St. Anne Shrine of Fall River

Keeping with the thought that ALL photos of St. Anne’s that come across my desk, either via text, email, or through web searching should be preserved and presented for your enjoyment…here’s a shot, taken from the balcony, of the 1978 Mass marking the Dominican presence at the parish in 1978 (exact date unknown at this time).

Of course, the sanctuary was as it was reconfigured (except for Fr. Folster’s removal of the communion rail and the repurposing of the gates to the sanctuary as a trim for the ambo), this is pretty much as the altar was after the post Vatican-II implied requirement to put in a table altar for Mass celebrated facing the congregation, and pre-construction of the carpeted platform as it currently is in the upper church.

Pioneer Basement is hard at work in the Shrine. Taking our first steps toward remediating the water ingress problem that has plagued the structure for many years. It’s through YOUR support that we are able to start the long process of returning this landmark to it’s proper condition.

We depend on free contributions to help fund these repairs and improvements. While we’re still working on building an automated way of doing so, please, if you have the inclination, click on the DONATE TO THE SHRINE link on the menu to the right at the top and follow the directions, or, if you’re in the area, stop by the office in the lower level and talk with a staff member. Again, we can ONLY do it with YOUR help!

From the Fall River Diocese:

Lent, the forty-day season of prayer, sacrifice and almsgiving in preparation for the joyous celebration of Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2016.

Parishes throughout the Fall River Diocese will mark the start of Lent with the traditional rite of distribution of ashes.

Ashes, symbolic of penance, are blessed and distributed on that day as a reminder that Lent is a time for repentance and spiritual renewal. Ashes are used to mark on the forehead of the faithful the Sign of the Cross, with the reminder: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” or “Remember you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha will celebrate the 12:05 p.m. Mass on Ash Wednesday at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 327 Second St., Fall River, during which he will bless and distribute ashes to congregants, marking for them the start of their Lenten journey.

The Church calls for days of abstinence and fasting during Lent:

Abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday, all Fridays during Lent and Good Friday for those aged 14 and older;

Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for those aged 18 to 59 inclusive.

Fasting is defined as eating only one full meal. Two other meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one’s needs.

Those who are not obliged to fast or abstain from meat are encouraged to join in those disciplines to the extent that they are able.

Catholics are urged to regard the Lenten season as a serious time for spiritual renewal by intensifying prayer, practicing works of piety, and seeking out opportunities for charity.

Most parishes in the diocese provide additional liturgical services and/or programs as opportunities for spiritual growth during Lent, and in some deaneries -or geographic regions- of the diocese, parishes work together to sponsor multi -day or -evening retreats. Parishioners should check their parish bulletins for listings of such events.