Parish News

THE LAST SUPPER AND THE GIFT OF THE EUCHARIST Sunday, March 17 at St Anne Church in the social hall at 1 pm to 5:00 pm and Monday, March 18 at 8:30 am to 10:00 am and 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Join us for our first Experiential Evangelization Event called The Last Supper and the Gift of the Eucharist! Renaissance music will be playing as you gaze at a 16 foot mural of the Last Supper in our social hall – its original was painted by Leonardo da Vinci, along with 6 other versions for you to compare and contrast. Vatican Art Historian Liz Lev recorded a captivating talk for you about the scriptural nuances of this historic piece of art. Click here https://www.stannerostraver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Last-Supper-Flyer-Bulletin.pdf

REGIONAL PENANCE SERVICES – Monday, March 18 at 6:30 pm here at ST ANNE CHURCH, Tuesday, March 19 at 6 PM at St Edward Church , Wednesday, March 20 at 6:30 pm at HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, and Thursday, March 21 at 6:30 pm at St John the Baptist Church, Perryopolis. Please note there are no confessions on March 23 and March 30.

HNS FROZEN RAVIOLI SALE

Meat or Cheese Ravioli $12/dozen, Sauce $7/quart –

Call the office to order or just stop in.

STATIONS OF THE CROSSWednesday’s at 6 pm and Friday’s at Noon. Enter through the side doors

8th GRADE CONFIRMATION CLASS – On Sunday, March 3, our 8th Grade Confirmation class attended the 11:00 Mass with their families at Holy Family and then met in the social hall to put together Welcome Baskets for the RCIA candidates as their service project. Before assembling the baskets, Father Rich blessed the items, baskets and packing supplies (all donated by the students) that represent Easter and the sacraments the candidates will receive during Easter Vigil. The 8th graders even included a handwritten note in each basket. The RCIA candidates received their baskets Tuesday evening during their class time.Please keep in your prayers not only the 8th graders and RCIA candidates, but the 2nd graders as they are all beginning their final preparations to receive their sacraments in the coming weeks.

On Sunday, March 10, our 5th graders made pretzels and learned about the Tridium. Incorporating pretzels into our Lenten program is a wonderful and appropriate devotion. The pretzel being symbolic of prayer and penance is a small but powerful instrument in bringing families to God. This activity includes the history and the significance of pretzels, and a short family ceremony of the pretzel.

Lent is a period of fasting, self-denial and prayer, in imitation of our Lord’s fasting, forty days and forty nights, and in preparation for the feast of Easter. It comprises forty days, not including Sundays, from Ash Wednesday to the end of Holy Saturday. The term “penance” should be made clear to children. It means a “change of heart,” a victory over sin and a striving for holiness. The sacrifices of fasting and self-denial are only means and signs of this spiritual penance.

The pretzel has a deep spiritual meaning for Lent. In fact, it was the ancient Christian Lenten bread as far back as the fourth century. In the old Roman Empire, the faithful kept a very strict fast all through Lent: no milk, no butter, no cheese, no eggs, no cream and no meat. They made small breads of water, flour and salt, to remind themselves that Lent was a time of prayer. They shaped these breads in the form of crossed arms for in those days they crossed their arms over the breast while praying. Therefore, they called the breads “little arms” (bracellae). From this Latin word, the Germanic people later coined the term “pretzel.” Thus, the pretzel is the most appropriate food symbol in Lent. It still shows the form of arms crossed in prayer, reminding us that Lent is a time of prayer. It consists only of water and flour, thus proclaiming Lent as a time of fasting. The earliest picture and description of a pretzel (from the fifth century) may be found in the manuscript-codex No. 3867, Vatican Library.

That many people eat pretzels today all through the year, that they take them together with beer in taverns and restaurants, is only an accidental habit. In many places of Europe, pretzels are served only from Ash Wednesday to Easter.

Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday (Mar. 24) …… 4:30pm (Saturday Mar. 23) ~ Mass 8:00am ~ Mass 11:00am ~ Mass
Holy Thursday (Mar. 28) ………7:00pm ~ Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Following Mass (8:15pm) ~ Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
10:00pm ~ Night Prayer
Good Friday (March 29) …………….. 3:00pm ~ Liturgy
Holy Saturday (March 30) …………. Noon ~ Blessing of Easter Baskets

Easter Vigil (Wine and Cheese social following) 8:00 pm
Easter Sunday (March 31) …………. 8:00am ~ Mass and 11:00am ~ Mass

ADULT EASTER CHOIR – All adults are invited to join the Adult Choir preparing for Easter Triduum with Choral Director Toni Lynn Salvino. Please join us for rehearsals beginning Wednesday, February 7th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm. No need to be able to read music to join. Don’t be shy! Just show up and bring a friend. Questions, contact Toni Lynn Salvino at [email protected] 724-554-5051, or Carolyn Cannizzaro, [email protected] 760-420-8046.

EXPOSITION AND ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT – Join us EACH Friday morning from 7 AM to 8 AM, followed by the Friday morning mass.

NEW MINISTRY – Due to the increased interest in Eucharistic Adoration at our parish, we would like to offer the opportunity for parishioners to spend more time in quiet prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament. In addition to Eucharistic Adoration every Friday morning from 7 am to 8 am before morning Mass, we would like to increase the hours on the LAST Friday of each month, from 8:30 am following morning Mass until 3:00 pm. As it is necessary to have at least one person present when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for Adoration, we are looking for volunteers who would like to join the new ministry. Anyone interested in spending a prayerful hour with Our Lord, please contact Regina Civitello at 724-984-1063 for further details.

ALTAR SERVERS NEEDED – We are in need of weekend altar servers, Children AND Adults. It really does allow you to experience the Mass from a different perspective while helping with this important ministry. In Luke, Chapter 6, Verse 38, Jesus says “Give, and it shall be given to you.” Children should contact their Faith Formation teacher and adults may call the office. Thank you.

RCIA : Interested in knowing more about this, or refreshing your knowledge and deepening your experience of your faith? Contact Regina Hopewell at [email protected] with your questions.

EUCHARIST FOR THE HOMEBOUND – If you are aware of a homebound parishioner that would like to receive the Eucharist, please contact the office.

CHILD PROTECTION ACT–Because of our support of the Child Protection Act, it is recommended that a parent always accompany their child to the restroom downstairs in the Social Hall.

LITURGY OF THE WORD FOR CHILDREN– We are in need of a few more leaders. Clearances will be needed, but help can be provided in obtaining if necessary. PLEASE contact Rachel Lewis 724-797-2216 .During the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sundays, Liturgy of the Word for Children is held. A liturgical experience about breaking open the Word of God for little people ages 5-11, the children are gathered so they can be helped to better understand the Word of God. They are sent in a group with their leaders before the Readings and return to the congregation after the Creed. No sign-up is necessary.

KIDS BULLETINS – click here for the newest kids bulletin the-kids-bulletin-lent-3 March 2024 and https://www.stannerostraver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/the-kids-bulletin-lent-4-MARCH-10-2024.pdf

Clearances – you can go onto the Diocese of Greensburg website https://www.dioceseofgreensburg.org/youth- protection/clearances/ to complete the needed training.

FUNERAL EULOGIES (Family Remarks)–Please select the Sacraments tab and select Funeral Eulogies.

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Upcoming Events

  • March 19, 2024, 6:30 pm: RCIA Meeting
  • March 20, 2024, 8:00 am: Wednesday Morning Mass at Holy Family, West Newton
  • March 20, 2024, 6:00 pm: Stations of the Cross - Wed 6PM
  • March 22, 2024, 7:00 am: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
  • March 22, 2024, 8:00 am: Friday morning Mass
  • March 22, 2024, 8:30 am: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament - Last Friday of Month

View full calendar

Other Happenings Around the Diocese

OPEN THIS LINK For LOTS of additional news around the diocese, click here: https://www.stannerostraver.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bulletin-announcements-for-March-16-17.pdf

LOCAL FISH FRY GUIDESt John the Baptist Parish – Perryopolis – Parish Hall Fridays, 11 am to 6 pm. Menu: fried and baked fish, pierogies and haluski, fried shrimp, fries …Orders sjbperry.org or call 724-736-0675 during serving hours. The Epiphany of our Lord Parish, Monessen – Parish hall, Fridays, 11 am to 6 pm, (free local delivery 11 am to 1 pm). Good Friday, 11 am to 6 pm (drive-thru only)….Menu: Fried baked cod, baked haddock, fried breaded shrimp, personal pizza, haluski, pierogies, side dishes, specials, bake sale. Dine in or takeout.

The Saint Vincent College Concert Series presents Melodies of the Sheng and Guanzi: a concert of music from China featuring Jianbing Hu and Jian Bao in an evening of classical, folk, and original music from China played on the sheng and guanzi. The concert is on Friday, March 15th at 7:00pm in the Saint Vincent College Performing Arts Center (located in the Robert S. Carey Student Center).  Admission is free.

Diocesan Bulletin Announcements

Catholic Schools News – Millions in Catholic school tuition assistance available SPREAD THE NEWS! The 12 Diocese of Greensburg Catholic schools now have millions of dollars in tuition assistance available! Become a TOP Student today. Visit https://catholicschoolsguide.org/ or call 724-552-2565.

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES (CRS) – In Sandra Amaya’s home in Morazán, El Salvador, everyone helps with the chores. Early in the morning Sandra lights the firewood to cook, prepares coffee and sweeps the chicken coop. Oscar, her eldest son, helps make breakfast before walking nearly two hours to his high school. Nine-year-old Gamaliel grinds corn and, after having breakfast, goes to school accompanied by his father Santos and his little brother, Caleb.  Santos, Sandra’s husband, is a farmer, but longer droughts and unpredictable rains have reduced his harvests and, therefore, his income. Seeking to earn extra money, Sandra began selling bread, tamales and empanadas. When she heard about a Catholic Relief Services project on raising chickens, Sandra didn’t hesitate to join. She learned about how to take care of chickens and received some from the project. Now her family has access to their own eggs, which saves them money on food, especially now that prices are so high. In addition, her family eats healthier because they can eat a variety of foods, instead of just beans or tortillas with salt. Visit www.crs.org for more information and to see how you can help!

VOCATIONS – please continue to pray for all people discerning God’s call throughout our diocese.

Top Student program extended to higher education at Franciscan University . Because of the continued generosity of an anonymous donor, Catholic high school students in the Diocese of Greensburg, or those attending Catholic high schools in Western Pennsylvania, could receive priority for tuition assistance, regardless of income, if they choose to attend Franciscan University of Steubenville. This new initiative is funded by the same anonymous donor who funded the TOP Student program in the Diocese of Greensburg. To date, the TOP Student program has provided tuition assistance to 800 families in Catholic schools across the four counties of the Diocese and has helped to increase enrollment in Diocesan Catholic schools by 20% in just two years; that is one of the largest Catholic school enrollment increases in North America. For information, visit franciscan.edu/JPII-scholarship, call 800-783-6220 or email [email protected].

Help for Ukraine

Support Ukrainian Refugee Fund

Support is needed for the Ukrainian Refugee Fund administered by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg, which provides assistance to individuals and families who have been forced to leave their homelands because of war. Visit ccharitiesgreensburg.org/donate/donate-now/ to donate. More than 100 families are on a waiting list to resettle in Western PA.

PRO LIFE

Join St. Anne’s Church to Pray THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF ABORTION – Please Join Parishioners from St.
Anne’s on Monday, March 18th. We’ll meet in the Parking Lot at 7:45 am and carpool. We’ll pray from 9-11 am. Bring your Rosary. All are welcome!!! Contact Carolyn Cannizzaro with questions: [email protected].
Please join 40 Days for Life – 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion. Join to stand and peacefully pray during a 40-day vigil in the public right in front of Planned Parenthood, 933 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, and to help spread the word about this important community outreach. If you have any questions, please contact Nikki Bruni, [email protected] or Jen at [email protected]. Go to 40daysforlife.com/Pittsburgh for more info, or check out our blog at 40daysforlifepittsburgh.com
24,211 babies saved ~ 256 abortion workers converted ~ 148 abortion centers closed!

Dear Friends, Your urgent prayers are requested. Please read the Media Advisory from USCCP Secretariat below concerning the US Supreme Court hearing arguments for a case concerning chemical abortions, the number one form of abortion. https://www.usccb.org/news/2024/media-advisory-nationwide-invitation-prayer-end-abortion-and-protection-women-and-pre

The prayers invoking the intercession of St. Joseph, Defender of Life, are here: www.respectlife.org/prayer-to-st-joseph  www.usccb.org/prolife/nationwide-invitation-prayer

Other ways to help could be through fasting, getting involved with praying at an abortion clinic Home – 40 Days for Life Pittsburgh, or praying the Rosary Daily.

CLICK HERE to check out this videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-lQOooYAs8

Respect Life Resources

  • Pro-Life Emergency Contact Information:
  • Emergency PILL REVERSAL 877-558-0333
  • Pro-Life Resource Centers:  24/7 NATIONAL LINK TO HELP:
  • https://www.standingwithyou.org
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline   1-800-273-8255

Giving

Donate online to St. Anne by clicking the GIVING TAB to access OSV (Our Sunday Visitor). Log in or create an account. Here you can make contributions as recurring or one-time donations for weekly collections and also special collections. Just click on the Fund account you wish to contribute to. You also have access to your account showing YTD donations and yearly tax statements.

To donate to the DLA, click below

Photo Galleries and Facebook Page

All photo galleries are found under the Media tab above.

To view any of the Youth Activity Videos, select Youth Activity Videos under the Media tab above.

To View the St. Anne’s Facebook Page click on the Picture below:

Important Announcements

SCAM CALLS/EMAILS/TEXT MESSAGES

We have become aware of parishioners who have been receiving phone calls, Emails or text messages pretending to be from clergy or individuals and requesting gift cards or cash be sent to them. If you receive any sort of message who is asking for money or goods, be sure to verify the identity of the person calling you. It is possible for someone to make a call or text message/Email appear to come from a number that you know even if it is coming from a totally different place. There is no way to prevent this activity but want to make you aware so that no one falls victim.

2023 Annual Report

Clergy, Mass and Confession Times

Pastor – Father Roselo A. Melloria
Weekend Assistant – Fr. Richard J. Zelik, OFM, Cap
Visit http://www.capuchin.com

Weekend
Saturday: 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Daily
Monday and Friday at 8:00 A.M.

Each Friday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
7:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m.

First Friday Mass
8:00 a.m. Coffee reception to follow.

Last Friday of each month Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament 8:30 am to 3:00 pm – check calendar

Holy Day Vigil
Please Contact Us

Reconciliation
Saturdays at 3:30 p.m.