St. Ann Catholic Church

Fayetteville, NC

State of the Parish

July 2014 – June 2015Dear Parishioners,

As I complete my second year as your pastor, I can announce that the state of the parish is Very Good! I continue to be grateful for the generous spirit that is the hallmark of St. Ann Parish. In October of 2014, we began our 75th Anniversary Year with the Eucharist, celebrated by Bishop Michael Burbidge and many former pastors. Following Mass, our community gathered for a spectacular parish picnic. In December we celebrated the youth of our parish at the production of the “3 ½ Stories of Christmas!” We also hosted Fr. Giles Conwill who spoke on the significance of Catholics in the civil rights movement during the first Dr. Martin Luther King Lecture. Fr. James Greenfield, O.S.F.S. joined us for our Parish Lenten Retreat in February and we resurrected the bygone tradition of the annual Easter Egg Hunt held in April.

In the coming months as we continue our 75th Anniversary celebrations, we plan to introduce two endowments to help ensure the future of our church and school. In October we will gather to celebrate the Eucharist during 40 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration. In November we will come together to learn about our Catholic heritage here in Fayetteville and we will conclude our anniversary year on Christmas Eve with the commemoration of the dedication of the original Church.

This report provides a snapshot of our parish life during the past year. It is an overview of major the major activities of our parish over the past year and lists our parish goals for the year to come.

My prayer is that we will continue to grow together as a community of faith and love in which our members express their gratitude to God by living out a life of stewardship and service.

In the Christ,

2

Fr. SteveSt. Ann Mission Statement

We are God's people who have chosen to identify ourselves officially as a parish family. We are united by our common faith, shared and mutual charity. Our mission is to lead our members to a fuller knowledge and love of God and neighbor and to proclaim the gospel message through word, sacrament and service to all of God's people, both within and outside of our parish.

Proposed New Mission Statement:

St. Ann Catholic Parish is dedicated to living and handing-on the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Word, Sacrament and Service.

This proposed Mission Statement is a first draft written by a Pastoral Council sub-committee. A final draft will be presented to the parish at Christmas 2015 when we will conclude our 75th Anniversary Year.

Spirituality of St. Francis de Sales

Salesian Spirituality is a practical everyday spirituality for living in the modern world as learned, lived and shared by St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) and St. Jane de Chantal (1572-1641), spiritual friends. Salesian spirituality gives expression to a way to journey in the spiritual life as we embrace the duties of our state in response to the universal call to holiness - in the words of St. Francis de Sales to "bloom where you are planted." It is a "spirituality of the heart," as relevant today as in the time of St. Francis de Sales himself, an all-embracing, down-to-earth spirituality for everyone.

3

The essence of the spirituality can be found in the Introduction to the Devout Life, a book written by St. Francis de Sales at the beginning of the 17th century. The book, often referred to as a spiritual classic, contains the collective wisdom of the first sixteen centuries of the Christian experience. Salesian Spirituality can best be summed up in the motto of St. Francis de Sales, “Live Jesus.”

Direction of Intention

My God give me the grace to perform this action with you and through love for you. In advance I offer to you all the good that I will do and accept all the difficulty I may meet therein.

Parish Demographics

Total number of active Parishioners 1135 (+14)Total number of Active Households 482

Female 614Male 519

Children (to 18) 342Adults (18 - 20): 27Adults (21 - 64): 538Seniors (65 & Over): 212

Total Families w/ children: 174 36.17%Total Families w/out children: 307 63.83%

Average Age 55.32 Median Age is 48

Where we live:

Cameron 1 % Falcon 1 %Fayetteville 82% Fort Bragg 1% Godwin 1% Hope Mills 5%

4

Raeford 1% Spring Lake 1% Stedman 2 % Other 5 %

Parish Office ReportsReport on St. Ann Catholic SchoolPrincipal: Rene’ Corders

St. Ann Catholic School is in its 59th year of providing a quality Catholic education for those boys and girls whose parents are totally committed to the propagation of the faith.  The 2014-15 enrollment of 142 students is a 16% increase over the enrollment of the previous academic year. The contributions of St. Ann parishioners coupled with tuition have helped us maintain fiscal soundness. 

The school community is a close one, and the number of parents who volunteer is legion.  The year is distinguished by the additional enrichment opportunities offered to students, such as violin lessons, STEM activities and camps designed to broaden their learning horizons.  St. Ann continues to improve upon a formula for success by assessing families' needs and interests and expanding the curriculum to accommodate those needs and interests.

The School Advisory Committee convenes 5 times per year.  This group, comprised of parents, staff, parishioners and community representatives provides counsel to the principal.  A stable faculty and staff are dedicated to the school's mission -" serving the entire community by promoting spiritual, academic, physical and moral excellence in a safe, structured environment." The boys and girls of St. Ann "enter to learn and depart to serve."

5

Report on Faith FormationDirector of Faith Formation:

Grade SchoolChildren’s Liturgy of the Word (11 am Mass) 20Nursery (1-3 year olds - during 11 am Mass) 4-6Vacation Bible School (VBS) 44

Pre-K/Kindergarten 9Grade 1 4First Reconciliation/First Communion 28Grades 3 & 4 18Grades 5 & 6 16Grades 7 & 8 14High SchoolConfirmation Preparation 19Confirmed 3RCIA Adapted for Children 1 Children/Youth in Faith Formation & RCIA Total 156

Adult Faith Formation (approximate)Faith Matters (Meets Tuesday and Thursday) 45Conversion: Following the Call of Christ Study 6Diocesan Triduum Workshop 4Salesian Book Study Group 12TYM Second Sunday Adult Formation Sessions 10Baptism Preparation Workshops 49First Reconciliation Parent Meetings 23First Communion Parent Meetings 17Confirmation Meeting - Parents 14Confirmation Meeting – Sponsors 8RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) 8

6

Financial Report Pok-Hui Folsom: Parish Book KeeperBrian Manning: Finance Council Chair

Revenues Fiscal Year (July 2014- June 2015)Offertory (Money Collected on weekends and Holy Days) $377,340.50Donations $15,806.35Special Collections (Second Collections) $70,364.20BAA/Cathedral Campaign Rebates $21,782.53Fees (TYM Retreats & Faith Formation) $3,529.52Committees (Altar Rosary Society, AAMEN, & 75th) $20,271.49Transfers From Savings ( Capital Improvement) $6,000.00Diocesan/National Collections $18,413.20Building/Debt Reduction $121,579.89Total Revenues $655,087.68

7

Expenses Fiscal Year (July 2014-June 2015)

Word/Evangelization (Youth/Adult Edu. &RCIA) $11,628.97

Worship (Sacraments & Music) $25,627.44

Committees (Altar Rosary Society, AAMEN, & 75th) $15,758.47

Outreach (Catholic Charities/Urban Ministries & Care Clinic) $3,841.60

Personnel $176,180.03Office $10,708.59Plant (Utilities & Maintenance of Facilities) $ 90,234.20Capital Improvement $42,650.02School/Diocesan/Deanery Support $55,598.69Transfers to Savings $31,000.00Diocesan/National Collections $18,060.40Payroll Related Items $24,379.56Loan Repayment (Mortgage & Church/School Roof) $135,863.27Total Expenses $641,531.24

8

Total Revenues $655,087.68 Total Expenses $641,531.24 Surplus $13,556.44

Debt owed to the Diocese for 2002 Building Project Total Debt as 06/30/2015 $395,348.00

Debt Collection $ 121,579.27 Loan Payment $135,863.27 Balance Shortfall (-$14,283.38)

Monthly Loan Repayment $11,405.16 Annual Scheduled Payment July 2015-June 2016 $136,861.92

Saving $25,000.00 Surplus $13,556.44

Debt Reduction Shortfall 2014 - 2015 (-14,283.38)

Total Balance as June 2015 $14,283.06

The Financial State of our parish is good. We fall short on our monthly debt collection. Because of this, money is then transferred from our first collection to make up the difference each month. If we could increase our monthly debt collection by $1200.00, we would not have to transfer money from other projects. ($3.00 per household per month would erradicate the debt reduction shortfall)

Parish Goals for 2014 - 2015Proposed by Pastoral Council

9

75th Anniversary of Parish Goals• Organize and execute anniversary activities each month during Anniversary year – In Progress• Unveil set of commemorative Christmas ornaments for sale to defray anniversary year expenditures. - Accomplished• Write a history of the parish - Accomplished

Spiritual Improvement Goals• Foster devotion to Blessed Sacrament – In Progress• Establish 40 Hours Eucharistic Devotion in conjunction with Parish Mission – In Progress• Foster growth of Salesian Spirituality by offering enrichment sessions and scheduling Salesian speakers – Ongoing

Faith Formation Improvement Goals• Complete implementation of the various components of the new Diocesan Confirmation Norms Accomplished• Provide adult formation opportunities to help empower parishioners to participate more effectively in the “new evangelization.” On Going• Form a faith formation committee to explore ways in which the program could be improved or expanded. On Going

Financial Improvement Goals• Revise and update school endowment Accomplished• Establish a parish capital repair endowment Accomplished• Implement on-line giving option for contributions Accomplished

Capital Improvement Goals• Establish and launch new parish website Accomplished• Establish a Building and Capital Improvement Committee to Examine the long term needs of the parish Accomplished• Formulate a 5 year plan to prioritize the capital needs of the parish. In Progress• Formulate a plan for the renovation of the Parish Hall. In Progress

Parish Goals for 2015 - 2016Proposed to the Parish Council

10

Spiritual Improvement Goals• Foster devotion to Blessed Sacrament through Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesdays and an annual 40 Hours Eucharistic Adoration• Foster growth of Salesian Spirituality by offering enrichment sessions and scheduling Salesian speakers.

Faith Formation Improvement Goals• Implement new strategies to foster a vibrant Youth Ministry• Continue to provide adult formation opportunities• Form a faith formation committee to explore ways in which the program could be improved or expanded.

Financial Improvement Goals• Enroll 30 new families to participate in the on-line giving option• Increase the School and Church Endowment by 5%

Capital Improvement Goals• Remodel the Parish Hall Restrooms• Paint of the interior of Middle School and school offices• Renovate parish hall restrooms. • Paint Gathering Space• Begin feasibility study of new school building

Community Goals To make the last Sunday of July the annual celebration of our

parish feast by hosting a picnic or pot-luck To continue with the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture

series in January Introduce the parish community to the goals set forth in the book

Rebuilt

Capital Improvements Completed between 2014 and 2015

exterior of church cleaned and painted Summer 2014

11

exterior of school painted – Summer 2014 school bathrooms painted – Summer 2014 parish hall lighting updated – Summer 2014 parish Office interior painted and repairs made – Summer 2014 repairs made to ceiling of original Church – March 2015 Mary’s Grotto landscaped and structure repaired – March 2015 new signage added on property – April 2015 parish hall kitchen – New ceiling and painted – Summer 2015 new lighting installed in elementary school – Summer 2015 hallways painted in elementary school – Summer 2015 new windows installed in Rectory – Summer 2015 new insulation added to rectory – Summer 2015 new utility shed constructed – Summer 2015 new shrubbery planted around church entrance and parish office

– In progress

Major portions of these projects were paid for through your generous donations to the Bishops Annual Appeal.

Reports from Parish OrganizationsAAMEN President: Rene’ Corders

The St. Ann Chapter of AAMEN currently has 37 members. Its purpose is to support the mission of the Roman Catholic Church and specifically that of the Diocesan Office of African Ancestry Ministry and Evangelization which operates under the direction of the Very Reverend Marcos Leon-Angulo, Vicar for African Ancestry. The activities of the organization are designed to create an atmosphere in which members can maintain their identity, heighten their visibility and enhance their lives as Catholics through evangelization efforts.

The chapter sponsored a DVD series discussion of "The New Evangelization," represented the parish at the annual MLK liturgy

12

in Raleigh and the African heritage liturgy in Durham, hosted a Diocesan quarterly AAMEN meeting, provided a Christmas luncheon for senior citizens of all faiths, hosted its annual Spring Gala and receptions for the Diocesan Gospel Choir and a guest speaker focused on the role of Catholics in the civil rights movement. Membership in the chapter is open to everyone.

Legion of MaryThe Legion of Mary is a worldwide organization of lay apostolate in which Catholic men and women sanctify themselves through prayer and spiritual work in union with Our Blessed Mother. Legion of Mary: Queen of Heaven Presidium (Morning)President: Carol Philpott

Total Active Members 10St Ann's parishioners 7 Other Parishes 7Auxiliaries (Praying Support Group) 41

Over the course of the past year we visited 8 nursing homes on a weekly basis and made 187 visits to patients. Group prayer was conducted and Holy Communion was brought when requested. We participated in devotions to the Pilgrim Virgin and many different Faith Formation events in the parish and diocese. We also prayed at Planned Parenthood.

Legion of Mary: The Queen of Peace Presidium (Evening)President: Betty Houghtaling

Total Active Members 8 2 probationary membersAuxiliary (Praying support group) 53 members

Weekly Activities included: Pilgrim of Mary Statue Rotation; Attendance at Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesdays,

13

Evangelization by example, praying for fallen Catholics and inspiring others to become Catholics; Recruiting workers to help form other presidiums in our area (mainly St. Patrick Church and San Isidro Church) Yearly activities: phone contacts for the Bishop’s Annual Appeal Summer Bible school for children, Support the Knights of Columbus with their various activities.

Junior Presidium of Legion of MaryCoordinator: Tina Marsh

There are 12 active members from St. Ann School. Children participated in weekly prayer gathering, lead Rosary before school Mass, participated in May Crowning, attended Chosen by Christ retreat, attended diocesan ordination, volunteered at Vacation Bible School, helped tutor in the NYC.

The Altar and Rosary SocietyPresident: Mary Ann Peeples

Membership: 33 active and members 5 members who are shut-insActivities engaged in over the past year: cleaned altar linens; prepared and served funeral luncheons; prepared and served food for over 100 homeless people at the Salvation Army; Pray “Rosary after Mass during October and May; sponsored a sale of religious and other articles in November; hosted a free concert by the HASM group in February; sponsored a "Spring Fling" in April; provided gifts and hosted a reception for St. Ann Church Members' graduating seniors and their families in June; We sponsor a prayer line, monthly members visited sick and shut-in members, as part of our outreach, we reach out and visit the homebound of our parish an remember them during holidays and birthdays.

The Knights of Columbus: Father William P. Ryan CouncilGrand Knight: George Quigley

14

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in 1882 by the Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, and originally serving as a mutual benefit society to low-income immigrant Catholics, it developed into a fraternal benefit society dedicated to providing charitable services, promoting Catholic education and actively defending Catholicism in various nations. There are currently 83 active members of the Knights in our parish. Seven new Knights were inducted this year. We have contributed over $7000.00 in goods, services and finances to various needs in the community. Among these are St Ann School, Catholic Charities and the Neighborhood Youth Center.

Report from Neighborhood Youth CenterDirector: Deacon Gary StempleSt Ann Neighborhood Youth Center provides economically disadvantaged students with academic support, fosters the enhancement of their life skills and engages them in enrichment experiences that expand their vision of the world. This is achieved through innovative programs facilitated by dedicated volunteers who are supported by active community partnerships.

•In 2014 – 2015 the NYC Served 37 children in grades 2 – 5 with tutoring, recreation, and meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays from October through May. Community volunteers and middle school students from St Ann Catholic School gave of themselves in many ways; Reached out to families through the Thanksgiving Dinner plus food baskets, the Angel Tree project and the Soup and Salad Luncheon; Held a Summer Camp for 29 children, including some with hearing challenges or hearing loss. Our theme was Renewable Energy and received a $13,750.00 grant from the Diocesan Endowment for the Poor that was noted in the June edition of NC Catholics magazine.

15

CHURCH WEBSITEwww.stanncatholicchurch.org

orSt. Ann Catholic Church Fayetteville, NC on Facebook

16