YOU ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST IN ACTION.
Please check back regularly for new opportunities to get involved at the parish through our ministry meetings & outreach opportunities.
Meet our Easter Vigil Candidates for Christian Initiation
Care for Creation: Bravery Bridge
Bravery Bridge is partnering with St. Lawrence Church to raise funds for our Caring for God's Creation ministry. During the month of May, after all Masses, we will be collecting phones of all kinds and in any condition. We will also accept tablets, speakers, unused headphones, Kindles, smartwatches, and similar devices. The phones will be processed and prepared for resale, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting our ministry’s efforts to promote recycling and reduce waste in our parish community. For more information, please visit www.braverybridge.com.
Young Families of Faith
This ministry is perfect for families with children in the 5th grade or lower. Young Families of Faith is a welcoming, faith-based community where families and friends gather to enjoy delicious meals. After dinner, children ages zero to 6 can go to the nursery; children 7 and older go to Johnson Hall to play games while parents have engaging discussions and the sought-after adult time.
Mark your calendar for our next gathering on May 2: Ann Hall will present on Natural Family Planning & Fertility Care. Come grow in faith and friendship with other young families! We look forward to seeing you there!
Young Adult Ministry (YAM)— Adoration Night
All young adults, ages 19 to 39 are invited to a special Adoration Night hosted by YAM on Monday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. The evening will begin with praise and worship, followed by the Rosary prayed together as a community. We will then enter into silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, allowing time for personal reflection and encountering Christ in the quiet. Join us!
Respect Life Monthly Food Drive
Our Respect Life Ministry hosts a monthly food drive to support those in need in our community. Donations are collected on the last Tuesday of every month under the Portico by the main entrance doors. Your generous contributions make a real difference! Together, we feed the hungry and live out the Gospel of Life.
This month we need the following items:
Most Needed Food Items
Macaroni and cheese
Instant potatoes
Canned meat
Canned fruit
Most Needed Personal Care Items
Size 3 and up diapers
Feminine pads
Adult diapers Size S-XL
Laundry pods
Congratulations to Melissa Kinard – Georgia’s 2025 Top Hat Award Winner!
We are proud and overjoyed to share that Melissa Kinard, a dedicated member of our St. Vincent de Paul Conference here at St. Lawrence, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Top Hat Award for the entire state of Georgia—the most prestigious honor given by SVdP Georgia.
Each year, one finalist is named from each of the nine districts across the state, and Melissa was chosen as the overall winner from this group of distinguished leaders. Representing District 3 – Gwinnett County, Melissa’s 43 years of service, all rooted at St. Lawrence, speak volumes about her unwavering commitment to serving our neighbors in need.
Over the decades, she has generously offered her time and heart in many roles, including caseworker, helpline coordinator, conference secretary, administrator, District 3 secretary, Angel Tree volunteer at Christmas, and conference meeting organizer. But beyond the titles, what truly sets Melissa apart is her deep Vincentian spirit. She is filled with the Holy Spirit and sees Jesus in each person she encounters. Whether she's speaking with a neighbor in need through the helpline, offering a prayer, answering a question, or simply listening with love and compassion, Melissa always leads with faith and mercy. Even when material assistance cannot be provided, she ensures that no one leaves unnoticed or unloved—reminding them that they are held in prayer.
Melissa lives her faith fully. She is a daily Mass attendee, actively participates in Bible studies, and joins women’s faith groups both at our parish and at St. John Neumann. Her quiet but powerful witness inspires all who serve alongside her.
Please join us in congratulating Melissa and giving thanks for her faithful service. Her recognition is not only a personal honor, but also a beautiful reflection of the spirit of St. Lawrence Parish.
St. Lawrence parishioner Melissa Kinard (center, white jacket) was honored as Georgia’s “2025 Top Hat Volunteer of Distinction” by St. Vincent de Paul Georgia. Melissa has volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul ministry for 40+ years.
MONTHLY GROUP MEETINGS & Announcements
MINISTRY NEWS
Set, Spike, Support—Empower Girls in Volleyball!
Our Girls’ Volleyball season is underway! Check out the link below for the game schedule and join us in cheering on our home team!
Name Tag Sunday is
May 17-18
Wear your name tag to Mass on that weekend so that we may come to know one another by name.
If you would like to order a name tag before Name Tag Sunday, click the button below to place your order. The cost is $10/tag. Orders are placed in batches; you'll be notified by email when it arrives.
Prayer Ministry is
May 17-18
The Prayer Ministry invites you to a personal prayer experience. Each month, on Name Tag Sunday, immediately after Mass, you will be able to approach the prayer stations set up behind the altar for someone to pray with you and for you.
Prayer for Life
Join others in prayer at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Lawrenceville. Prayer warriors gather Tuesdays (9AM - 6PM) & Saturdays (8:30AM - 4PM) to be a voice for the voiceless. Location: 355 Philip Blvd, Lawrenceville. For more information, contact respectlife@saintlaw.org.
Helping Hands of St. Lawrence (HHSL) — Your generosity continues to make a difference.
Spirrow Shelter and Educational Center – Senya Beraku, Ghana
Through the generosity of our St. Lawrence community, Helping Hands of St. Lawrence has provided vital support to the Spirrow Shelter, an orphanage serving 30 children and local students through its school. Our parish contributed $4,606 to fund essential renovations, including plasterwork, cement flooring, secure doors and windows, a dining table with benches, student desks, and improved bathroom facilities. Additionally, school supplies, toys, and recreational equipment will be sent to further enrich the lives of these children.
Notre Dame de la Merci – Ravine Blanche, Haiti
In response to the growing need for a place where children could receive an education, our parish donated $7,000 to support the construction of a schoolhouse.
St Cécile – Cap Haitien, Haiti
St Cécile parish had no restroom facilities and many parishioners walked long distances to attend Mass. Our parish sent $5,000 for the building of a restroom block with toilets, sinks, and showers.
The offertory collected on Holy Thursday will be directed towards continuing the good work of Helping Hands of St. Lawrence Ministry.
Thank you for being the hands of Christ in action!
Resource Ministries offering aid & Support
Information for those in Need
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Need Assistance? To request help contact our local St. Vincent de Paul Society (serving zip codes 30019, 30043, 30045 & 30046) by accessing the Intake Form here.
For all other Zip Codes, call
(678)892-6163
Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
St. Lawrence has a St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store located at 455 Grayson Highway (call: 770-339-7997). Proceeds from sales help support our neighbors in need who call the help line.
Ways to Support SVdP:
- Donate gently used, in-season clothing and small household items.
- Shop for great finds while making a difference.
- Link Your Kroger Card to St. Vincent de Paul - St. Lawrence Conference at www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards
- Volunteer – email
svdp@saintlaw.org to get involved!
Grief Support
St. Lawrence offers grief support on an individual basis for those in need. Please contact Barb Kennedy, R.N., at
(678)427-4116
Stephen Ministry
Our parish Stephen Ministry provides confidential one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives, such as:
- Divorce or Separation
- Troubling medical diagnosis
- Death of a loved one
- Job crisis
- Birth of a child
- Relocation
- Spiritual crisis
…and many other concerns
There is no fee associated with Stephen Ministry.
Contact Maryanne Hendrick at (770)402-8185
Healing & Hope Await
Struggling with addiction? Lightway Recovery offers support, guidance, and proven recovery methods. Find strength, peace, and a renewed purpose. Call 678-250-3511 or visit lightwayrecovery.org/
Facing an Unexpected Pregnancy? You Are Not Alone.
If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy, we want you to know that you are not alone. Our parish is here to accompany you, offering support, encouragement, and resources to help you and your baby. We believe in the dignity of every life and want to ensure you receive the care and assistance you need.
For confidential support and access to resources, please visit the following:
Abortion Pill Reversal
877-588-0333
Pregnancy Aid Clinics
Low-cost ultrasounds, STD testing, and treatment
Obria Medical Clinic - Gwinnett
770-338-1680
565 Old Norcross Rd.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Pregnancy Aid Clinic (PAC)
Free ultrasounds, STI testing, and treatment
Post Abortion Treatment and Healing (PATH)
404-717-5557
