By Rita McInerney, Staff Writer

LAWRENCEVILLE – It’s a happy occasion when a saint’s baptismal anniversary can be celebrated by her sisters among hospitable members of a mission named in her honor.

The saint is Marguerite d’Youville; the sisters Atlanta’s corps of Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart.

Father Don Caron, parochial vicar at St. John Neumann Parish in Lilburn and priest in charge of the Mission of St. Marguerite d’Youville begun in late 1992, celebrated the Saturday Vigil Mass Oct. 15. as the Mass Grey Nuns observed the anniversary of St. Marguerite’s baptism in 1701.

The readings and the Gospel from Matthew chapter 25, were chosen to reflect the selfless devotion to God’s poor and outcast that made the Canadian foundress of the Grey Nuns so saint-worthy. In his homily, Father Caron elaborated on her extraordinary devotion to the poor in 18th century Montreal despite ridicule and frustrations for her and her dedicated group of women.

Fitting in with the anniversary was the baptism of Kaitlyn Cheyenne, born in March to George and Diane Bekemeyer. She was given a warm welcome by the faith community. After the Mass, Sister Terese Matthews gave the baby a handpainted angel plaque personalized with her name that she had made.

The liturgy was followed by a buffet party at a nearby swim and tennis club frequently used by the mission for its celebrations. Grey Nuns and their lay advocates shared conversation and an appetizing array of food with congregation members.

The Mass marked the second year the Grey Nuns have celebrated this anniversary at the mission and they are grateful for the enthusiastic welcome. Each Grey Nun received a small corsage of pink roses.

“Father Caron has been helpful from the beginning,” Sister Rita Raffaele said.

Father Caron has assured the Grey Nuns they are welcome at all times. “We share that charisma. Our home is their home,” he said.

The mission is located in a large storefront at Sunset Square at Highway 29 and Huff Road. Its neighbors are a karate school, an outlet and a discount furniture store. According to Father Caron, “We knew from looking at the St. John Neumann registry there were 1,000 families in the area. We’re very confident we were not overreaching. We’re already overcrowded.”

Four hundred and 60 families are now registered at the mission.

About 10 acres of land has been purchased on Gloster Road between Lawrenceville Highway and Oak Road, Lawrenceville, and is expected to be the future site of St. Marguerite parish.

A capital fund drive for the church has begun and proceeds from fund-raising projects, talent shows, bake sales and the like are helping to reach the goal.