Custom cut and beautifully arranged stained glass windows tell the story of St. Anne Catholic Church. Many mark historical moments in the Bible: the Apostles, St. Anne, Jesus with the little children. Other windows, celebrate parish milestones, from its 60th Anniversary in 2016 to its dedication to creating a legacy of hope for future generations.
The first line of the Parish Prayer reads, “Loving Father, we, the living stones of St. Anne Church, warmly welcome all God’s children into our community.” That prayer and vision motivate the South Shore Parish to serve its diverse body, which includes local Floridians, and members from Latin American, Europe, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Asia.
Father John F. McEvoy, V.F. came to St. Anne in 2003, leading it through much of its current expansion. The seventh pastor at St. Anne, Father McEvoy faithfully leads the growing congregation of more than 3,000 families from the Ruskin area, including Apollo Beach, South Gibsonton and Sun City Center.
Many churches help the poor. St. Anne is a shining example of how to do it well. More than 500 families are fed by the church every Wednesday from 9 a.m.-12 Noon and 4-7 p.m., and twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday, it feeds and ministers to the homeless. Partnering with Catholic Relief Services, St. Anne will prepare and ship more than 20,000 meals to the poor and hungry in Burkina Faso, Africa.
St. Anne’s Saints in Training ministry to youth reaches hundreds of young people who will carry on the work of this thriving church, guaranteeing the fulfillment of the last line of the Parish Prayer, “Together, as a parish family, we hope to continue growing in God’s Grace and Love.”
Masses are held daily Monday-Friday at 8 a.m., Saturdays at 4:30 p.m., and Sundays at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., with Spanish Mass at 5 p.m. (full schedule of services posted on St. Anne’s website at https://saintanneruskin.org/).
To become a part of this community of faith, volunteer, find out more about the Catholic faith, or benefit from the many programs and ministries at St. Anne, please visit the campus at 106 11th. Ave. N.E. in Ruskin. Contact the church office at 645-1714.
