Dear parishioners of St. Anne Faith Community,

On our bulletin page, you will find a  one-page, abridged parish bulletin for April 26  It includes the Mass Intentions for the week (you will remember that we priests still celebrate Mass daily for you) and the prayer intentions, besides other information that will keep you abreast of what's happening at St. Anne.  Though our parish Church and parish office are closed, and all physical activities curtailed,  our life as a community of faith continues. We stand together in this tremendous time of great suffering for many.

Some information and updates:

The   A R Goudlie Nursing Home project, "we are thinking of you", was an overwhelming success. Parishioners, (Individuals young and old, and families), wrote cards and notes to brighten the lives of the residents and staff who are undergoing such tremendous stress and anxiety. We collected and delivered over 180 cards to the nursing home. We will do the same next month. So, if you want, you can get a head start on your cards. The A R Goudie Home was astounded and very appreciative.

The  St. Vincent de Paul Society is still ministering to the poor in our community on our behalf. They are not permitted to do home deliveries of food but, with courage and ingenuity, they monitor this vulnerable group and give vouchers and gift cards when necessary, sending them by mail to avoid physical contact and food contamination. If you are able to help with a small monetary donation, I know it would be appreciated. Simply mail it to the parish or drop it off in the  parish office mail slot, but only if you are out and about anyway.

Our St. Anne  Prayer Ministry Network is quite active these days, constantly adding new names and prayer intentions. Information can be found on the parish prayer ministry page. If you know of someone in special need of prayer, please fill out the contact form (which sends an email to Lynda Munz) or phone 519-745-2352.

Our St .Anne/St. Joseph  Youth Group, now officially named "The Book of Youth," under the direction of Youth Minister, Mary Forcier, continues to meet on Zoom every Tuesday and Friday evenings for discussion, prayer, and fun and games.  They are a wonderful group of young people and we are all proud of them and their families.

After careful consideration and in discussion with many families and leaders, we have had to make the tough decision to postpone this year's   Vacation Bible School until next summer. We know our younger children will be disappointed but the ongoing uncertainty about numbers of people being permitted to gather and our utmost concern for the safety of the children dictated this decision. However, new initiatives are being planned for the older youth, those who would have been the leaders of the VBS. Stay tuned for further information.

You are certainly aware that our  parish Sunday Mass is celebrated on social media and can be followed on our parish Facebook page and on Youtube.  We are delighted that so many parishioners join us for the  10 am Mass.

The number of parishioners that follow our  daily Scripture Reflection is also a great source of encouragement. These reflections are prepared every day by one of our priests on a rotating basis and sent out by email. If you would like to be added to the list and receive these written reflections, please send me an email at  [email protected]. The scripture reflections are also found on our website, if you would like to share them. 

A special "shout out" to Mr. Philip Bruni, Principal, and Mrs, Sandra Labelle, Vice Principal, and to the entire staff of our  St. Anne School for the excellent job they are doing with our children through distance education. Without it, I think most of you, parents and grandparents, would have gone crazy weeks ago. 

Of course, we are grateful for technology but it is not the same as the physical presence and warmth of the teacher in the classroom (and neither is a videotaped Mass: "You can't eat an apple online or give hug") but we continue to take all the necessary precautions that will keep us all safe in this pandemic. So, please don't ease up on the restrictions. Maintain the 2-meter social distancing, the regular handwashing with soap, the disinfecting, and, most importantly, stay at home, unless you have to go out for essential work, for groceries or to the pharmacy.

Above all, take care of one another, especially the most vulnerable among us. Pray for those affected in any way by this COVID-19 virus: those on the frontline who risk their lives taking care of the sick,  those who have died, their grieving families unable to give a proper farewell to their loved ones. and those who are sick with the virus and all other impacted adversely by it. 

If there is anything anyone of us can do for you, please call the parish office: leave your message and we will return your call as soon as possible.

Day follows the night: be hope-filled followers of the Risen Lord.
Blessings.
Fr. Brian and parish pastoral team