Dear Families:
Welcome to week 2 of Advent! It is the traditional season of preparation, watching and waiting for what is to come. We all know a lot about waiting and watching these past nine months! The good news is that it all comes to an end at some point. And that point – whether it be the celebration of Christmas or the return to “normal” in our lives – is really just around the corner. Maybe this Advent season becomes a little more important than in other years. Perhaps this is the year our families can re-engage a bit more fully with our spiritual side.
At this time of year, hearts seem to grow a bit bigger and we often look for ways to help those in need. This year, we don’t need to look far from home. Our St. Anne parish is struggling. Without weekly Sunday Masses, donations have been down. Currently, the parish is facing a $37,000 deficit that continues to grow.
Thank you to those who have been faithful in fulfilling your Stewardship pledge for this year. It is critically needed. Our school is a ministry of the parish, and without a vibrant parish, our school suffers. The only source of income for the parish is in donations from our parishioners. The archdiocese does not give money to support the parish. In fact, the parish is assessed over $65,000 per year to support the work of the archdiocese. Please, if you are able, consider an added donation to help our parish. We want them to be able to avoid cut-backs to programs or staffing. Your help is truly appreciated.
Fr. Colin is conducting a survey to “learn about who you are, about how we are doing meeting your spiritual needs and how we might improve in our desire to further the Gospel at St. Anne’s parish and deepen in our love of Jesus and one another”. If you have not already done so, please fill out this survey. The parish values your input to help support continual improvement.
This coming Thursday, December 10th, we are inviting our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders to a special Advent season Mass in the church. It will be a time to gather together and join in prayer. We will begin with the story of the “Candy Maker’s Gift” at 12:45pm with Mass immediately following. Students can be dropped off in the front of the church starting at 12:30pm for a temperature check and hand sanitizer. Please ask your children the health screening questions, prior to drop-off. Students are required to wear masks and we will be following all distancing and safety protocols in the church. Students will be dismissed by 2pm and parents are allowed to park in the school lot for pick-up. Our K-2 students are also dismissed at that time. Please meet your child in the front of the church.
Finally, like so many other things these days, our traditional Christmas pageant will be a virtual performance this year. Mrs. Mills has been working with the sixth grade “stars” to present an online video of ’20 PAGEANT SING & SIGN-ALONG. Also, students from each grade will be “performing” sign language to accompany the Christmas carols usually sung by each class. Even the Kindergarten angels will be making their annual appearance. A google drive link to the program will be sent to each family on December 17th for you to enjoy.
Have a great week!
Mary