A ministry to seniors was begun at the parish, which includes a monthly breakfast for seniors at the Del Rosa Avenue site, where St. Anne’s church and school were located. It became clear that the founding parishioners of St. Anne are an important part of the foundation of the current parish. This group and all current parishioners of Our Lady of Hope, are invited to attend the reunion on July 28 at the Del Rosa Ave. site.
“The whole thing is really about the time that people will be spending together and remembering,” says Deacon Eric Vilchis, who ministers at the parish, “and inviting them to come back and see what it looks like now.”
Longtime parishioner Amelia Herrmann is helping to put together historical milestones of St. Anne Parish and School for the event. Her parents were among the founding parishioners of St. Anne and she attended the parish school and was married in the parish.
“I went there, my kids went there,” Herrmann says, referring to the parish school. “I have a lot of history at St. Anne’s.”
Based on the early promotional efforts of the reunion there are still many people who cherish their history at the former parish. A Facebook page “Our Lady of Hope/St. Anne’s Reunion, Homecoming” has been established. Historic photos are being posted and former parishioners are posting about their excitement for the event. Over 65 people have inquired about the reunion, Herrmann says.
“This is amazing, the people who are interested,” she said. “Some of them already have their plane tickets.”
The reunion will take place from 1 – 5:30 p.m. on July 28. It will begin with a welcome and opening prayer with Fr. Cardoza, refreshments, a keynote address from St. Anne School alum Dave Coy, a period for sharing stories and remembrances and concludes with Mass.
Those interested in attending the reunion are encouraged to call the parish office for more details at (909) 884-6375.