Church of Saint Ann
From the Pastor's Desk
June 29 has long been celebrated in the church as the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, and, truth be told, St. Peter has often overshadowed St. Paul (one of the fringe benefits of being a pope). But this year is different. Tomorrow is being observed throughout the church as the close of the great jubilee year marking the 2000th birthday of St. Paul. For several weeks in this space I have shared a few short reflections on St. Paul. They really do not do justice to the richness of Paul’s life, ministry and teaching. The best remedy for that is to take up the New Testament and read from Paul’s letters for yourself. During the Sundays of June we have been reading from the Second Letter to the Corinthians, one of Paul’s most personal letters, in which he shares his affection for the Corinthians and his frustration with certain problems in the community. He describes the hardships and sufferings he has endured for the sake of the gospel; he defends his ministry against his detractors – and, true pastor that he is, he also promotes a special collection for the community back in Jerusalem which is having trouble making ends meet.
Sunday after Sunday we hear short excerpts from the writings of St. Paul, but it’s hard to get the full picture this way – or to remember from week to week what Paul has been saying. That’s why it’s best to read the whole epistle.
Besides his spiritual and theological teachings, Paul has much practical wisdom to offer the church. He acknowledges that laws are important for the good order of a community, but he insists that we are saved by faith in Jesus, not by keeping the law. Likewise Paul says our true citizenship is in heaven, but we also need to live as good citizens of this world, respecting authority, paying taxes, and praying for our leaders. One of the troubling parts of Paul’s teaching is his apparent acceptance of the institution of slavery. He doesn’t challenge the existence of slavery but affirms that even a slave can have freedom in Christ. In time the church would realize that slavery was incompatible with the gospel, but the sad reality was that this awareness was slow in coming. In all, the heritage of St. Paul is one of the great blessings of our faith, and we give thanks for a tradition that goes back nearly 2000 years.
-Fr. Peter
Our Mission
We, the parish community of St. Ann's Church, are called by God to be a family of believers united in faith and love, to teach and to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ, to celebrate the Word of God, to witness to the presence of God in our community, and to manifest the Kingdom of God in word and work.
TEACH
In our efforts to teach the Gospel message we offer religious education classes for all ages. Through discussion, formal instruction and study, the tenets of our Catholic faith are passed on.
PROCLAIM
In word and in action we strive to proclaim the message of Christ to all. We believe that by our example others can come to know Jesus Christ. We endeavor to build a vibrant community so others are touched by what they see and experience.
CELEBRATE
In our attempts to celebrate the word of God we seek to create a lively, worshipping community. The Eucharist is our central celebration to which all our hopes lead, and from which all of our strength comes. From this celebration all meaningful parish activities flow. We recognize that the celebrations of the sacraments are great occasions of joy and new life in our parish. The prayer life of our parish sustains us in our journey of faith.
WITNESS
In our witness of the presence of God in our world we reach out to those who are oppressed in any way or who are victims of injustice. By using the gifts of our members we create programs that will bring about peace, justice and harmony in our community.
MANIFEST
In our service to others we try to follow the example of Jesus Christ who was present to others who needed healing, forgiveness and restoration. We value the individual and the communal efforts of our parish to recognize and respond to the needs of our community.
We perceive our mission as both gift and challenge. We believe that God will use us as His instruments manifesting His Kingdom on this earth. We rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us in being faithful to this parish Mission Statement.
Upcoming Events
JUNE /JULY CALENDAR
Sun., June 28 Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Wed., July 1 Jubilee Women meet, 9 am Anchorage
Sat., July 4 Happy 4th of July! African American Heritage Festival at Camden Yards, 10 am – 9 pm
Fri., July 10- Youth Convocation/Retreat at the
Sat., July 11 Franciscan University, Steubenville
Sun., July12 Ohio
Sat., July 11 KPC Ladies Auxiliary Meeting 10 am, Anchorage
Wed., July 15 Jubilee Women meet, 9 am Anchorage
Sat., July 18- St. Ann’s Novena and Feast Day
Sun., July 26 Mass; details to follow
Tues., July 28 Seniors/Elders Day of Recollection sponsored by Catholic Charities at Our Lady of Fatima Church
Saint Ann Birthdays
JULY BIRTHDAYS
1 LETIA HARDY
1 PATRICIA WHEATLEY
5 TANJA WHEELER
6 LESLIE THOMAS
9 IDA MORSELL
10 DOROTHY HORTON BROWN
16 ERICA SIMMONS
18 LETARSHA BOSTON
18 ANDRE LAMONT JACKSON
19 GREGORY EPPS
20 KRYSTEN WASHINGTON
22 WALTER D. BRYANT
24 BRANDON HARDY
25 JUSTIN GRIER
27 JANIECE JEFFERSON
29 VIVIAN BEASLEY
30 JAHBRIE BERKLEY
30 PAT BUTLER
African Proverb
AFRICAN PROVERB::: :: ::: : : A zebra takes its stripes wherever it goes.... . . ......(IBO)(Kenya)