and share in the spirit of community.
The Catholic Church of St. Ann is a La Salette parish family dedicated to reconciliation through worship, word, works and sacrament.
Become a member of our parish by filling out the online form below.
Visit the rest of our website to see calendars, involvement and charitable opportunities, ministry contacts and faith formation connections.
Parish office
770-552-6400 x6001
Monday-Thursday: 9:00am- 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am-2:00pm
Limited Administrative Office Hours during the season from Dec. 24 - Jan 2
In the event of an emergency that requires a priest, please call the emergency number:
470-785-2445.
St. Ann contact information is listed:
Here.