Church Life
Church Liturgy
“Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints….Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands…In a loud voice they were saying: Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.”
The Book of Revelation
The shape of Liturgy at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church is often refered to as “High Church.” By this we understand the center of our worship to be Eucharist, we venerate the Saints, and we keep Holy Days of Special Devotion. However, we are always mindful that worship should remain accessible, dignified, and authentic. While the worship at St. Anna’s remains well within the 1978 Book of Common Prayer, we use a Missal or Worship Guide to help visitors worship with us instead of trying to figure out what is going on. Read more
Adult Christian Formation
Over the past several years St. Anna’s has hosted several opportunities for Adults to expand their knowledge and understanding of the faith. Several times a year offerings are made and a sign- up sheet is posted. Sometimes a small fee may be charged to cover the cost of materials but scholarship monies are always available for those who need them.
Past Christian Education Classes have included: Read more
Altar Guild
The purpose of the Altar Guild is to serve God in His house by preparing the altar for all services and for all occasions (weddings, funerals, and baptisms) including polishing and maintaining the brass and silver, cleansing and ironing the linens and vestments, setting out the wine and the bread, preparing the candles and purchasing/arranging flowers and special decorations. Members of the Altar Guild perform a silent or hidden ministry to our Parish so that we may worship and glorify Christ. Read more
Altar Servers
Looking for a way to enhance your worship experience at St. Anna’s? Why not consider becoming an altar server?
Don’t be worried about knowing what to do. Our very capable staff is willing to train and co-serve with you until you feel comfortable enough to go it alone. Read more
Choir / Music
At St. Anna’s music is a wonderful blend of many different styles. Like the music of the city of New Orleans it draws on traditional genres inherited from classical tradition, and blends and flavors them with music from the Americas. The director of music works to keep the programming diverse while tying the musical themes in with the Scripture readings. A typical service might open with a hymn with harmony written by Johann Sebastian Bach and end with a rocking gospel rendition of the New Orleans second line classic “I’ll Fly Away.” With regards to musical styles our music ministry reflects the sign at the door “All are welcome, none are shunned.” Read more
Food Pantry
St. Anna’s Food Pantry has existed in many forms at least since the 1970’s when Fr. Bob Dodwell introduced “The Night Owls”, ladies who would prepare sandwiches at night then distribute them the next day. Before and after Katrina a modest food pantry would provide small bags of food items for homeless men and women. In time demand increased and by 2009 demand was so large that small groups were forming and becoming unruly. Read more
Hospitality / Anna Chefs
This group of people is responsible for coordinating special events around the parish. We are responsible for the food and drinks for the coffee hour after Sunday mass, as well as pot luck dinners. Our mission is to welcome newcomers and visitors and provide an opportunity for personal friendships to develop. We are also available to help with receptions and other special occasions in the life of the parish. Most of us love to cook and consider St. Anna’s our extended family. We are always open to new members. If you are interested in Anna’s Chef’s please contact Rebecca Henley c/o luigi@stannanola.org or visit with her after a worship service. Read more
Spiritual Direction
This is a confidential, one-to-one ministry in which a trained listener assists directees in discerning God’s movements in their personal life. The focus is deepening one’s personal relationship with God in secure, non-judgemental environment. Also called “Holy Listening,” the actual director is the Holy Spirit. It is an excellent way to address spiritual questions and dilemmas. Our lay spiritual director-in-training is Sharon Martyn, LCSW, who is currently enrolled in the Sursum Corda Formation Program in South Carolina. To schedule an appointment, call the office or e-mail luigi@stannanola.org. Read more
Sunday School
As part of St. Anna’s amazing growth since Hurricane Katrina, a group of parents started our Sunday school program in October of 2007. The class meets when Mass starts at 10:30 am, then the children join the service for the “Peace.”We focus on reading Bible stories, learning prayers, coloring and other crafts projects. The lessons and projects follow the church calendar. For example, we spend December learning the story of Jesus’ birth. We plan to meet from September through May each year. Read more
Companion & Supporting Parishes
Emmanuel Church – Newport, RI
Emmanuel Church is a dynamic faith community committed to sharing God’s love. Their mission is to equip people to live as disciples of Jesus through worship, spiritual formation, and outreach into the wider community. Read more
St. Anna's History
St. Anna’s Church was originally established, under the direction of The Rev. Francis Lister Hawks, Christ Church rector, by the Rev. Mr. Charles W. Whitall as St. Peter’s Seaman’s Bethel and began April 19, 1846. Mr. Whitall was ordained to the priesthood on November 2, 1846 by The Right Rev. Leonidas Polk first Bishop of Louisiana.
From her inception St. Peter’s, later named St. Anna’s, was a high church congregation with social justice as an expression of spirituality. St. Anna’s was the first “free church” in New Orleans (not charging pew fees) with open seating for all, some seats being reserved for seamen.
Because there was no other church in the area for English-speaking people and because the church school was very popular, there was pressure to organize St. Peter’s into a parish. A site was purchased in 1849 and a chapel was completed. This arrangement as a mission church remained until St. Anna’s was granted parish status in 1869. Read more
