In 1924, our Convent was built for the Sisters of Presentation. They taught at our school and remained there until 2004. Afterwards, Cursillo held their retreats there to help laypeople come to a deeper knowledge of and love for God. They leased the building for about 10 years but it was underutilized since they held their weekend retreats only about once a month. Last year the parish explored different ways to bring other groups in for greater financial stability to the parish. We’ve also explored different possible uses for our Convent, everything from holding more youth development retreats to using it as a Senior Living Facility, office space for non- profits, housing for San Francisco Ballet students, transitional home for the homeless, and home for Syrian refugees. But the one option that seemed to make the most sense was to use it as a dormitory for college students. Fortunately, the University of San Francisco (USF) was also looking for housing for their graduate-level law students. And they’re interested only in the 2nd and 3rd floors of the convent, which will leave the 1st floor and basement for our continued use for Kindergarten, Pre-K, Chinese School office, Chinese Pastoral Center, and Youth Ministry. We’re excited with this new partnership with a Jesuit university because it will not only give us greater financial stability but also be an opportunity for us to minister to a missing segment of our church, the young adults. With a core group of young adults present in our community, it could also attract young adults from UCSF to remain and help us expand our parish community. In order to bring the convent up to current city code, there will be renovation in the interior of the building in the New Year. USF is planning to house students there for the Fall of 2017 beginning in August of that year. We’re planning an Informational night on Wed., Dec 14 @ 7pm in our Church Lower Hall. With us will be representatives from USF, the architect, contractor, the Preschool Director, and our Principal. You’re welcome to join us.
Category: Announcements
Simbang Gabi– Christmas preparation masses
Simbang Gabi is a traditional novena (9 masses) celebrated in the Philippines to prepare for Christmas. The Simbang Gabi Commissioning Mass will take place on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, 7:30pm at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption (see flyer). The novena will be at 7:00pm, from Thursday, December 15th through Wednesday, December 23rd at St. Anne. Read more about Simbang Gabi here.
Replacing our carpet
I’m not quite sure how old our carpet is. A long time parishioner said it may be as old as 40 years. In any event, our carpet is worn and in need of replacement. Encouraged by a couple of generous donors, we’d like to replace it before Christmas. We have scheduled to begin the work on December 12 and it should be completed by the end of the week. If you’d like to make a contribution to the Carpet replacement, please make a check to St. Anne Church and include on the memo line, “Carpet.” Thank you! –Fr. Dan
