Christian
Education Board
The C.E. Board strives to educate all
parishioners in the Catholic faith. We believe that better religious
education will not only enhance each parishioner's relationship with God,
but will also strengthen and support the family, while fostering community
within St. Anne's Parish.
Accomplishments
Our committee redesigned the C.E.
program based on the "Loreto" model, highlighted by the two week
summer systematic learning program. We also provide preparation for the
Sacraments, including the completion of initiation into the adult faith
community through Confirmation.
Meeting Schedule / Membership policy
Our Board is comprised of between
eight to ten members interested in improving religious education at all
levels. We meet four to six times each year, generally during the school
year. We ask for a commitment of three years.
Current Goals
Our current activities are focused on
policy issues and the support of our religious education coordinator. We
especially would like to develop a more active teen program. We are also
working toward enhancing our adult education programs.
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Family Life
The purpose of the Family Life Committee is to promote the church as a
family. Our committee encourages development of Church family life through
creation and implementation of events that encourage interaction and friendship
outside of the sacraments. The activities are for all members of the Parish,
their friends and families.
Accomplishments
Our committee has sponsored the annual Parish
picnic in either June or July.
Meeting Schedule / Membership policy
Two months preparation is required for the planning and staging of the Annual
Parish Picnic.
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Finance
The purpose of the Finance Committee is to
advise and assist the Pastor in his responsibility for the administration
of Parish operating capital assets, revenues and expenditures. In this
function, we provide long-range planning on capital expenditures,
coordinate efforts to increase Parish revenues, and insure financial
stability to support Parish committees, programs, and activities.
Accomplishments
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Annual Parish Financial Report |
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Initiated joint planning discussions with St.
Matthew's Parish |
Meeting Schedule / Membership policy
We meet monthly during the school
year (September thru June). We are made up of 5 appointed members. We seek
a minimum two year term commitment and stagger each member's term to
ensure continuity.
Current Goals
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Developing capital improvement plan for major
maintenance / repairs |
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Building Fund for church expansion |
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Planning fund raising events |
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Human
Services Ministry
The purpose of the Human Services Ministry is
to provide many of the support services which are needed by the
parishioners, as well as our local community.
Accomplishments
Some of our primary activities
include:
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Sending cards to new parishioners and the sick |
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Providing hot meals for the recovering |
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Providing company for seniors |
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Providing drivers for seniors |
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Fulfilling our obligation to "Our Father's
Table" |
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Supporting and serving at Southborough's Food
Pantry |
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Coordinating the Christmas Giving Tree |
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Distributing funds for those in financial need |
Meeting Schedule / Membership policy
The chairperson(s) relies on parishioners (approximately 20 people) for
assistance. Organizational meetings take place no more than four times per
year. There are many activities with various time commitments. Many
volunteers are needed and any time commitment is appreciated.
Goals
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To increase a greater awareness throughout the
Parish of the need to help and serve people |
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To witness this service as a part of adult
Christian life |
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Liturgy
The purpose of the Liturgy Committee is to
enrich the liturgical and para-liturgical rites of St. Anne's Church in
order to encourage the Parish to grow in faith. In this role, we assist
the pastor in promoting the liturgical instruction of the faithful. We
also actively participate in the sacred liturgy.
Accomplishments
Our committee has made a number of
changes intended to make the liturgy more dynamic. Some of these changes
include the planning of Advent and Lent liturgy themes, the training of
lectors and Eucharistic ministers, and Bible Studies program.
Meeting Schedule / Membership policy
Our committee is composed of the
Pastor and seven members representing a cross-section of the Parish
population and the liturgical ministers.
We meet once a month during the entire year.
Because of the time it takes to develop an understanding of the liturgy
and the way that St. Anne's Church celebrates the liturgy, it is preferred
that members make a three year commitment. However, a two year term of
service is acceptable.
Current Goals
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Continue to enhance and build upon the current
themes |
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Proceed with the program for Ushers and
Greeters. The focus of the program is to ensure a character of
hospitality when we assemble for worship. |
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Liturgy
for Children Ministry
The purpose of the Liturgy of the Word for Children Ministry is to
introduce the Word of God in a participatory setting for children (ages
five to ten) at their understanding level.
Accomplishments
Our volunteer leaders have established a regular program at the 10:00AM
Sunday Mass which increases the awareness and knowledge of the Written
Word in the children's own language. Through training, the Committee works
to give confidence to our Ministers and to improve their presentation and
reading skills.
Meeting Schedule / Membership policy
Ministers of the Word are asked to participate in preparation and
organization meetings every 6-8 weeks. In addition, they act as leaders to
the children once during that same period.
Current Goals
With our basic mission to enhance the children's understanding, respect
and reverence for the Gospel, there are specific areas upon which we are
now focusing. These include improving the continuity of the program on a
week-to-week basis, building the comfort level of the Ministers with the
Program and enhancing the music portion of the Program.
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Parish
Pastoral Council
The Parish Pastoral Council has two functions. First, we assist the Pastor
in the pastoral planning process. In this capacity, we examine issues that
could impact the Parish over the long term. Second, we are parishioners
with an active voice in Church affairs. As such, we work to develop
programs and events that promote a greater sense of community in the
Parish.
Accomplishments
Some of our accomplishments include the Parish handbook, the new
parishioner "open House", the annual progressive dinner, various
pitch-in parties and the Lenten mission.
Meeting Schedule / Membership policy
Our members meet monthly during the school calendar year (September thru
June). Given the longer term nature of our programs, we ask for a minimum
two year term commitment.
Current Goals
Our primary goal is to get more parishioners involved, engaged, and
participating in the Church, both in the sacraments as well as in
community life.
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R.C.I.A.
Ministry Team
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the way the Catholic
Church welcomes and prepares adults to celebrate full sacramental
initiation through Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. Those eligible
to celebrate the rite include: unbaptized adults; baptised adults who
haven't completed the Eucharist and Confirmation; unbaptized children of
catechetical age (seven years and older or 14 years without parental
consent); and adults who have been baptized in another Christian
tradition. Anyone with questions may participate in the inquiry stage
without making a full commitment.
Meeting Schedule / Membership policy
Our team is currently made up of eight members. The process normally
begins in the Fall and concludes with initiation at the Easter vigil
celebration. During this process, the team members meet once a month to
participate and enjoy the experience of seeing candidates learn about
faith, Church traditions and about our Parish. We are currently working
with candidate in various stages of initiation into the Catholic Church.
Current Goals
Each Parish is responsible for the people within their own community who
wish to celebrate initiation. We need adult members of St. Anne's to help
in some of the classes. The classes are an integral part of the process to
full sacramental and faith sharing initiation as a Catholic Christian.
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