While driving to the church, you'll probably see it before you get there, as I did. The front point of the church sticks out as a bow of a ship. From a distance, the church looks like it has giant wood panels but it is intricately styled in tall narrow brick columns. The inside of the church mimics the same style. Walking from the parking lot, you'll find a peaceful shaded prayer area on your way to the church door with dedication pavers and benches for meditation. Once inside the first set of doors you'll be in the
I see the church layout as a "V' and I will explain as I go. Imagine the "V" upside-down and the altar is at the point of the "V" and there are rows of pews down each of the two sides. The description I gave earlier with the bow of the ship would be where the altar is located. There are three entrances into the church that I found. One to the right which goes to the right side of the "V", the one in the middle which leads directly to the altar and the one of the left which, as you've figured-out, goes to the left side of the "V". While in church, I wondered if the "V" pattern was for Peace, such as two fingers or is it something much deeper?
On with the virtual tour -
Once in church, I found very comfortable bench seating without pockets for books and now I understood why I was given a missalette at the door. The walls that lead to the altar are lined on top with narrow rectangular stained glass windows. Between the left side and right side of the church are the rather large pipes for the organ and the light bounces of the shiny finish. Directly across the organ is the altar, which was adorned with beautiful flowers. The Eucharistic Adoration area is just to the left of the altar and to the left of that is a beautiful prayer area for Mary that is also shown below. If you go to the right of the altar, you'll see glass windows which give an view point for those in the quiet room. Not much further right is the music area and then if you keep panning right you'll see the beautiful statue of Joseph holding baby Jesus. Monsignor Mike Sciumbato presided over today's mass and has a flare for history in the Catholic Church. He spoke of St. Catherine of Sienna and her story of dedication, education and faith.
After mass, I was fortunate enough to meet a few ladies and one of them, who's name escapes me, gave me a tour of the attached school. This where the history twist is located. St. Anne is the Patron Saint of housewives, pregnant women, especially those in labor, cabinet makers and minors. Which is quite interesting, because St. Ann Catholic Church has a school on the premises. The building did not just hold the school, it had a history, for it used to be an orphanage! Do you think St. Ann had anything to do with the fact that the building always had children's well-being as a priority? The Lord and his servants work in mysterious ways. Since I have a love for history, I was in my glory and took some extra photos of this historic building that can be viewed below on the right column.
I feel blessed to have met so many kind people that helped to complete today's pilgrimage. Lord God, through Saints Joachim and Anne, You gave us the Mother of Your Incarnate Son. May you always look upon your church, hear their prayers and help them to attain the salvation You promised to Your people. Amen.