Author: Bryan Boyle

Our local newspaper, the Herald News, long a supporter of our efforts, has published a story about the goings on here at the Shrine.

Just a reminder that our monthly Healing Mass schedule for Fall/Winter 2024 will begin this Thursday, September 19, 2024 in the Shrine. Fr. Edward A. Murphy, Shrine Chaplain, will be the celebrant. 6:00PM is the Holy Rosary, the Sacrament of Penance will be available, followed by Holy Mass, Exposition, laying on of hands, and Benediction at 6:30PM. All are invited and welcome to attend!

The St. Anne Shrine Preservation Society has signed contracts with Vandal Roofing to begin work on the repairs to the north roof of the Shrine building. This is the second phase of a multi-year effort to stabilize and repair the damage to this landmark structure due to years of neglect and decreased parish population which builds on a project which began 2 years ago to address issues on the south side of the building. The south side was successfully completed earlier this year.

With the erection of the scaffolding to allow craft access to the roof, gutter system, and other areas in need of repair, work can proceed to eliminate the multitude of water leaks, broken slate roof tiles, and deteriorated rain gutters and downspouts which will eliminate the water ingress to the upper church and further destruction of plaster walls and trim.

Once the water ingress issues have been addressed, according to our architect, at least a full year will have to pass to allow the upper structure interior to fully dry out. Once this happens, we can then proceed to fully clean the upstairs of the fallen plaster, stabilize the remaining wall surfaces, and prepare to work with the City and diocsean officials for permission to reopen the upper church.

While this work is going on, the lower Shrine will remain open for visitors during our normal business hours of Monday-Friday 10AM-4PM, Saturday/Sunday 12PM-4PM.

As posted in the Fall River Reporter. The complete story is here.

“Regina and Kenny Mark want to hold one final fundraiser before they retire.

The iconic Mee Sum, the Fall River Chinese American restaurant open for over 74 years serving the Southcoast and beyond with exceptional Chinese cuisine was put up for sale in April before recently finding a buyer….

On Wednesday, Regina announced they will be holding another fundraiser, their last.

“Most of the people who have come to Mee Sum Restaurant know we are planning to retire after this year, so we want to do one more fundraiser for St. Anne’s Church. We hope to keep the church going and pray for peace within the community!! Hope to see you all Friday September 6th from 11am-1pm. We will only be serving chow mein sandwiches for that time frame which all of the proceeds will be for the church. 1819 South Main Street at Mee Sum Restaurant. Thank you.”

St Anne Shrine is grateful to Kenny and Regina for their generosity in supporting the Shrine as they work towards their own retirement, and is honored they would think of the Shrine at this time in their careers!