Church of Saint Ann
Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church on Greenmount and 22nd Street was erected through the generosity of Captain William Kennedy, commander of one of the most famous Baltimore clipper ships, The Wanderer. Caught in a raging storm off the coast of Vera Cruz in 1833, Captain Kennedy vowed that if he and his crew returned safely to port, he would build a church as a testament of his gratitude to God. The anchor held. Upon returning to Baltimore, Captain Kennedy gave up his life at sea and gave up his brig. He did, however keep his anchor and chain. True to his promise in 1872, Captain Kennedy and his wife, Mary Ann Jenkins, secured property and funds for the church which was to be named for Saint Ann, the patron saint of sailors. The cornerstone was laid in 1873, the same year Captain Kennedy and Mrs. Kennedy died. Although neither of them lived to see the church completed, they are both buried under the main aisle of Saint Ann Church.
The Church was completed in 1874 and was later expanded to increase the seating capacity. Later a school and convent were also added. In 1925 the original anchor was restored and placed in a stone cradle beside the cornerstone where it remains today. The historic, cultural and architectural significance of this church is well documented in the church archives, and the Church of Saint Ann continues to be a neighborhood landmark.
In the mid-nineteen sixties, as in most American cities, the neighborhood surrounding Saint Ann's made the transition from a predominantly white community to an African-American one. The financial demographics also changed. The Greenmount neighborhood went from a middle income to low income community. The church school enrollment declined because the families could not afford the cost of a parochial school education. Eventually, the school was closed.
In 1995, Saint Ann's found itself without a resident priest at a time when the fate of a number of city churches was in question. Yet the strength and determination of our small but vibrant community brought us through the storm once more to a new and promising future. Throughout the neighborhood and the city, Saint Ann's Catholic Church is known as an anchor of faith and prayer, and as a good neighbor to the poor and disenfranchised. Today more than ever, Saint Ann's is looked to for help to save those caught in the storm of limited opportunity and helplessness.
Because of the thousands of dedicated religious and lay leaders down through the years, and the spirit of God among us, Saint Ann joyfully celebrates its 130th Anniversary. Presently, as a predominately African American faith community, Saint Ann's continues to reaffirm its mission to the East Baltimore community.
As we look back over the storms and challenges that Saint Ann's has faced from its beginning until today, we praise God that our anchor still holds and grips the solid Rock-Jesus! Through the years past, present, future-God's love remains constant and as secure as the anchor that held Captain Kennedy's ship so long ago.
We, the parish community of St. Ann's Church, are called by God to be a family of believers united in faith and love, to teach and to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ, to celebrate the Word of God, to witness to the presence of God in our community, and to manifest the Kingdom of God in word and work.
In our efforts to teach the Gospel message we offer religious education classes for all ages. Through discussion, formal instruction and study, the tenets of our Catholic faith are passed on.
In word and in action we strive to proclaim the message of Christ to all. We believe that by our example others can come to know Jesus Christ. We endeavor to build a vibrant community so others are touched by what they see and experience.
In our attempts to celebrate the word of God we seek to create a lively, worshipping community. The Eucharist is our central celebration to which all our hopes lead, and from which all of our strength comes. From this celebration all meaningful parish activities flow. We recognize that the celebrations of the sacraments are great occasions of joy and new life in our parish. The prayer life of our parish sustains us in our journey of faith.
In our witness of the presence of God in our world we reach out to those who are oppressed in any way or who are victims of injustice. By using the gifts of our members we create programs that will bring about peace, justice and harmony in our community.
In our service to others we try to follow the example of Jesus Christ who was present to others who needed healing, forgiveness and restoration. We value the individual and the communal efforts of our parish to recognize and respond to the needs of our community.
We perceive our mission as both gift and challenge. We believe that God will use us as His instruments manifesting His Kingdom on this earth. We rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us in being faithful to this parish Mission Statement.
Sun., Apr. 17 Palm Sunday
"Palm Sunday in the Park, 10:15 am;" Blessing of Palms&Procession through the Neighborhood&nbspPalm Sunday Mass, 11:00 am
Wed. Apr. 20 Seder Meal&nbsp7 pm Mother Seton Academy Hall
Thur, Apr. 21 Holy Thursday
Mass of the Lord�s Supper & the Washing of Feet, 7:00 pm at St. Wenceslaus Church (Ashland & Collington)
Fri., Apr. 22 Good Friday,
12:00 noon� 3:00 pm, church open for prayer and Stations of the Cross led by Deacon Eddie Bee Stations of the Cross in the Neighborhood led by St. Ann�s Youth (SAY G) 3 pm Liturgy of the Lord�s Passion at St. Ann�s
Sat., Apr. 23 Holy Saturday Blessing of the New Fire and Easter Vigil, 8:00 pm
Sun., Apr. 24- Easter Sunday Easter Mass at St. Ann�s, 10:00 am lessed Easter to all! Mon., Apr. 25 Easter Monday Church office closed.	Leadership Team meeting, 6:30 pm, Anchorage
EASTER VIGIL READINGS
Genesis 1:1-2: 2
Exodus 14:15-15:1
Romans 6: 3-11
Matthew 28:1-10/em>
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Saint Ann Birthdays
JUNE BIRHDAYS
1 HARRY WHEELER
1 SHEILA GOODIN
7 REGINALD DRUMMOND
11 ELOISE JACKSON
15 ANNETTE MARCH-GRIER
16 VICTOR MARCH SR.
17 ELIZABETH M. LUTZ
19 DEBORAH FENTRESS
22 ANN JONES
27 JANET BUTTS
29 SARAH RANDOLPH
AFRICAN PROVERB:::::::: :Tell the oppressor that God is mightier than they.. ...... (IBO)(HAUSA)
Readings for Mass
US Bishop's Conference
Church of Saint Ann — 528 East 22nd Street Baltimore, MD — 410.235.8169