TERRE HAUTE —
A family of faith prayed together Sunday, articulating resolve to remain united in spirit.
One-hundred-forty worshippers filled the pews of St. Ann Parish, just days after learning it will close next year with restructuring of the Terre Haute Deanery. Also set to close within the next 15 months is St. Leonard of Port Maurice in West Terre Haute, Holy Rosary Church in Seelyville and St. Joseph Church at Universal.
Sister Connie Kramer, Parish Life coordinator at St. Ann’s, walked about the pews before the 11 a.m. mass, just as she’s done for nearly 21 years. Hugging tearful parishioners, she promised to remain but a phone call away to a flock she’ll follow to their graves, noting she can say prayers at their burials anywhere.
Lifelong parishioner Jerry Cunningham sat toward the back of the sanctuary before the service, describing the decision as unwanted but not unexpected.
“It’s sad. But I figured eventually that’s what would happen,” he said, remarking he’ll either attend Sacred Heart Church or St. Joseph University Parish after the July 29, 2012, closing.
Cunningham’s ties to St. Ann’s extend back to first grade when he was first enrolled at its namesake school, which has since closed. He also attended junior high there, and both his late parents, John and Evaree Cunningham, were parishioners.
During the service, Kramer told parishioners she felt like she’d gone to an oncologist only to learn she has a year left to live. But death always leads to resurrection, she said, encouraging parishioners — whether mad or sad — to come to God as they are, leaving their grief at the alter.
“When a family experiences a significant loss, the most natural thing to do is gather together,” she said, describing the news learned Thursday as part of a “watershed week.”
Later that afternoon, following a meeting of church members, Kramer explained the depth of St. Ann’s roots in the community. The congregation’s first documented worship service occurred Aug. 9, 1876, founded around the St. Ann’s Orphanage and its unique needs.
The current building, at 1440 Locust St., is the congregation’s third and was built in 1952. Today it stands in line with a multiplex of charities including the St. Ann Clinic, which provides medical and dental care to those lacking ability to pay. Just a door down the street is the Bethany House, which faces the Catholic Charities Food Bank and Ryves Hall Community Center.
“So the parish has always been aware of the social needs of the community,” she said, emphasizing its commitment to issues of social justice.
During the service, Kramer referenced the 2006 school shooting of 10 Amish girls in Lancaster County, Pa., by a man who subsequently killed himself. The Amish community in turn went to the widow of the shooter and asked what they could do to help her family, she said, encouraging parishioners to sing through their tears if need be.
The intensity of feeling within the parish was evident throughout the service, but as Father Rob Hausladen began the homily, he said he wouldn’t want to enter a parish unmoved at the news of a closure.
Invoking the memory of Holocaust victim Anne Frank, he reiterated a quote from her diary, “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.”
Amid even the toughest of questions, Christ’s answer of love is always a good one, he said.
Sunlight shone through stained glass windows in a sanctuary full of wooden rafters and gray stone walls. Hues of blue and tan filled artwork therein, and after the service Kramer spoke of deep relationships fostered across generations.
“I’ve been there 20 years,” she said. “I’m beginning my 21st year.”
About 120 members participated in a parish meeting after the service, and Kramer said their spirituality and respect for different ideas was impressive.
“I believe people are sad. No question about it. They wonder how it’s all going to turn out,” she said.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
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