Dear Parishioners and Friends,  On the Solemnity of Saint Joseph (today, March 19th), it is the custom in some places to bless bread, pastries, and other food and give portions of these items to the poor. We encourage families to do this simple rite in their homes, and whenever possible share our blessings with our neinghbors who are most in need, always of course observing the protocols being imposed during this period of quarantine - social distancing and washing of hands and the like. 

The Holy See has issued a decree regarding the celebrations of the upcoming Palm Sunday and Holy Week/Easter for implementation by Diocesan Bishops throughout the world. I have issued a decree for the Diocese of Trenton, implementing the directives of the Holy See. These unprecedented measures have been deemed necessary, given the best information we have received from federal, state and local public heath authorities. Although COVID-19 has dramatically affected all of us in so many ways, I want to reach out to you with pastoral care and affection.

In response to this pandemic and in line with our Bishop O’Connell’s latest directives dated March 16, 2020 (please see below) and the guidelines from national and health authorities, the Parish Office of Saint Ann continue to be open BUT with very limited staff only, around 1 to 3 people effective tomorrow, March 17, 2020. Office hours remains from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

Indeed, the whole world is shaken, shocked, confused and bewildered over the current health pandemic that is threatening our lives. We are aware that this has already caused so much pain, anguish and trepidations throughout the whole world. Still, there are so many unknowns and questions. No one seems to know the answers just yet.   Here at St. Ann’s, we too do not have the medical cure, neither do we possess the expertise on how to contain, curtail and prevent the spread of the virus. Because we do not have them, let us then leave the finding of the cure to the scientists. Let us leave care of the sick to the medical professionals. Let us leave the creation of order and enactment of regulations to our leaders and authorities. continue reading

Lord Jesus, at your command, the sick were made well! Come to our aid now, in the midst of the Global spread of the Corona Virus, that we may experience your healing love...continue reading for rest of prayer

Parishioners relieved of Mass obligation, churches to remain open; schools, religious education programs and Chancery to close

The fish fry scheduled for tonight, March 13th, is still on. ALL ORDERS WILL BE BOXED FOR TAKE OUT. We apologize for any inconvenience but are taking precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please pick-up your order at the same allotted time. Thank you!

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., dedicated his 2020 Lenten reflection on the story of Peter’s role in Christ’s Passion. Excerpts follow: Except for Jesus, no figure receives more attention in the Passion narratives than Peter. The evangelists differ in recounting many significant details about Jesus’ final days – what he said at the Last Supper, who was present at his crucifixion, what words he spoke from the Cross – but the four Gospels agree in relating that Peter denied Jesus three times. Nowhere else in the Passion narratives do all the Gospels so specifically converge.

Ten priests of the Diocese will share reflections for a new diocesan video series entitled “Living Lent.” Produced by the Department of Multimedia Production, the project will feature 2-3 minute reflections from each priest offering viewers a deeper understanding of the upcoming Penitential season.

This year’s DYC had as its theme: “Inspired – You are the light of the world,” from Matthew 5:13-16. The event featured keynote addresses, a service project, lunch, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confession and Mass with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

ASH WEDNESDAY 2020 comes early this year -  February 26th. Please be reminded that this day is FAST & ABSTINENCE Day.  Who are obliged and who are not?  Here are some guidelines: • 14 Years Old & Older – Abstinence Only • 18 to 59 Years Old – Fast & Abstinence • 60 Years Old & Over - Optional Continue reading for the schedule

Join us on December 15th when the Youth Choir present their annual "Christmas Concert" starting at 3:00 pm in the Church. This is a great way to celebrate the coming birth of Baby Jesus, and have an enjoyable afternoon with the wonderful choir. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Knights of Columbus in New Jersey are looking for donations to help send active duty military personnel home for the holidays. It's the Knights' seventh year buying bus, train and plane tickets for service members. In the past six years, they've raised in excess of $200,000 to get 360 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard members to their families.

It’s that time of year already, and once we are calling upon the generosity of the parishioners of Saint Ann and Saint Michael to come to the aid of our neighbors. On Monday evening, November 25, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, members of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society will be at the FRONT of the Church of Saint Ann collecting FROZEN turkeys. Saint Michael’s should also bring their donated turkeys to Saint Ann’s.

The Knights of Columbus Council 7000 is sponsoring a Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Mercer High School. They are collecting non-perishable food items that will be distributed to needy families from the school during the Thanksgiving Holiday. (Last school year, the Knights of Columbus and The Church of Saint Ann helped approximately 55-60 families during their Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter breaks last year.) Please drop off all food donations by November 20, 2019