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.

October 4, 2026

Dear Parishioners,

You will notice at Mass today that we are using the Prayers and Readings for the Feast of St. Francis Assisi. On most liturgical calendars today is listed as the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Church is remembering in 2026 the 800th Anniversary of the death of St. Francis. His feast day is celebrated on October 4. In view of this special anniversary, Bishop Barres has granted permission for parishes to celebrate the Liturgy of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi today. St. Francis is among the treasured saints of many. At St. Anne’s we are continually reminded of the importance of St. Francis through the presence of our St. Francis Ministry Center. The St. Francis Ministry Center has been a great gift to parish life. During the 2025 calendar year, we had 464 parish gatherings of all kinds. Most parish ministries use the St. Francis Ministry Center in some capacity. We remain grateful to the extraordinary generosity of parishioners that allowed us to plan, fund, and build the St. Francis Ministry Center during the very difficult times of the pandemic. The entire effort and use of the building has been a great blessing for the parish.

At the 10:00AM Mass today we are gathering for the celebration of the beginning of our Faith Formation year. We have enrolled more than 900 students in our faith formation classes and sacramental preparation program. The sacramental preparation program includes both our second and eighth grade students readying themselves for First Holy Communion and Confirmation in the spring. Already dates for First Holy Communions are set and we will have a Confirmation date in coordination with the Bishop’s schedule.

Faith Formation is among our largest parish ministries and is very dependent on a large volunteer base. We have need of class catechists, catechists working with individual children, hall monitors, and office assistance. Volunteers in all capacities are welcome. Contact our generous Faith Formation director, Mrs. Vivian Flood, at vflood@stannesgc.org. Thank you!

SPIRIT DAY

We are all recovered from the nor’easter last weekend. ALL IS MOVING FORWARD FOR SPIRIT DAY, THIS COMING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 FROM 2-10PM. Most everyone on board for Spirit Day that was rained out will be here on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10! Some adjustments have been made with everyone’s cooperation! Thank you to parishioner Danny O’Keefe and his committee for their leadership. Raffle tickets can still be purchased online through WESHARE on the parish website and can be purchased directly at Spirit Day. Great way to celebrate Columbus Day would be winning the grand prize of up to $25,000. Hope to see you there!

PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY

Parish Social Ministry is off and running. We have already gathered for our first Respite Friday evening and our Saturday evening Respite Mass. In addition, next Saturday, October 17, is the Families in Service Breakfast Bag Project. What a great way to involve children and grandchildren in learning about service and learning there are nearby persons not as fortunate as they are. For more Information, look at the colorful and lively bulletin page for “Families in Service.”

PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY MASS

At the 10:00AM Mass on Sunday, October 25, we will celebrate and offer gratitude for our very active Parish Social Ministry. At this Mass, we will thank Mrs. Linda Leone for her wonderful generosity to Parish Social Ministry and dedication and service to thousands of parishioners here at St. Anne’s. Linda will continue as a volunteer for Parish Social Ministry. Mrs. Stacey Young is our new leader for all the extensive activity, ministry, and service of Parish Social Ministry. Stacey is assisted by parishioner Chris Roller who joins the staff after giving volunteer service. The Mass on October 25 is a great opportunity to thank Linda and offer blessing to Stacey, Chris, and the dozens of volunteers of Parish Social Ministry. Please try to join us for this important day of parish life—a great opportunity to pray in gratitude and for future blessings!

Have a peace-filled week!

Fr. Tom

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