Our parish is a very active community.  We are a small Catholic church serving South Salem, Massachusetts USA that is designated as a Mission Church by the Archdiocese of Boston.  There are abundant opportunities in becoming involved in the parish family.  We reach out to you and invite you to become part of our parish family.  We hope you will help in serving each other and the Lord.

Stewardship Committee (appointed)

Stewardship is the call of God to be holy, and involves intentional and planned giving of our time, talent and material gifts in fulfillment of the church's mission.  It is being an active Christian, involved in our family, our church and community.

The Stewardship Committee helps parishioners become involved in parish activities, thereby realizing their full spiritual potential.  The Committee is comprised of the Pastor, a chairperson, secretary and parish leaders who are responsible for the coordination, promotion, orientation and publication of assigned parish activities.

Finance Committee (appointed)

The Committee advises the Pastor in the financial matters of the parish.  Its membership includes the Pastor, a chairperson, secretary and several leaders of the parish community.  The Committee meets periodically to review the financial status and reports of the parish and makes recommendations on these financial matters.

Parish Pastoral Council

The council is comprised of the Pastor and a board representation of parishioners.  Meetings are held monthly and the council members are asked to participate in workshops sponsored by the Archdiocese.  Goals are to plan, advise, and be visionary in its focus, advising the Pastor in the spiritual needs and growth of the parish.

"Ministry Of The Liturgy"

Liturgy Committee

We articulate and support the faith of the community by developing standards for the overall liturgical life of the parish.  We serve in an advisory capacity to the Pastor, as well as prepare, enhance, and evaluate liturgies, para-liturgies, sacraments and all forms of worship.

Music Ministries

We provide an Adult Choir and Hand bell Choir.  We are dedicated to providing the assembly with music that is both participatory and prayerful.  Workshops, seminars, lectures, and conventions are regularly attended by the director, soloists, cantors, and choir members.  We strive to provide our "parish family" with music that inspires and touches the deepest part of our emotions, and evokes those emotions that respond with "Christ-like" actions.

Altar Servers

We are young boys, girls and adult men and women who serve at the table of the Lord.  We assist the Pastor during the liturgy in the preparation for communion and the readings.

Lectors

We proclaim the word of God presenting a clear and meaningful emphasis on the biblical readings during the liturgical services.

Ushers and Greeters

We welcome parishioners and visitors and provide direction and assistance as well as collect monetary offerings, and distribute bulletins.

Eucharistic Ministers

We are commissioned to distribute the Bread of Life at liturgy.

Arts and Environment

Our primary purpose is to oversee the visual enhancement of the liturgy through interior and exterior design of the "worship space."

"Ministry Of Pastoral Care"

Ministry of Consolation

Pastoral Visitors bring Communion to parish members who are house-bound.  This ministry lets them know that they are still part of the spiritual life of the church.  Hospital Visitors visit the hospital during the week assuring patients that they are in our prayers, as well as just "listening" to them.  Bereavement offers comfort and condolences to families in the loss of their loved one.  We may represent the parish at the wake or funeral Mass and assist in the use of the Family Room after the services at the cemetery.  People are helped to feel that through their faith in God and the love of the family and friends they are not forgotten in their time of sorrow.

Peace and Justice

The purpose of this committee is to respond to parish needs and to concerns in the wider community and church.  We serve with concrete needs, such as food, shelter and emergency financial aid, as well as global issues related to prejudice, poverty and other social justice issues.

Holy Name Society

We assist the clergy in various parish activities.  Our major emphasis is to bring greater honor and glory to the Sacred Name of Jesus by example in the home, the community, and the workplace.

Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts & Girl Scouts

The Parish has sponsored Troop 83 for many years.  Personal management, wilderness survival, safety, first aid, camping, citizenship and other skills that are good for a wholesome relationship with God and community are learned.

"Ministry Of The Word"

Right of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

We are a program for those who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith with a view towards full participation and full communion in the church.  We are a "journey in faith" in which the core group and sponsors (a support group) share responsibility of providing and participating in the class instructions each week.  Sunday Scriptures are discussed and Catechumens and candidates are prepared to come into the Catholic Church.

Youth Ministry

We bring Middle and High School youth closer to God through recreational and social activities which include prayer, faith sharing, guidance and community building.

Spiritual Development

Our goal is to enhance the spiritual foundation of our parish.  Faith, Prayer, Reconciliation, Church, Eucharist and understanding our relationship with a loving God is the basis for spiritual devotion and development.

Religious Education

We communicate the doctrines of the church to our parish children in a way that is relevant to their lives.  We strive to help children establish a personal, loving relationship with Jesus.  Sacramental programs are offered for Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation.  Catechists volunteer to share their faith and teacher training is provided.  Opportunities are also given for intellectual sharing and spiritual growth of adults.

 "Ministry of Fundraising"

Bazaar

Our annual Bazaar is a major fundraising event in the parish.  All parish organizers are asked to volunteer time and talent to make this event a success. Preparations begin in late Summer and continue until the late fall event.  It brings the entire parish community into a unified and spirited work group.

500 Club

We sponsor a drawing on the third Sunday of each month.  The proceeds are used to help defray parish expenses.

"Ministry Of Property And Maintenance"

Parish Maintenance

We are responsible for the cleaning and general upkeep of buildings, such as dusting, sweeping, washing and other routine maintenance tasks.  Activities include security maintenance, such as electrical shut-down, locking of doors and generally assisting other activity directors in the proper use and care of parish facilities.

Grounds and Buildings

We are responsible for all interior and exterior property improvements, renovations, and modifications such as: painting, carpentry, electrical and mechanical repairs and replacements, lawn and shrubbery care, re-pavement of surfaces, and snow removal.

This is a brief description of "life" here at St. Anne's.  If you would like more information, please call the church office at 744-1930 or send an email and someone will be sure to contact you!