Oblate of St. Francis de Sales Father John Graden will preach the St. Ann Novena to be held July 18-26 in St. Ann Parish, 1253 Lawrence Rd., Lawrenceville.

Services will include Mass, homily and Novena Prayers at 9 a.m. and novena service and prayers at 7:30 p.m. a candlelight procession honoring St. Ann will be held July 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Father John Graden was ordained for the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in 1976. He holds degrees in biology, divinity and religious education. His experience includes serving in several parishes in Ohio. He has been a high school teacher and served his religious community in vocations and formation work. Father Graden has also been extensively involved in adult education and preaching parish missions.  Over the years, he has developed a special affinity for Third World missions. Father Graden has preached hundreds of parish missions since 1984. As a Catholic evangelist, he is known for his teaching, preaching, singing and storytelling.

The annual St. Ann Novena is a parish tradition which honors its patron St. Ann, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus. Each year many blessings are experienced during the novena. Throughout the years, St. Ann has been a source of inspiration and blessings for Christians throughout the world. She has been an effective advocate for many in handling the challenges in their daily lives.

For a detailed list of novena events, contact St. Ann Parish at 609-882-6491 or visit: www.churchofsaintann.net.