St. Anna’s and COVID 19 Bulletin
6 Easter Week 5-17-20
Jesus promises the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit by Corrado Giaquinto circa 1750
A Pastoral Note: Fr. Bill Terry+
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
After so many weeks I am sure that many are feeling beleaguered. We, some of us, are simply “over it.” We so want to join in our social groups, in our watering holes, restaurants, and yes churches. Even in this current climate of anxiety sourced by social distancing and a general disruption in the patters of our lives we have “at least” this:
We have the virtue of social media and ways to communicate that far surpass what we even could dream of after Katrina. We have robust resources to stay connected. I believe that such is critical. Each Sunday, as an example, we offer coffee hour. No there is not a lot of good gossip to chat about and sometimes it is as simple as listening to a story or two. But I do wish that more folks would join us. It is a way to stay connected to see a face or hear a familiar voice. I do wish that many more of you would increase your stay at home discipline and join us for Worship on Sunday. Such may prove to be an acute reminder of who we are as a faith community. I wish and pray for these because our distancing as a church may well continue into the foreseeable future.
In a teleconference with the clergy of the Diocese and the Bishop our current guidelines will diverge from those of the political guidelines as promulgated by the Governor. Bishop Thompson has made it clear that, for the benefit of our collective welfare, we can expect that our churches will remain closed to public worship until at least the end of June. Other denominations may convene but we will continue to use Live Stream and social media outlets to host worship. That said, he has given permission for churches to host outdoor worship services.
Outdoor worship services, if done, must be registered with the state; must comply with distancing standards set by the state; must limit congregational size; must adhere to strict distancing guidelines; all attendees must wear face masks; and must employ one or more “Crowd Control” specialists. [These specialists would act similar to Ushers but will be required to enforce safe distancing at all times as well as other criteria. Much of these guidelines are issued by the State Fire Marshall’s office.
So, will St. Anna’s host an outdoor service? The Bishop will permit same starting May 24th. I am still considering it. If we did it we would do it in the courtyard of Dodwell House. We would limit participation to 32-35 including altar servers and choir. I am not sure that we are quite there yet. The Bishop does encourage us to continue our robust Virtual Worship. Perhaps we may do an evening service for Pentecost in addition to a virtual service. If we did here is what that would look like:
You must bring and wear a face mask – no exceptions.
- Families currently cohabitating may be seated together; others 6′ apart at the minimum.
- Perhaps reservations rather than first come first served.
- Communion will not be distributed. In fact if we do a Pentecost evening service it might be Solemn Choral Evensong followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
All of this said, we/I know that so many of us want to worship together. I know that we are hungry and thirsty for companionship and community worship. We, your in-house, worship team will be considering the best way for us to finally accomplish that goal. We will always keep safety and health in mind. We will always keep good liturgy in mind.
Worship and Spiritual Aids:
Prayer Time on Facebook: We offer Morning, Noon, and Compline Services. On occasion I will offer an evening meditation. The hours of our Live Stream FB worship services are Monday through Friday; Morning Prayer at 8 a.m. Noon Day Prayer; and Compline at 9:00 p.m.
Our Missal/Worship Guide: You can find the missal here (click on the link) or ask and we will mail you one:
https://stannanola.org/2020/04/14/the-season-of-easter-missal/
Our website contains a lot of information: stannanola.org (try it out)
Fr. Terry and the spiritual team are available to you to talk, meet on the internet, or meet during Office Hours for prayer, for discussion, for Confession, or simply to sit with someone in the church. Reach out to us because we can make it safe and yet stay connected. In our team is Deacon Buck, Deacon Joyce Jackson, Pastor Claire Brooks, Br. Don and myself. We are here for you. Call or email. Please do not let the isolation get to you. Do not struggle alone with depression (clinical or otherwise) give us a call.
The Readings this Sunday are found at this link:
https://www.preparingforsunday.com/Lectionary/be36ff56ek/
And, if you have some hymnals here is the music for this Sunday:
Opening Hymn Hymnal 400 All Creatures of our God and King
Gospel Hymn Hymnal 372 Praise to the Living God
Offertory Arr K. Leach, Darryl on Clarinet, Soprano Erin, He’s got the whole world in His hands
Communion Hymn Hymnal 488 Be Thou My Vision
Hymn LEVAS 14 Soon and Very Soon
If you wish to have a hymnal for use in the home email luigi@stannanola.org and we will make sure one is available to be checked and for pick up.
COFFEE HOUR! Help all of us to stay connected
Zoom In and say hello NO PASSWORD REQUIRED…
William Terry is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Coffee Hour 5-17-20
Time: May 13, 2020 01:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4746632892
Meeting ID: 474 663 2892
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,4746632892# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
_____________Missions Update______________
As life changes and things evolve our presence at the Church Campus also changes. In general someone, usually Luigi and Brianna, are at the church for most of the work days. That said, they maintain all proper COVID practices. If you wish to visit the church to pray or simply sit call first and we will make an appointment. Bring your mask. We have the sanitizer.
Anna’s Place NOLA
We could use your support for our “Month of Giving” for GivingTuesdayNow and #GiveNOLA Day . You can donate online from May 5 – June 2, 2020 donate:
at https://www.givenola.org/annas-place-nola or for more information email us at apdirector@stannanola.org ”
Do you or someone you know work for Dunkin Donuts or Big Lots? Grants to these organizations require either a nomination by an employee/owner (Dunkin) or an employee/owner that volunteers with or is a member of our board (Big Lots). If you know someone that can help, please connect them with Brianna or Diana.
A NEW MINISTRY THAT IS EVOLVING
The Hot Plate Ministry
If you wish to help, or have a contact with a Restaurant that may want to help, let us know. Send your inquiries to fr.bill@stannanola.org or speak with Ed Collins our current “Hot Plate Krewe Manager.” This is an evolving ministry that may continue for some time. We want to give a big shout out to our Restaurant partners in mission:
A BIG shout out to our newest partner:
Please, as the municipalities evolve try to support these fine restaurants.
May 2020 Food Pantry Shopping List from Br. Don and Company
We continue to receive new referrals for food assistance. In addition to the 25 Families we have committed to support in the form of food assistance every month we are now reaching out to unemployed individuals in the service industry, musicians, artist and many others. We now have 42+ families or individuals receiving food assistance from St Anna’s Food Pantry. For a list of all the food items we are requesting please feel free to email me at dondubay504@aol.com Please keep the people we are serving in your prayers and also our volunteers and donors. Peace. -Br Don
The following link will provide a shopping list of needed items (updated weekly) I know it says April but it is really for May!!!:
https://stannanola.org/2020/04/27/saint-annas-food-pantry-meeting-the-needs-of-many-mays-shopping-list/
On Another Note
Fr. Ron Clingenpeel is often a visiting priest at St. Anna’s and has long been a friend to this church. Did you know that he is also a sometimes DJ for WWOZ? He is also a musician. Fr. Ron would time to time officiate at our Solemn Choral Evensongs. His alma mater, General Seminary published this about Fr. Ron:
“Fr. Ron Clingenpeel, Class of 1978, has released a new CD: On My Way Home. Eight original songs influenced by American folk music represent an eclectic folk style from South Louisiana and are the latest in his journey: practical, historical, and spiritual.
With many years of service to the church as parish priest, campus chaplain, Canon to the Ordinary, and Cathedral Dean, Clingenpeel returned to his folk roots several years ago. Organizing the Great American Folk Song Singalong, Fr. Ron brought together a group of talented musicians to give a variety of voices and styles to traditional American music.
The Great American Singalong gathered energy as many were reunited with the great songs, and others were introduced to what some consider the heart of the American soul of the 20th century – Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Odetta, Leadbelly, and many others. Now in March, 2019 comes a new CD by Fr. Ron & Friends: they can be found on Spotify, Amazon, CD Baby, Gigmasters, and at the website bishopsmusic.net.”
Fr. Ron will be offering his “concerts” on line using Facebook at Father Ron and Friends they will broadcast Mondays and later on Thursday evenings. Each concert is about 20 minutes long. Of note is that Fr. Ron is plugging Anna’s Place NOLA kids and directing donations to our program. So tune in for some great American Folk music.
Jules Duhe, originally of Reserve Louisiana, was a sometime member of St. Anna’s Church. Jules acquired the Covid 19 virus and fought it for 45 days succumbing eventually to the virus. Jules was 52 years of age. Jules was a kind and gentle man who was always trying to express his love of Jesus. Jules was a sales associate in a number of positions and companies over the years. He usually attended Wednesday Church due to his work hours. I will miss Jules. His funeral services were held in a small church in Reserve close to his family and his roots. Offer prayers for Jules. He has gone home.
Recently the Diocese sent out a request to tell your story. I forwarded this to Don Dubay as a starter. I will also send the same to Brianna Carr of Anna’s Place and to Ed Collins of Hot Plate Ministry. But, here is Don’s response:
Reaching Out in Loving Service to Others
- Where have you had an opportunity to share God’s peace? Where have you felt God’s peace?
As a Franciscan Friar in the Community of Francis and Clare I am called to follow in the steps of St Francis and Clare to live out the Gospel of Jesus. We are called to love and care for the people in our community who are poor and marginalized. I have found peace by being a part of the effort to mobilize and put into action what the Gospel lovingly calls us to do. (Matthew 25:35-36) I find Peace serving as the manager of a wonderful volunteer team at St Anna’s Food Pantry.
- How did you or your church community help those affected by COVID-19? Those who lost their job? Feed the hungry? Care for children? Care for the elderly?
St Anna’s Food Pantry and Homeless Outreach has been serving our neighbors and friends in the Treme Neighborhood and beyond for several years. The Food Pantry ministry as a grass root operation has been blessed by the relationship’s we have been able to establish over the years as it relates to donors, volunteers and the organizations and individuals we are called to serve. These relationships are interchangeable and constantly evolving. For example, many of the musicians, artists, waiters and bartenders have contributed to St Anna’s Food Pantry by offering their talents to raise funds and food donations. After Katrina and now during the Pandemic they have humbly reached out to the Food Pantry for assistance. We have also established a very close relationship with St Paul’s Episcopal Church. Their parishioners are always ready to not only donate food and funds but also volunteer to deliver food to the families and individuals receiving assistance.
- What is your role in our nation’s response to the pandemic?
Our role is a grass root response to feeding the poor and marginalized and being an example of caring faith based individuals who are called to be empathetic to the needs of others and taking the focus off our selves during these trying times.
Prayer Requests for Sunday
Parishioners please send your prayer requests to Brother Don via email prior to Friday at Noon if at all possible. Brother will submit a consolidated list of prayers to Fr Bill for our Sunday Mass each week. dondubay504@aol.com
The Church Office
OFFICE HOURS: Spiritual Direction, Consultation, Hearing of Confessions, or just to visit. Here is the criteria; here are the Conditions:
- It is by appointment only. Call the Church or email us. We will set it up.
- We will maintain safe distancing and have sanitizer present.
- If you have a fever or are sick let us know and Fr. Terry will call you. STAY HOME.
- If you want to talk SKYPE or ZOOM on another day just reach out and we can make that happen as well.
Church Giving Opportunities-help us keep the missions going!
Please consider an additional monetary donation as well as insuring that your pledge or tithe is received. You can do this on line or by mail. That said, as St. Paul teaches us, give with a grateful and joyful spirit. Here is the link:
https://stannanola.org/donate/
Another way to help your church out is that when you are making purchases using AMAZON consider using AMAZON Smile. Select St. Anna’s as your charity and a portion of your purchases will go to St. Anna’s and the site is just like your regular AMAZON Site:
” For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Paul’s Letter to the Romans
My phone: (504) 473-0073
Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
or
Call 504-947-2121 and leave a message.