Social Concerns Committee

Please click HERE to view our monthly calendar of events. If you have any questions or would like to start a new ministry, please call the Rectory Office at 216-321-0024. 

Pastoral Minister

Contact: Renée Barber

Africa / Third World Initiative

This ministry was formed in July of 2007.  It was created to raise awareness of the injustices happening around the world.  The Africa/Third World Initiative holds regular meetings and is always open to new members who have a passion for peace and justice and want to make a difference beyond our borders. 

Contact: Christina Larsen

Fair Trade Coffee

Equal Exchange Fair Trade coffee ($8), tea ($4.50), and chocolate ($3) is available for sale every weekend after every mass in the Joachim Room.  This committee is currently seeking volunteers to sell items after mass.

Contact: Renée Barber

Bereavement Ministry

Through love and prayer this special ministry honors and remembers those parishioners who have died and their loved ones who remain.  It is the love given by the Saint Ann Community that can help support them through their grief.  A few ways that you can contribute to this ministry includes the following:  participate in the Feast of All Souls Day Mass; help with funerals by  being a Greeter, Lay Minister, or Lector; or send holiday and anniversary mailings to families to let them know we care. Contact: Jane Crawford

Caring Connection

About six years ago, fifty parishioners agreed to include their names on an e-mail list that would become a source for emergency volunteer and prayer requests.  Since that time, many services have been performed and many prayers offered for those in need. It doesn’t happen every day, but you never know when a request will come through the rectory.  Some examples of requests include: providing a meal for someone who is ill; driving someone to doctor’s appointment or hospital treatment; spending a few hours with a sick or elderly person to allow their caregiver some precious hours of relaxation and rest;  or praying for someone in need. 

Contact: Trish Brunton

Father Michael Wittman Ozanam Center at Christ the King

This food and clothing distribution center serves the people of East Cleveland and the surrounding areas.  You can donate your time in the following ways: manage the desk; distribute food and clothing; and stock and move food and clothing supplies.   We are also looking for drivers with a truck that can help transport food.  If you are unable to donate your time, you can also contribute by donating plastic and paper grocery bags, black garbage bags, and cash donations.

Contact: Annette Cappaert

Heights Emergency Food Center

The last weekend of each month is the time we ask our parishioners to bring non-perishable food items to St. Ann Church for the benefit of the Heights Emergency Food Center.  The HEFC presently serves residents of Cleveland Heights, University Heights, South Euclid, and Lyndhurst. Bring your donations to the Joachim Room before/after any mass.  

Contact: Meg Furlich

Poor Fund

Contact: Helen Doherty

Prison Ministry

Through the years we have tried to sustain awareness of the incarcerated in Cuyahoga County.  A collection container is in the Joachim Room ready to accept you donations.  Items collected include the following: stationary, envelopes (business size and large brown envelopes for mailing legal documents), blank cards, postage stamps, prayer cards, prayer/spiritual/religious books (paperback only, please), religious Items (metals, holy cards, etc.), and monetary donations. 

Contact: Patti DeRosa

Pro-Life Ministry  

This ministry has been recently formed at Saint Ann.  Our initial goal is to educate our parish and surrounding community about Catholic social teaching on the sanctity of life.  We also seek to establish referrals for women and men making decisions on life issues. 

Contact: Jim Bockhoff at 216-338-3363.

The Rainbow Peace Ministry

This ministry, funded by The Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, focuses on the well-being of all the people in East Cleveland.  It is based on the desire and commitment to live non-violently and work through prayer for the peace of Jesus. The only membership requirement is commitment to pray daily or regularly for East Cleveland to support the wholesome movement toward a peace-filled city that upholds the dignity and well-being of its entire people.

Contact: Sr. Marietta Rohr, CSA

The St. Vincent DePaul Society

Contact: Dave Connelly

Wellness Ministry

Over the last seven years, the Saint Ann Wellness Ministry has been a very visible weekend presence.  Providing healthcare information and monthly blood pressure screenings have been their primary tasks.  However, there is so much more this group could accomplish.  If you are a healthcare professional and have not yet volunteered for this truly life giving ministry, please consider joining us.

Contact: Mary Ann Winchester