Latest From Archbishop Gregory's Georgia Bulletin Column, "What I have Seen and Heard"- "One of the colossal questions regarding faith that somehow manages to touch, in some form or fashion, all of the world’s religions is the issue of evil and suffering. It remains the obstacle that keeps some people from joining a religious family. They simply cannot understand how an all-loving, all-powerful, all-knowing God can allow the horrible things that occur so regularly to touch our world. How could such a God tolerate hurricanes and tsunamis, devastating diseases and death, horrific violence and hatred to bring so much sorrow to so many people in our world? We know that evil is a reality, and yet we are all stymied to understand or explain why God permits such events to happen—especially to innocent people”.
Study after study shows that this current generation of college students (the Millennial generation) are looking for a sense of identity. For many of you a memorable part of your college experience was attending Mass at the “Newman Center”. While some things about college have changed, The Archdiocese of Atlanta is blessed to have eight Catholic Campus Ministry Centers serving Atlanta: University Center, Emory University & Agnes Scott College, Georgia College and State University, Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, North Georgia College, and Kennesaw State University. Some denominations take the position that students on campus will be able to find their way to nearby congregations. The Bishops of the United States firmly believe that the Gospel must be experienced on campus and that the evangelization that occurs there is unique to campus life….
Greetings! I am Deacon Michael Silloway. I am in my last year of formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, only a few short months from being ordained a priest of Jesus Christ. Every day of my life has been a blessing, even the challenging ones. How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me? The cup of salvation I will raise, and I will call on the Lord’s name (Psalm 116). I can’t wait to be in a parish in our great Archdiocese loving and serving you, the amazing people of God. Peace in Christ! -Deacon Michael Silloway
Deacon Silloway was chosen to chant for the Papal Mass to close the Synod on Africa in St. Peter's! He reported, “I'll be chanting the Gospel and sitting right next to the pope. ….this is probably the pinnacle of one's choral experiences -- to chant the Gospel at a Papal Mass”.
Do you want to redirect a portion of your Georgia Income Taxes to Catholic Schools?
GRACE Scholars, formed by Archbishop Gregory and Bishop Boland, provides scholarships to children with financial need entering Catholic schools throughout Georgia. Due to Georgia law, donations to GRACE Scholars are eligible for a state tax credit. Your 2009 Georgia taxes are reduced by 100%, dollar for dollar, of the amount you contribute to GRACE.
How can I do this?
Mail the IT-QEE-TP1 form to the GA DOR, listing the intended contribution. (Maximum: $2,500/ married or $1000/individual).
Once the form is signed and returned, forward it with your check to GRACE Scholars .
Claim the credit when filing 2009 state taxes and get it all back via a refund or via a reduction in the amount you owe.
Act now to ensure state approval is received in time to make your contribution to GRACE before yearend!
Providing Help. Creating Hope.
Her husband imprisoned, a pregnant Mary fled from Burma to Malaysia with her two young boys. While living in Malaysia, Mary experienced a complicated birth of her daughter. After 18 months, Mary and her three children finally found their way to the U.S. Upon arrival, the airline lost a bag containing her high school diploma, marriage certificate, and her husband’s only belongings. It felt as though she had lost everything. But, she had not lost hope. Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement Services worked with Mary to rent an apartment. They enrolled her in English classes and in their self-sufficiency program. As Mary progressed, Catholic Charities continued to assist with her rent to supplement a government aid program that provided childcare and transportation vouchers. Soon, Mary’s children began their education in pre-K and kindergarten classes, and she found a full-time job at an upscale Atlanta hotel. In under a year, Mary was able to able to provide the necessary support for her family and restore happiness to their lives.
National Health Care Reform-
U.S. House of Representatives passed major health care reform, reaffirming the policy that no federal funds be used to pay for elective abortions. It is critical that the Senate adopt similar language. Learn how your efforts can make a difference.
Nov 22-All Saints Church celebrates The Year For Priests. Parishioners will receive spiritual bouquet postcards, “pray for priests” balloons and a reception for priests will take place after morning masses. For more information call 770-393-3255. Learn how you can celebrate The Year For Priests
Nov 19, Dec 3 & 10- Inquiry Program designed to provide answers to questions about the Catholic Church and her teachings. To take place at St. Brigid’s Church from 7 - 8:15pm
Learn More @ St. Brigid's Website
Dec 5- 8:00pm St. Benedict Church is hosting a Christmas Gala and Holiday Pops Concert with Champagne and Dessert Reception. “Music of the Season” with special guest Banks & Shane-
Learn More @ John's Creek Symphony
Greetings! I am Deacon Michael Silloway. I am in my last year of formation at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy, only a few short months from being ordained a priest of Jesus Christ. Every day of my life has been a blessing, even the challenging ones. How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me? The cup of salvation I will raise, and I will call on the Lord’s name (Psalm 116). I can’t wait to be in a parish in our great Archdiocese loving and serving you, the amazing people of God. Peace in Christ!
Her husband imprisoned, a pregnant Mary fled from Burma to Malaysia with her two young boys. While living in Malaysia, Mary experienced a complicated birth of her daughter. After 18 months, Mary and her three children finally found their way to the U.S. Upon arrival, the airline lost a bag containing her high school diploma, marriage certificate, and her husband’s only belongings. It felt as though she had lost everything. But, she had not lost hope. Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement Services worked with Mary to rent an apartment. They enrolled her in English classes and in their self-sufficiency program. As Mary progressed, Catholic Charities continued to assist with her rent to supplement a government aid program that provided childcare and transportation vouchers. Soon, Mary’s children began their education in pre-K and kindergarten classes, and she found a full-time job at an upscale Atlanta hotel. In under a year, Mary was able to able to provide the necessary support for her family and restore happiness to their lives.