Fr. Tom’s Letters

Each week Fr. Tom writes a letter to parishioners in our bulletin. Every letter is comprehensive, including current information about the Parish, an explanation of Scripture for that Sunday, and an invitation to become more engaged in the life of the parish.

May 24, 2026

Dear Parishioners,

NEW ROOF AND AIR CONDITIONING

The installation of the new church roof has begun in earnest. I have not gone up to the roof to see firsthand, but I know the old roof is partly gone and installation has begun with the new roof. New air conditioning is being installed and coordinated with the roof work. We are hoping to raise $500,000 toward the project and we are approaching $200,000. Your support is most appreciated. A form can be found in the bulletin that allows you to make a donation or you can make your donation electronically using WeShare. Thank you to the parishioners who have already made a donation.

PENTECOST

This Sunday brings a conclusion to the Easter season as we celebrate the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday. The Easter season has been a happy and grace-filled time. More than 325 children celebrated the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Today several adults will be celebrating Confirmation and we continue to celebrate Baptisms, including just about every Sunday. As we have celebrated the first anniversary of the leadership of Pope Leo, how grateful we are that the Holy Spirit has gifted us with such a wise, loving, and eloquent leader for the Church. We do believe the Holy Spirit is as present to us in 2026 as he was present to the Church on that first Pentecost in the Upper Room.

MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day ushers in summer activities, summer thinking, and summer warmth. Yet, how important it is for us to maintain the purpose and spirit of Memorial Day. Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day and dates back to the Civil War. Memorial Day is the nation’s foremost annual day to remember, mourn, and honor its deceased service men and women. “The modern proclamation calls on Americans to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace.” This year Memorial Day is celebrated on the same day as the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. Masses on Memorial Day are at 7:30 and 9:00AM.

PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY

In last Sunday’s bulletin, Mrs. Linda Leone communicated to the parish that after 25 years on the Parish Staff as the coordinator for our many Parish Social Ministry activities, she will return to her “former status as a volunteer.” Linda will be free of the office and staff responsibilities in which she has so graciously served these many years.

When Msgr. Gilmartin invited Linda to join the parish staff in this capacity, Linda brought with her a vision, zeal, and commitment to respond to the spirit of the Gospel passage in Matthew 25. Matthew 25 directs our attention to the hungry, the sick, the poor, and all those in need. She transformed a vision into reality. She shared her zeal with hundreds of volunteers. She joined with so many in a commitment to living the Gospel mandate of love of neighbor. Her faith inspired a whole community of people to share in the vision of Parish Social Ministry.

Parish Social Ministry has grown in leaps and bounds. In her brief note in the bulletin last week, Linda noted Respite, Senior Ministry, Loaves & Fishes, Share a Meal, Families in Service, and Ministry of Consolation. These may be “highlights” yet there are so many other personal and communal efforts that have grown over the years in St. Anne’s Parish Social Ministry. Visits to the sick and homebound, deliveries of food and clothing, support groups, holiday support and family emergencies have all helped to make St. Anne’s known for its special place in this local community and beyond.

As Linda returns to volunteer service, her primary desire is that all the effort, good works, and support of the team effort of these past 25 years continue. I share with Linda that desire. I think Parish Social Ministry will continue to thrive in its many efforts and continue to grow. We are expanding the leadership team. Stacey Young has worked closely with Linda these past two years. Kevin Keane has assisted in many ways this past year. Parishioner Chris Roller will be joining the leadership team. Parishioner Kelly Allen will bring her experience and wisdom to the Respite Team. And dozens of volunteers will ensure that Parish Social Ministry will continue uninterrupted. And we will have at least one additional very experienced volunteer in Linda.

In the fall, on Sunday, September 20, the parish will have the opportunity to join in gratitude to Linda at the 10:00 Mass. In addition, at that Mass we will welcome, bless, and formally introduce the new leadership team of St. Anne’s Parish Social Ministry.

We are very grateful for Linda, the collaborative efforts, the volunteers, and all that Parish Social Ministry has become. We remain excited about the future. We are very confident about this time of transition.

Blessed Pentecost!

The peace of the Lord be with you!

Fr. Tom

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