What Special Weeks
These last two weeks have certainly been very special in the life of our parish. Diocese of Savannah Bishop Stephen Parkes came twice - both to confirm our 60 plus young people and preside at the Baccalaureate Mass and High School Graduation of St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School on our new Deimel Field. Every time Bishop Parkes comes he is impressed with the variety of activities that happen on our beautiful campus. He always remarks on the friendliness of our people. He is very impressed with our St. Anne Outreach program and almost always asks how things are going at Outreach.
Of course Bishop Parkes is very impressed with our school and all the people who make it one of the most successful schools in the Diocese. He told us that he was happy to attend our first-ever graduation on Deimel Field. The weather could not have been better and he made it a point to greet each graduate and faculty member as they left the field .
At Confirmation he really enjoyed standing in front of the bell tower and taking pictures with the families of our young people who were confirmed. Almost every family wanted a picture with the bishop, and even with me trying to move the line along it took almost 25 minutes. He told me he didn’t mind at all.
Recently in an email he said, “Robert, really I enjoyed being with the friars and the people of St. Anne and St. Anne-Pacelli. There is always a great spirit on campus.”
Last weekend we also started our First Communions. They are often my favorite time of the year. I love seeing our 2nd graders coming up with their parents to receive our Lord for the first time. I am always grateful for all of the efforts the parents make to bring their children to this moment.
Keith Hammonds took pictures of the Confirmations and First Communions; his photos can be seen
here. Marc Spano photographed our Baccalaureate Mass and High School Graduation;
click here to view those photos.
Updated Pandemic Protocol as of May 17, 2021
We have always been faithful to the CDC and diocesan guidelines when it comes to Covid-19 safety. In light of the recent changes in CDC guidance, please take note of the updated protocols in place and make appropriate changes as you attend church at St. Anne.
- In compliance with the new CDC guidance fully vaccinated people do not have to wear a mask inside the church building. However, if you feel more comfortable wearing a mask please feel free to do so. Those who are not vaccinated are required to continue to wear masks in church.
- Seating has been expanded to accommodate new social distancing guidelines
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will return to saying “Body of Christ” and parishioners will respond with “Amen” during distribution of Holy Communion.
- The Act Spiritual of Communion Prayer will not be read during weekend Masses; it will only be posted on the live stream screen. It will continue to be read during the weekday Masses.
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will wear a mask to distribute Holy Communion if they are not vaccinated.
- We will continue to distribute Holy Communion outside to those streaming Mass in their cars.
- If you receive on the tongue, please continue to place yourself at the end of the line.
- We will keep the holy water fonts empty for the time being.
- Please continue to place your offering in the appropriate box or basket near the entrance of the Church. Our collection baskets will not be passed at this time.
- We will continue to use the bulletin as a worship aid; missals will not be used for the time being.
- The church will need to continue to be cleaned after each Mass.
