THE HISTORY OF ST. GEORGE

The first Mass of the Catholic community in Newnan, Georgia was said in 1938 in the home of Ellis Mansour with forty-eight Catholics in attendance. By 1947 the living room of the Mansour home could no longer hold the growing congregation and Mass was celebrated in the dining rooms of the Swinton and Virginia Hotel. In February, 1950, the parish was assigned to the Redemptorist Fathers. Although still a mission, it now had its own priest, Rev. Edward Coyne, C.S.S.R.

In 1951 a building was designated (presently the Montessori School) for Sunday worship. Due to the continuous growth of the community, 10 acres of land on Roscoe Road was purchased in 1967 from the Mansour family, who generously donated an additional 25 acres. In April 1969 Father Luke Doheny said the first Mass in the present church. In March 1974 St. George received full parish status. The parish hall and classrooms were commissioned that year to accommodate the needs of the community.

For 42 years the Redemptorist order of priests faithfully ministered to the parishioners of St. George. In June of 1992, Father Leo Herbert became the first diocesan pastor of St. George. In July of 1995, with over 680 families registered in the parish, plans were made to expand our facilities to meet the demands of present and future growth. In September of 1998, construction was completed, and we dedicated Henderson Hall which houses classrooms, meeting rooms, parish offices, and a 24-hour chapel.

Supported today by over a thousand families, our community is enriched with a large Latino presence; as a consequence, a Spanish mass is now a part of our regular Sunday worship schedule.

In addition to our basic ministries, we enjoy a very active outreach for the poor, mercy meals for those in need, ESL classes for our Hispanic brothers and sisters, and a viable ecumenical cooperation with our sister churches. We also have an excellent preschool program for three, four, and five year olds.

Parish Staff

OFFICE MANAGER	Lorraine Brunelle is the Office Manager. She is responsible for the bulletin, cheduling Father Austin’s appointments, correspondence, updating the data-base and special projects, mailings and booking the Church and/or hall for baptisms, weddings, receptions...etc. Office hours are 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday.
BUSINESS MANAGER	June Beers is the Business Manager and is responsible for all of the accounting including bills and payroll for the church and preschool. She makes the computer check entries, reconciles all accounts and prepares all of the financial statements. She is also a permanent member of the Finance Committee.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION	Lorraine Perez, is the Director of Religious Education.  Mrs. Perez is responsible or all Religious Education programs from preschool through adults, including CCD, RCIA, Junior Youth, Senior Youth, sacramental preparation for first reconciliation, first Eucharist and Confirmation, Children’s Liturgy of the Word.  She is also responsible for providing training for all volunteers involved in these programs.  Her normal office hours are 8am – 2pm Sunday, 9am – 4pm Monday, and Tuesday, Wednesday, 9am until 7pm. The Religious Education department phone number is (770) 254-9933.
PRESCHOOL	Judy Dixon is the Director of the St. George Catholic Preschool, which offers classes for 3, 4, & 5 year olds.
YOUTH MINISTRY	(Vacant Position) is the coordinator of the Jr. Youth Group. She plans the youth activities and retreats for the 6th, 7th and 8th graders. (Volunteer position)
MAINTENANCE	Ron Brouillette is responsible for the general maintenance and repair work of the Church, Henderson Hall, and Rectory facilities. Ron’s work hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30am – 12:30pm.
CUSTODIAN	Cath Tomys is responsible for the cleaning the main church building and Henderson Hall. Her hours are Monday through Friday 6am – 7:30am and 12:30pm – 3pm.
MUSIC	Anthony Rimore is responsible for providing music for Saturday and Sunday liturgy as well as special liturgical functions. The St. George Music Ministry is organized around this basic tenet, that of providing, through musical leadership and sung prayer, a balanced Sunday worship experience. We strive for excellence in performance, not for performance sake, but so that our musical leadership will enhance the liturgy and not impede or distract the celebration of the paschal mystery. We invite any parishioner, who has a musical talent they wish to share, either singing or instrumental, to contact our Director of Music, Anthony Rimore at the church or by email, arimore@numail.org.

To learn more about our church and staff, visit our website at www.stgeorgecatholicchurch.org You can also reach our staff members through their e-mail addresses:

Staff Name	Title	Email Address
Fr. Austin Fogarty	Pastor	fraustin@numail.org
Fr. Javier Munoz	Parochial Vicar	javier@numail.org
June Beers	Business Manager	jbeers@numail.org
Lorraine Brunelle	Office Manager	lbrunelle@numail.org
Lorraine Perez	DRE	lperez@numail.org
Anthony Rimore	Music Director	arimore@numail.org

Parish Clubs & Activities:

St. George Men's Club:

The main purpose of the Men's Club is to foster friendship among the men of the parish, and to use their brawn for workdays. The Men's Club organizes a shrimp and catfish supper in the spring, which has become very popular with the local townspeople. Proceeds from this event are used for support of a number of various parish activities. All men of the parish, l8 and older, are automatically members of the Men's Club. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month in the church hall beginning at 6:30 PM, with dinner and a short meeting at 7:00 PM. Feel free to come anytime! Contact: Contact: Greg Stefanchick (770) 251-4000

 

The Ladies of St. George:

The St. George Women’s Guild, now called the Ladies of St. George, is open to all women of the parish. The women meet for a potluck dinner and fellowship in the Parish Hall the second Tuesday of each month. Occasionally, speakers are invited to share information with the group. The Guild supports the parish in many ways including sponsoring the Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholarship, which is awarded annually. They actively support the Coweta Crisis Pregnancy Center by donating baby items several times a year. Contact: President, Alicia Rainwater (770) 304-2405

Over 50 Club:

For the grown-up members of the parish, 50 and older, this group provides the opportunity for socialization and activity. They meet the third Friday of each month at 6:30 PM in the parish hall. Their activities include covered dish suppers, cookouts, trips to various places of interest in the general area, bingo and cards. Contact: Dolores Durnwald (770) 836-8067

Choir:

Our wonderful choir is always looking for new talent. Whether you sing or play an instrument, we need you! We have both children and adult choirs that sing at the various Masses. They meet Saturday at 4pm. Contact: Anthony Rimore (770) 251-5353

Welcome/Hospitality Committee:

As the name implies, this group's function is to meet and provide information and resources to new members of our parish. However, if we miss you, a call to the person listed below will get you started in meeting our parish family. They also welcome all worshipers after the Sunday morning Masses with coffee and donuts. Contact: Dorothy Pope (770) 251-9615

 

Children/Youth Activities:

 

St. George Catholic Preschool:

St. George Catholic Preschool School provides a nurturing environment in which 3, 4 and 5 year old children develop, at their own pace, a lively awareness of the world around them spiritually, mentally, emotionally and socially within a community of faith marked by an atmosphere of Christian love. The program is offered five days a week. Dedicated staff is there to strive to carry out our purpose by offering experiences that are meaningful to children at their level of maturity. Classes are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 12 noon. Contact: Judy Dixon (770) 254-9933

Boy/Cub Scouts:

A Boy Scout Troop meets on Wednesday evenings. Boys from first (Tiger Cubs) to fifth grades (10 1/2 years old) are eligible to become Cub Scouts. Contact: Scout Master is Mike Denny (770) 463-1704

Altar Servers:

This is for boys and girls, 4th grade through high school. The children are taught how to assist at Mass and are then added to the Mass rotation schedule based on their availability. Depending on the number of children available for each Mass, they usually end up serving about once per month. Contact: Bob Kotz (770) 253-8112

Growth in the Spirit.......

Spiritual Programs and Organizations:

Sacristy Volunteers:

The Sacristy Volunteers are women, men, and children of the parish who have dedicated some time each week to ensure that the altar, vestments and liturgical items are always in good order. This is done on a rotating basis, so only requires a few hours each month. This group is always looking for more helping hands. Contact: JoAnne Cantrell (770) 583-3414

Knights Of Columbus:

The St. George Council of this international organization meets the third Monday of the month at 6:30 PM. As a fundraiser, the Knights participate in the national Tootsie Roll Drive to benefit the Retarded Citizens of Coweta County. They also sponsor a concession booth at the Georgia Dome for all the Falcon games. The Knights are always on hand to help with the cooking and planning for the parish picnic and newcomer’s welcome breakfast. Contact: Grand Knight, Tom Lanyi (770)251-9420 Membership

Legion of Mary:

The Legion of Mary has a day praesidium (Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament) which meets on Tuesdays at 9:15 AM. The object of the Legion is the spiritual growth of its members and to evangelize through spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Active members meet weekly to discuss assignments such as: hospital visits, visits to the home-bound, Holy Communion for the sick, distribution of Catholic literature and sacramentals (rosaries, scapulars, miraculous medals...etc.), and promotion of Consecration of Families and Homes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Auxiliary members pledge to say one rosary and a few other prayers each day to lend the spiritual power of prayer to our work. For information on being an active or auxiliary member call the people listed below. Contact: Jane Hand (770) 502-0143

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul:

St. Vincent de Paul taught that only through our Lord can we change the world and that by serving the poor and needy and letting His love pass through us, we are converted ourselves. Even though our operations of today are constantly changing and adapting to the situation at hand, so as to be as effective as possible, we still adhere to this basic philosophy. The St. George conference utilizes, basically, a person to person type operating philosophy and only our funds and abilities limit our outreach. If you are interested in serving God's will through self-sacrifice and service to the needy please contact us on the St. Vincent de Paul assistance line. Contact: Assistance Line (770) 301-0283

Respect Life Ministry:

The Respect Life Ministry is dedicated to all aspects of promoting pro-life values - through prayer, peaceful demonstrations, education (videos, literature), and knowledge of legislative events. Pope John Paul II's Encyclical Evangelicum Vitae/Gospel of Life is our guide; and we work in close conjunction with Priests for Life. For more info call the people listed below. Contact: Silvana Credidio (770) 304- 3993 Jane Hand (770) 502-0143

Religious Education

Religious Education Department (770) 254-9933

CCD Programs:

Sunday morning and Wednesday evening classes are provided for Preschool through 8th grade. Registration through the Office of Religious Education is required. The Office of Religious Education sets policies and establishes guidelines to be followed using the directives set forth by the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

Sacramental Preparation is a two-year program. Regular attendance is required in first and second grade to receive First Holy Communion at the end of second grade. Consistent participation in the 8th through 10th grades and service hours are necessary to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

9th - 12th grades meet together in an adult discussion-style format of education. In a setting of peer friendships, they discuss their faith and any other concerns they may have.

Adult Studies

RCIA:

This is a program for those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, and possibly choosing to become members. RCIA begins in September and runs until mid-May. Classes are on Sunday morning after attending the Liturgy of the Word at the 10am Mass as well as Wednesday evenings. For more information contact the Religious Education Department or Deacon Steve Beers.

Catholics Returning Home:

Catholics Returning Home is a process by which Catholics who have been separated from the Church, through alienation or for any reason, can become reconciled with the Church once again. They become familiar with the changes that may have occurred in the Church since they left and initiate a healing and spiritual journey through an interactive and educational process that is effected primarily through class participation and instructor facilitation. Contact Linda Patti for this parish ministry program.

Adult Education:

Classes are offered at a variety of times and days. Various speakers are invited to lecture on a variety of topics. There are also some excellent tape series that are used as a focal point of many of the classes. Advance notice will be given in the St. George bulletin for each session. Contact the Religious Education office for details.

Youth Ministry

Mary Pat Geoffrion is the Coordinator of the Junior Youth Group for grades 6th, 7th & 8th. Each month at least one activity is planned to get the youth together. Activities include bowling, roller-skating, ice skating, movies, trips to the monastery & retreats. Each year the Jr. Youth host an Italian Candlelight Dinner. This is held in the fall in with the proceeds used to provide food baskets for needy families at Thanksgiving & Christmas. I look forward to meeting new middle school students. If you have any questions or suggestions for the group

The Senior Youth Group, grades 9th - 12th, under the direction of Joe Cebulski, meet weekly as a group for study and social activities, coordinated by Sherry Cornay, such as the Annual Life Chain, Rafting Trip, Mission Trip, Live Stations of the Cross and the Senior Banquet. Planned activities with other youth groups throughout the metro area are on going.

STEWARDSHIP
.... A Partnership with God
.... A Way of Life

Spiritual growth and renewal are a continuing part of the life of any Christian. They are also basic parts of our parish life. An important part of this spiritual growth is embodied in the principle of Stewardship. Through Stewardship, we thank God for all of His blessings by returning to Him a portion of the gifts that He has given to us. Please reflect on the three facets of Stewardship and how or whether they are a part of your life.

TIME .... How much time do we set aside each week in prayer and involvement in volunteer activities in our parish and in our community?

TALENT .... How are we using our talents for the betterment of our parish family and for the community as a whole?

TREASURE .... What percentage of our annual income do we presently give to support our Church and other charitable concerns?

OFFERTORY ENVELOPES - It takes from 1 to 3 months for the offertory envelope company to process additions. In the meantime you can:

1) Write a check for your offering or,

2) If you prefer to give cash, use a plain envelope with your name and address on it. This way your contribution will be recorded for your Income Tax purposes.

 

"For your heart will always be where your riches are" (Matthew 6:21)

	Clergy
	Pastor Father Austin Fogarty Ordained in July 1981, Father Austin has served in several parishes throughout Atlanta (more recently – St. James, in McDonough). He was appointed pastor at St. George’s in July of 2002.	Rev. Mr. Dave Corbett is self-employed as a wall-covering subcontractor. He and his wife Maria have three sons and have been members of St. George for 13 years. Our four Deacons are available for baptisms, weddings, and home blessings. They also take turns preaching the homily the third Sunday of each month.
	Parochial Vicar Father Javier Muñoz Ordained December 15, 1996 in Colombia, S.A, Father Javier was at St. George on the weekends to help with the Hispanic Ministry and to say the Spanish Mass. Fr. Javier has now been assigned as our Parochial Vicar	Councils Parish Council The main goal of the Parish Council is to advise the pastor on the direction, which the parish should take. All major decisions for the parish's well being are made at these meetings. The presidents of different organizations are members along with eight appointed or elected members. Meetings are called on an as needed basis. The current chairperson is Mike Chase.
	Deacons Our parish is blessed with three Deacons.	Finance Council Cannon Law states that every parish must have a Finance Board. We have twelve appointed members who meet monthly to review parish finances and plan the annual budget. The current President of the Finance Committee is Laurie Pope
	Rev. Mr. Steve Beers is a small business consultant and owner of his own business. He and his wife June have two children and have been members of St. George for 13 years.
	Rev. Mr. Jim Bishop has been a member of St. George since 1986. He and his wife Andrea have 6 children and 4 grandchildren. Jim is a truck driver, Andrea is a homemaker who takes care of their grandson, Kane. Jim is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree.