St. Ann Church

What’s distinctive about your parish? What is your parish’s charism? Our parish is lovingly cared for by Missionhurst priests. Because none of them were raised in the U.S., they bring a global perspective of Catholicism. The cultural diversity of the parish has grown steadily, with people from many different backgrounds feeling welcome here. St. Ann Parish has strong social outreach ministries. Through many volunteers, we support Catholic Charities’ Migration and Refugee Services and St. Lucy Food Project and a number of local organizations that serve the poor and the marginalized.

What’s the one unique thing visitors to your parish should do or see while there? Visitors should stop to see the statue of St. Ann outside the church. There is also a beautiful icon of St. Ann and St. Joachim, a pelican stained-glass window and the suspended crucifix above the altar.

What is a new ministry that you’ve started? Or, alternatively, share some recent activities of longstanding ministries. The parish has a long relationship with Virginia Hospital Center and Capital Caring Hospice (recently closed) where a group of parish volunteers visit the sick and bring communion to Catholics. When the pandemic came, our priests continued to provide the sacraments to the sick and the dying, as well as pastoral and spiritual support to families and hospital staff.

How are you supporting the faith journey of particular cultures represented in your parish? Two years ago, we designated Pentecost Sunday to highlight the gift of diversity to the church. Parishioners were encouraged to wear cultural attire. The prayers of the faithful were said in different languages (English, Bahasa, Polish, Portuguese, Sinhalese, French, Spanish, German, Ukrainian and Tagalog). The parish also celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Urkupina, a Bolivian celebration. The annual parish picnic brings the parish together to enjoy ethnic food, music and Bolivian dances.