Welcome to St. Anne's, where the echoes of your Baptismal promises guide us on a journey as children of light.
Rooted in those sacred words, we strive to create a Christ-centered Community where deep love for God is shared.
In our church, we know it can be hard to bring people together because we are all different. We use small groups to make sure everyone feels included and not left out. These groups are very important for our community.
Though we acknowledge our imperfections, our commitment to this transformative journey remains steadfast. Join us in actively building our community, not just as a physical church but as a collective pursuit. As you step into your St. Anne's journey, receive a warm welcome, and may your exploration of faith be filled with grace and peace.
Our Mission Statement
At St. Anne's, we embrace the profound words that echoed on the day of your Baptism, reminding you to walk as children of light and keep the flame of faith alive in your hearts. As a community, we joyfully welcome you to our parish family, where we continually strive to bring to life the gift of our Baptismal Invitation – to be a people of God, called by name to form a Christ-centered Community.
Our collective journey at St. Anne's is dedicated to realizing the dream planted in our hearts by God, and each member pledges themselves to one another in this pursuit. Our central commitment is to create a sacred space where deep, passionate love of God can be experienced and shared. Through this, we aim to awaken our true identity as sons and daughters of God, embracing the reality that we are brothers and sisters to each other. From this understanding, we aspire to be a beacon of light that dispels darkness in our world, embodying the Good News for others to find solace.
While these goals may seem lofty, and our ideals high, we acknowledge that we may fall short at times. However, we remain steadfast in our struggle and invite you to join us. In this journey, we emphasize gentleness in judgment, richness in forgiveness, and generosity in love.
In the Gospel of Matthew, "church" means "Ecclesia" in Greek, which means "gathered up." Matthew talks about Jeremiah's vision of a small group forming a new people of God. We know it's hard to build a big community with different families. That's why we support small groups where people can grow closer. Our goal is for these small Christian groups to be welcoming and open to everyone, and to be the foundation of our larger community.
As articulated by Most Reverend Father Victor P. Kennedy, we are not just a church building; we are actively building the church. In joining our parish family, we extend to you a warm welcome, wishing you grace and peace in your journey with St. Anne's.
Our History
St. Anne's Catholic Church has a rich history, rooted in the devoted leadership of its pastors and the enduring spirit of its parishioners. The journey began in 1887 when Father Quinn assumed the role of pastor at St. Paul of The Cross Church. Recognizing the challenges faced by parishioners in the Western sector, known as the "Western Slope," Father Quinn sought a solution.
With the approval of Most Reverend John J. O’ Connor, D.D., bishop of Newark, Father Quinn purchased land on the corner of Nelson Avenue and Congress Street. On September 20, 1903, Reverend M.F. McGinnis dedicated the Mission Chapel and school. The Sisters of Charity, initially from St. Paul of the Cross, played a crucial role in the educational aspect.
In June 1904, St. Anne’s transitioned from a mission to an incorporated parish, with Reverend John J. Maher appointed the first pastor. The parish continued to grow, acquiring a farmhouse for the priests' residence and establishing vital organizations such as the Holy Name Men, the Rosary Society, and the Saint Vincent DePaul Society.
In 1906, the parish purchased property on Congress Street for a new rectory, and by 1908, St. Anne's School witnessed its first graduates. Notable among them was Theresa McMurren, who became Sister Grace DePaul of the Sisters of Charity. The parish's commitment to education extended further as Father Luke (formerly Frank Hay) graduated in 1909, becoming the first alumnus to enter the priesthood.
The parish saw its first seminarian, Will O’Shea, who later became the first native American bishop consecrated by Pope Pius XII. His journey took him from St. Anne’s to Korea during World War II, where he endured imprisonment.
By 1911, Father James Mulhall succeeded Father Maher, emphasizing youth programs and introducing the Boy Scouts and the Saint Anne’s Boy Scout Band. As the parish thrived, Father Mulhall recognized the need for a new church. Parishioners rallied, pledging $50,000, showcasing their unity and commitment.
The new church, completed ahead of schedule, held its first Mass on Christmas Day, 1927. Throughout the 1930s, various pastors, including Father George T. Smith and Father Patrick F.X. Fitzpatrick, continued the parish's growth and community involvement.
Father Shovlin, who succeeded Father Mulhall, oversaw significant physical improvements from 1945 to 1954, enhancing the school and building a new convent. In 1954, Monsignor Shovlin was honored, reflecting the parish's progress under his leadership.
Monsignor Edward J. Larkin, who assumed leadership in 1968, navigated the changes of the 1960s, adapting liturgy at St. Anne’s with grace. His contributions, though brief, were impactful.
In 1971, Reverend James A. McKenna took charge, overseeing changes in the church interior and actively participating in archdiocesan efforts like "Project Lifeline." Under his leadership, the Home-School Association replaced the Mother’s Guild in 1972.
The parish experienced continued growth and engagement under Father McKenna, welcoming priests like Father Mark Urbano and Father John Basil. Father Victor P. Kennedy took over in 1993, initiating a successful restoration campaign for the 90-year-old church.
Father Kennedy's focus on community engagement, youth programs, and spiritual activities transformed St. Anne’s into a vibrant parish. In 1994, he was elected Dean of Jersey City North, further extending his influence. The parish flourished, thanks to the efforts of Father Kennedy and his colleagues, creating a thriving community as it approached the new millennium.
