Students from Saint Ann School are participating in the parish new initiative "NextLevel", a pilot program of the Center for FaithJustice funded by the Lilly Endowment, which offers and is researching a new approach to youth ministry designed to strengthen Catholic parishes. This program offers teenagers grades 8 to 12 the chance to put their faith into action and to use their gifts to make a difference in our parish and surrounding communities. Two rising 8th graders and two SAS Class of 21 graduates, along with other members of the Church of Saint Ann Youth Group and others from various parishes in New Jersey registered to participate in a Service Retreat held July 25th to July 31st. The location of the retreat was St. James Parish, Trenton (former rectory now used for retreat housing, etc.) Following the retreat, each day these young people will be going to various places like TASK, Sprout U, and Mercer CYO to serve the dear neighbor, whomever they meet. This is an opportunity for them to serve the community as well as learn about social justice, building community, and opportunities to live the gospel, “Faith without works is dead”. Other parishioners from Saint Ann’s served as mentors for the retreat and this journey to bring their faith to the "NextLevel".
Saint Ann School Families, this month of July, get ready to lace up your sneakers! Beginning today, we are starting a Summer Fit-A-Thon, a special fundraiser to help to offset some of the expenses for the building of a new school playground. This year we had to remove our previous play structure from the playground, due to irreparable damage that had occurred on many segments of the structure which made it unsafe for students' usage. The cost for the equipment, replacing the surface mulch, and the installation charges are going to cost more than $40,000 – this is with a more than 40% discounted rate. We need your help! We ask that all students get pledges from family and friends and complete 20 minutes of exercise per day. Keep track of your minutes exercised because there will be prizes awarded at the conclusion of the Fit-A-Thon! We are excited to streamline our fundraiser by going online with 99Pledges and we are shooting for 100% participation so no amount is too small. Our PTA is also stepping up and assisting with the cost. As part of their fundraising efforts, to specifically assist with the cost of the playground, they will be hosting a "Rita’s fundraiser" on July 22 from 5-8 pm at the 2070 Brunswick Pike Rita’s location. So get ready, get set, and pledge!