St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville, will begin its annual novena to honor St. Anne, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary on July 18 through July 26.  Msgr. Walter Nolan, host of the diocesan television show “The Catholic Corner” and Deacons Eddie Ensley and Robert Herrmann of the Contemplative Brothers will share preaching during the nine days of parish worship.

Msgr. Nolan has served as pastor of St. Paul Parish, Princeton; diocesan director of Priest Personnel; and chaplain of Rider University and Notre Dame High School, both of Lawrenceville. His faith-filled warmth, wit and wealth of experience will benefit novena penitents. Msgr. Nolan will preach for the first three days of the novena.

Deacon Eddie Ensley and Deacon Robert Herrmann of the Contemplative Brothers are nationally known authors, pastoral counselors and retreat leaders with more than 20 years experience leading parish missions, retreats, renewals and conferences. The two Native American Indians teach in the manner of Jesus, using stories and parables. The deacons will share preaching duties the last three days of the novena.

The novena begins each weekday with Mass and homily at 9 a.m. and a service and prayers at 7:30 p.m. Novena prayers will be said at all weekend Masses. A religious item swap table will be open all days of the novena.

In conjunction with the novena, July 21 will be a “Loaves and Fishes” day of service at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, where novena participants can serve a meal to area hungry.

On July 26, the feast of St. Anne and St. Joachim, a tailgate supper will be held in the church parking lot at 6 p.m. and followed by Mass at 7:30 p.m. Following Mass, a statue of St. Ann will be processed through the surrounding community.