Weekly eNews for February 2, 2024 | | |
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Grant Applications now being accepted
Bach/Biber Project - 2/11
RSVP for the Pancake Supper - 2/13
Ash Wednesday - 2/14
Chez Epiphany - 2/29
View the Year in Review Slide Show
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Annual Parish Meeting last Sunday | The Annual Meeting was well attended last Sunday, January 28. Here is the information and media that was presented in case you were unable to attend. | |
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PARISH LIFE & WORSHIP
Shrove Tuesday
Tuesday, February 13
On Shrove Tuesday, come to the parish hall at 5:30 p.m. to help decorate the Alleluia Banner. All ages welcome! Then join us at 6:00 p.m. for pancakes (cooked by our Youth) and/or potluck Cajun (you bring it). There will be King Cake for dessert. The Burning of the Palms Liturgy will follow in the Courtyard at 6:45 p.m.
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PARISH LIFE/ YOUTH MINISTRIES
Pancake Supper & Mardi Gras Potluck - February 13
Served from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m.
The Epiphany Youth will be preparing a pancake supper to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, and to raise money for their summer pilgrimage (destination TBD).
One serving is 3 pancakes (with toppings) and 2 pieces of bacon or 1 vegetarian sausage. There will be a gluten-free option available as well.
Please RSVP so that we know how much batter and bacon/veggie sausage to buy and cook. We also encourage you to bring a topping or a side—the theme is cajun food, for Mardi Gras!
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| ** PLEASE NOTE: If you plan to just enjoy the pancakes, you do NOT need to bring a dish to share. And you do not need to RSVP for pancakes if you are just planning to sample the Cajun fare. | | |
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Pancake Volunteers Needed
We need a minimum of 5 adult volunteers who can help with chaperoning, organizing, and cleaning.
Volunteers need to be at the church from 5:45-6:30 p.m.
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WORSHIP
Ash Wednesday
February 14 at noon and 7:00 p.m.
2/14—We will observe the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday services at 12:00 & 7:00 p.m. in the nave and online.
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NOTICE
Endowment Fund Grants Available
Application Deadline is Wednesday, February 28, 2024
The 30-day period for requesting disbursements from the Epiphany Endowment Fund opened on the day of the annual parish meeting, January 28, 2024.
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Guidelines for distributions, pursuant to the Epiphany Endowment Fund’s Plan of Operation:
- Capital improvements, debt reduction, or the building program of the Church of the Epiphany;
- Scholarships or grants to members of the Church of the Epiphany for the purpose of attending college, seminary, nursing or medical school; for church-related camping or leadership conferences; or such other training which enables members of this congregation to grow in Christian faith and service to God’s people;
- Outreach into the community including, but not limited to, grants to Episcopal colleges and seminaries, social service agencies, institutions and agencies to which this parish relates, and to special programs designed for those persons in our area who are in spiritual and/or economic need; projects of the Episcopal Church at home and overseas.
Request forms are available at epiphany.org/endowment fund of the Epiphany website. Application Deadline is Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Please return them by email to the parish office.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Society of Saint Anna the Prophet Annual Vow Ceremony
Saturday, February 3 at 11:00 a.m.
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2/3—The Society of Saint Anna the Prophet (SSAP), a vowed, dispersed community of Episcopal women over the age of 50, will hold their annual Holy Eucharist and Vow Ceremony service at Epiphany this Saturday. All are invited to attend. Inspired by Anna, the only elder woman mentioned in the New Testament, members of SSAP are both lay and ordained. Our vows to simplicity, creativity and balance are life changing.
Two members of Epiphany are members of the SSAP: Katharine Hilliard-Yntema, Barbara Ryder.
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Worship with us at 10:00 a.m. | |
- Children's Chapel takes place during the service.
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Sermon Recordings are posted on Mondays.
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Adult Formation in the parish hall:
What happens when we recognize the presence of God in our midst? How do we deal with emotions of joy, fear, and confusion when the manifestation of God exceeds or confounds our expectations? Join us as we welcome back Dr. Elizabeth Arnold and explore the texts of Epiphany in Matthew, Luke, and John. As a congregation, we will reflect on Epiphany as our namesake and in what ways we do or might embody the realization of God in the world.
A playlist of recent classes can be found on our YouTube Channel.
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Children & Youth Formation:
Please register your children for formation classes.
- Room 205 – Godly Play children (3 years old through 2nd grade)
- Room 206 – 3rd and 5th grade
- Lower-Level Classroom / Donut Den – Youth (6th to 12th grade)
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Gaga Ball Court Workday:
All youth / youth parents are invited to join us after formation on Sunday to finish up our Gaga Ball Court. We'll be working from 12:15 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided if you RSVP to Emily Elder by 3:00 p.m. TODAY.
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Youth Group:
This Sunday (2/4), Youth Group will meet at Holy Trinity Parish at 5:00 p.m. for a joint youth meal at Coyote's Mexican Grill. Please send your youth with $12-$15, and plan to pick them up at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
DEAM Pantry Drive - One More Sunday
The month of January ended on Wednesday, but we will still accept donations for the Decatur-area Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM) pantry THIS SUNDAY. Wooden bins for your donations are located in the gallery inside the front door. Thanks to all who donated.
Jelly - 47 jars | Yellow Rice - 50 bags | Tuna Packets - 196
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Art Ministry - Now Showing
Epiphany’s Art Ministry welcomes woodturner and engraver Mike “Doc” Davis for the month of February. He’s a skilled craftsman who uses artistic woods, many of which are found pieces and native to Georgia.
Remember, 25% of all sales benefit Epiphany.
Click here to learn more about the artist and the Art Ministry >>
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Write a Valentine
an ICM Partnership project
| 2/10—Please write a note in support of Georgia’s children. “Mail” it in the designated ICM “Have a Heart” Campaign mailbox in the gallery by February 10. Valentine (or other) cards are to be written to Georgia State legislators compelling them to prioritize all Georgia’s children. For more information about our new ICM Partnership, refer to the January 26 edition of the Friday eNews. | |
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WORSHIP
Racial Justice Sunday
February 11 at 10:00 a.m. • nave
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2/11—Following the tradition of the Church of England, Epiphany will observe Racial Justice Sunday on the second Sunday in February. In the Episcopal Church, this Sunday falls closest to the feast of Absalom Jones, the first African-American man ordained as a priest in our tradition in 1802.
Please join us in worship as we reflect on the importance of racial justice, give thanks for the gifts and beauty of human diversity, and commit to the work of ending racism and acts of discrimination.
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FORMATION FOR ADULTS
Images of Mary Magdalene
February 11 at 11:30 a.m. • parish hall
| 2/11—Throughout Christian history, Mary Magdalene has been depicted as a faithful apostle, a penitent sinner, a contemplative figure, a prostitute, a witness, a preacher, and a patron. Ann Fowler will lead an adult formation class centered around recent scholarly research on Mary Magdalene. The different ways Mary has been portrayed in art and culture over the years will also be explored. | |
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MUSIC
The Bach/Biber Project
Sunday, February 11 at 5:00 p.m. in the Nave
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2/11—Join us for the second in a series of 6 performances over the next three years of the Bach/Biber Project.
Violinist Judith Cox and organist Julie Ryder will present 2 of Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber’s Rosary Sonatas which are based around the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Bach’s Violin Partita in B minor is also on the program.
This presentation will take place as part of our monthly Contemplative Practice. For more information, visit Bach/Biber Project or contact Julie Ryder.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Speak out for Georgia's Children
an ICM advocacy program
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2/15—Georgia ranks 47th in education, directly correlating to 20–30% drop-out rates in underserved communities. Add your voice for children. Join our partner the Interfaith Children’s Movement for their Day at the Capital advocacy program on February 15.
For more information about our new ICM Partnership, refer to the January 26 edition of the Friday eNews.
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PARISH GROUPS
Chez Epiphany Cooking Class
Thursday, February 29 • kitchen & parish hall
| 2/29—The next cooking class with our chef-in-residence Joel Fowler will be form 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The topic for this session is hands-on Puff Pastry! We'll make a basic rough puff pastry together and then put it to use. No pastry skill or experience needed. The cost is $25 per person, which includes the class and the meal we have together from what we cook. | |
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BUILDING & GROUNDS
Parish Workday
Saturday, March 23 • from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
| 3/23—Please save the date for a work day that we will have on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. We hope you will be able to join your fellow Creation Caregivers of the Earth Guild and the Buildings & Grounds Committee as we spruce up our lovely grounds and interior spaces before Holy Week. All ages and all skill levels are welcome! | |
We will provide snacks and beverages, but you will want to bring your reusable water bottle so we can avoid single-use plastics. If you have them, bring your work gloves, pruning shears, loppers, spades, clippers, and garden shovels. | |
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
Vacation Bible School
Registration is open
| 6/10-14—Save the date and register for this year's VBS, which will take place from June 10 to June 14. We will once again host VBS with St Bart's and Holy Trinity Parish. | |
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PRAYER
Compline
from 7:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on Zoom
| During Lent this year, we invite the whole parish--and especially our younger families—to consider praying Compline once a week (or however often makes sense for your schedule). A short, family-friendly Compline prayer session will be held every Thursday evening during Lent, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. over Zoom. Please click on the meeting link on the homepage of Epiphany's website to join. | |
GIVING
United Thank Offering (UTO)
make a practice of thank offerings during Lent
| In 1889, two Episcopal women envisioned a way to collect small thank offerings in homes as a personal expression of gratitude. Today, UTO contributions from Episcopalian around the world support more than 5,300 Episcopal missions and ministries. UTO boxes/envelopes are in the Gallery. Make checks out to The Episcopal Church Women, noting UTO in the memo. Ingathering will be Sunday, April 7. | |
DEVOTIONALS
A Booklet from Living Compass
free in the gallery, limited supply
| If you are looking for a Lenten devotional to read as a spiritual practice during Lent, pick up one of the Living Compass booklets in the gallery: Living Well Through Lent 2024: Practicing Forgiveness with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. Prefer a digital practice? A free PDF version is also available at livingcompass.org. You can also sign up to receive a daily email of each reflection for free. | |
MEDITATIONS
Free Online Offering from ERD
| You’re invited to subscribe to ERD’s Lenten Meditations! Visit episcopalrelief.org/church-in-action/lent/ to sign up for daily meditation emails, written by Miguel Escobar, on living an authentic life as followers of Christ. | | | |
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The Rite of Reconciliation is available during the season of Lent.
This rite, also known as confession, invites the confession of sin to God in the presence of a priest, followed by the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. Contact the Rev. Amy Dills-Wright if you would like to schedule a time for this sacramental rite.
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Circle of Care Blessing for New Trainees | |
During the January 21 service, parishioners in the Community of Hope pastoral care training received a blessing from Amy. They include Nancy Thompson, Carol Moser, Nick Theyerl, Lalor Cadley, and Nan Ross. Lay chaplains who completed the training last year stood alongside these new members in support of their upcoming ministry.
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Ongoing Meetings & Programs | |
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NOTICE
Forward Day-by-Day Booklet Price Increase
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Located in the tract racks by the front door are pamphlets and a quarterly booklet from Forward Movement —a ministry of the Episcopal Church since 1935. The Forward Day-by-Day booklet is a pocket-size publication of daily Bible readings and devotions.
For the first time in decades, the price of the quarterly booklet has been raised. They are now $1.25. A QR Code is available at the tract rack, or cash can be put in the cash box by the booklets. Forward Movement is also available as a podcast and as a smartphone app.
Learn more about their digital options >>
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COMMUNIT ENGAGEMENT
Epiphany Racial Justice Group (ERJG)
| 2/5—Please join us as we continue seeking the Spirit’s guidance on ways to work toward a more just and equitable world. We will meet at 6:00 p.m. in Room 202. For more information, contact Suzanne Yoder. | |
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PARISH GROUPS
Epiphany Book Group
2nd Mondays at 7:00 p.m. - location varies
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All are welcome to join the Epiphany Book Group on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Check the schedule for meeting locations each month. Contact Linda Ryder-Wolf for the meeting link. All are welcome!
Book selections for 2024
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March: The Accidental Saints, by Nadia Bolz-Weber at Epiphany
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April: Ordinary Grace, by William Kent-Krueger at Epiphany
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May: TBD - at Epiphany
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June: Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt at Epiphany
- July & August: No Meetings
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September: The Unanswered Letter: One Holocaust Family’s Plea for Help, by Faris Cassel at Epiphany
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October: Democracy Awakening, by Heather Cox Richardson at Epiphany
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November: Still Fooling ‘Em, by Billy Crystal on Zoom
- December: Appetizers & Dessert at 5:30 p.m. and pick books for 2025 at Epiphany
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PASTORAL CARE
Community of Hope's Circle of Care
Last Mondays at 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. • Parish Hall
| Members gather to pray, learn, and provide each other with mutual support as they reflect on their emotional and spiritual responses to pastoral encounters. If you or a loved one would like to receive a pastoral visit or home communion by one of the trained caregivers, please contact Ann Fowler. | |
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PARISH GROUP
Men's Breakfast Group
Tuesdays following the 7:00 a.m. service
| The Men’s Breakfast Group gathers for breakfast and discussion afterward the Tuesday morning service and are typically on their way by 8:00 a.m. For more information contact John Yntema. | |
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PARISH GROUP
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
2nd Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the parish hall
| The ECW meets on 2nd Tuesdays in the parish hall at 10:30 a.m. Afterwards, they will adjourn to Melton’s App & Tap for lunch. All women of Epiphany are invited to attend. For more information, contact Robin Hairston. | |
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Children & Youth—Tuesdays in the Music Suite upstairs
Please register your children for Children's Choir
- Choristers (pre-K-2nd grade) meet Tuesday evenings from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.
- Junior Choir (3rd grade-unchanged voices) meet from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.
Adults & Youth—Wednesdays
- The Epiphany Ringers rehearse from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Loft.
- Our all-volunteer Epiphany Choir rehearses from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. in the Music Suite.
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PASTORAL CARE
The Grief Pastoral Care Group
1st Thursdays at noon on Zoom
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The group meets each month for a healing and faith-based conversation around grief and loss, led by parishioners Megan Fraijo-Paul and Nancy Thompson, both trained psychotherapists. Please contact Megan, or Nancy before attending the first time. | |
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Feeding Ministry
Meals served 2nd Fridays of the Month
| Volunteers cook in the Epiphany kitchen and then serve the meal at Gateway Shelter on 2nd Fridays. Sign up to help shop, prepare, cook or serve the meal this month. | |
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GIVING
Altar Arrangements & Sanctuary Light Sign Up
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The Arrangements at the Altar are given to the Glory of God and in thanksgiving for the Society of St. Anna the Prophet (SSAP), by Peggy Courtright, and in gratitude for the SSAP, by John Yntema.
- The Sanctuary Light is given to the Glory of God.
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Diocesan & Community News | |
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MARY & MARTHA'S PLACE
Celtic Insights for Living These Times
Saturday, February 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
| Internationally renowned vocal artists Virginia Schenck and Ruth Cunningham will facilitate a half-day, interactive workshop that draws on Celtic wisdom through poetry, songs and sound. In this workshop we will sing prayers and chants together, drawing on the ancient wisdom of our Celtic ancestors that have held civilizations for centuries, as well as drawing forth from our bellies the new wisdoms and sounds waiting to be born. Cost $30. | |
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HOLY CROSS, DECATUR
Feast of Absalom Jones Service
Saturday, February 10 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
| 2/10—The Union of Black Episcopalians in Atlanta invites all to participate in a service commemorating the life and witness of Absalom Jones on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, speaking. For more information and to join others attending, contact Katharine Hilliard-Yntema. | |
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CAMP MIKELL
Spring 2024 Allan Folk School Registration is Open!
| Registration is now open for the Spring 2024 session of The Allan Folk School at Mikell. Please join us from Friday, March 8 – Sunday, March 10, 2024 for a fantastic weekend of arts, crafts and fellowship. Download the registration form for a full list of available classes. | |
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For members who are bidding our prayers: Wayne Urban • Rob Godsall • Ellen Mintzmyer • Kim Boswell • Brett Boatright • Lisa Carlson • Laura, John & Sarah Keys • Robin Hairston • Audrey Banfield • Beth Towers • Mary McCall Cash • Wende Crowe • Judy Jarady • Sally Brockington
For friends and family: Anda Tomel, friend of Susan Scott • Sherri Sharp, cousin of Terri Lawrence & Julie Ryder • Jeff Smith, family member of George & Liefy Smith • Nick Brown, son of Colleen Morich • Fran Block, mother of Erin Braden • Mike Thesing, friend of Lisa Gray • Charlie Sawyer, relative of Amanda Styles • Gary Davis, father of Jeremy Davis • Diana Lawrence, niece of Terri Lawrence & Julie Ryder • Dave Tipton, brother of Pam Tipton • Isabel, granddaughter of Mike & Beth Towers
For members who desire our continuing prayers: Jewel Allen • Alma Fuller • Rod MacLeod • Sally McClintock • Chris Miller & Ron Hutcheson • Tom Mundy • Floyd Parker • Pat Spivey • Ann Rowles • Shirley Sugden • Wayne & Judy Urban • Larry Wilcox • Kathy Walmsley • Colleen
For those who have died: Mary Wimpenny, friend of Diane and Jackie Tate and Julie Walton
For those in the armed forces: Stewart Mundy
For those celebrating birthdays for the week of 2/4-10: Ripley Prikkel • Carol Moser • Mary Braswell • Jim Rabb • Lindsay King • Susan Bridges • Sharon Burrow • Hayes Wagner
For members awaiting the adoption of a child: Jessica, Duane & Abram Burns
For racial justice: For those living at the intersection of disability, poverty, and racism and for the Church of the Holy Comforter Friendship Center and others like them, working to provide an inclusive community of recovery.
For our endangered world: For the pileated woodpecker who is in danger due to logging and loss of habitat.
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Did we miss your anniversary or birthday? Send the full date of your anniversary and/or your date of birth to the parish office so that we can update our records. | | |
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The weekly parish notices are published Friday mornings at 7 a.m.
The submission deadline is Wednesdays at NOON.
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