Print Issue: January 30, 2003

St. Ann's To Celebrate Silver Jubilee Throughout 2003

MARIETTA-In 1978 a new Catholic church began in Marietta on a small horse farm situated on hilly, wooded land with 300 families as parishioners. A quarter century later, St. Ann's Church has more than 14,000 members and the parish continues to grow. It has a 30-classroom education center, teen center and gymnasium. It also provides support in ministering to the community outside the parish. For example, during 2002 a St. Ann's group provided more than 7,000 meals to the homeless and needy at the MUST Ministries "Loaves and Fishes" kitchen in Marietta.

To recognize its silver anniversary, St. Ann's will host a yearlong celebration highlighted by special Masses, events, celebrations and community outreach.

The highlights include a four-day parish mission in January, a St. Ann's festival and homecoming Aug. 16-17 and a special anniversary Mass celebrated by Archbishop John F. Donoghue on Sept. 21.

"In 2003, we'll have many special events and activities to help celebrate our 25th year as a parish family," said Father Bob Susann, MS, pastor. "But what's more important is what we have been doing in the 25 years leading to 2003. And that has been celebrating Jesus and working to be Christ-like to those within our parish and our community."