Annual Holy Days

January 6

6 p.m. Holy Eucharist with the Blessing of Chalk

The feast of the Epiphany is observed on January 6 at the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas. On this day, Christians worldwide celebrate the finding of the child Jesus by the magi under the guidance of a star.

At St. Anne’s we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany with a candlelight Eucharist. Two centuries-old traditions are observed at this service: the Proclamation of the Date of Easter and the Blessing of Chalk for homes. The Proclamation of the Date of Easter–and all other moveable feasts–has its root in the days before the ubiquitous use of printed calendars. The chalk blessed on Epiphany is used by parishioners to mark their doorways with a blessing, as Epiphany is a traditional time for the blessing of homes.

Date Varies, February/March

7 a.m. & 6 p.m. Holy Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes

Ash Wednesday is the official start of the penitential season of Lent. It occurs on the Wednesday six weeks before Easter and is one of the two major fasts of the Christian year. In keeping with the ancient traditions of the Church, attendance is expected of all able-bodied Christians.

St. Anne’s offers two services: a simple spoken liturgy at 7 a.m. in St. Anne’s historic chapel, and a fuller liturgy with organ and choir at 6 p.m. in the main sanctuary.

During the Ash Wednesday liturgy, we are called to the observance of a holy Lent by means of self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, self-denial, and meditation on God’s holy Word. Ashes are placed on our foreheads as a sign of our mortality and a reminder of our dependence on God alone.

Date Varies, May/June

10 a.m. Holy Eucharist & Parish Picnic

The feast of Pentecost occurs on the Sunday fifty days–seven weeks–after Easter Sunday. This vibrant holy day celebrates the day on which the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension and empowered them to begin the work of the Church.

We celebrate Pentecost with a festive Eucharist at 10 a.m. in which everyone is encouraged to wear red, symbolic of the Holy Spirit. In the afternoon we hold our annual parish picnic, lovingly referred to as the “Holy Ghost Weenie Roast.” As Pentecost typically falls at the beginning of the summer, we take this as our last big hurrah before folks scatter for summer travels and vacations.

Wednesday Closest to October 4

6 p.m. Liturgy for the Blessing of the Animals

St. Francis of Assisi is considered the patron saint of animals, and his feast day is October 4. We typically celebrate the Feast of St. Francis on the Wednesday closest to October 4 with a Blessing of the Animals in our Memorial Garden. Parishioners and friends are invited to bring their animals to St. Anne’s for a special blessing. We can’t guarantee it will make them any more obedient or less prone to chew your favorite slippers, but we do think it’s worthwhile to return thanks to God for the wonderful diversity of his creation and the companionship of these animals in our lives.

As we often have a variety of animals at this service–dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, roosters, snakes, and more!–please be sure your pets are appropriately leashed or crated.

First Sunday in November

10 a.m. Holy Eucharist & Lunch on the Grounds

The history of the Church is full of the lives and examples of countless faithful who have shown us the goodness of God by their actions and witness. Some are well known to us, emblazoned in stain glass and ancient books. Others we’ve never heard of. Some saints lived centuries ago, while others walk among us today. On All Saints we celebrate the fact that we are surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses.

On All Saints Sunday we celebrate with a festive Eucharist, and we encourage parishioners to bring photos and remembrances of loved ones who have gone before us.