About Us

Mission & Vision

St. Anne's Parish is a spiritual center of Eucharistic worship and prayer where people seek to find God and be nourished in a supportive, loving community. Our worship is in the tradition of the Book of Common Prayer and other Rites of the Episcopal Church. Through acts of hospitality, justice, mercy and intentional practices of spiritual formation we desire to grow in a deeper relationship with God through Christ Jesus.

Sustained in the community by worship, we are strengthened for the journey as we seek to embody the love of God for the life of the world. Our vision as a Christian community is  C.A.R.E.

 

How to Become a Member

Membership in the Episcopal Church is through Holy Baptism. Baptism is the rite of entrance in the life of faith and community, signifying God's gracious gift of life and love to all no matter the age. If you desire to receive the sacrament of Baptism, please contact the priest. Those who have been baptized may register their baptism in the Episcopal Church by informing the parish office.

 

Those who were baptized at an early age in another communion and have not made a mature affirmation of their baptism may do so through Confirmation in the Episcopal Church. Persons who were baptized at a mature age in another communion may be received into the Episcopal Church by a bishop. In these instances, individuals are asked to participate in a Faith & Life class offered in either spring or fall. Those who already have membership in the Episcopal Church, and would like a refresher course, are also invited to participate.

 

Reception: The service of Reception is for those who have been both baptized and confirmed in another Christian denomination but who wish to become Episcopalians. These persons would be "received" into the Episcopal Church at a service with a bishop. They are required to attend the fall or spring Faith & Life class.

 

Confirmation: According to the Book of Common Prayer, "Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop." Confirmation is an "adult" affirmation of baptismal vows. Persons are confirmed at a service with a bishop.

 

At. St. Anne's Parish, young persons are normally confirmed between the ages of 12-16, depending on their level of maturity and readiness for affirming their baptismal vows. Adults who wish to be confirmed are required to attend the fall or spring Faith and Life class. Adults who are baptized by the bishop are then considered to be both baptized and confirmed at the same time.

 

Inquirer's Confirmation Class: A Faith & Life Course: This course offers a journey through Anglican faith with attention to Scripture, history, worship and the life of the Episcopal Church today. Those new to the church and those interested in baptism or confirmation are especially invited to participate although the class is open to all. Those who desire a refresher course in this subject are also encouraged to participate. The course is offered on a periodic basis. Please contact the Priest-in-Charge if you are interested in participating in a class.

 

Parish History

St. Anne’s Parish was founded as a Church of England Parish in 1745. During the pre-revolutionary war period, this parish thrived and was the center of sacred and secular life in Albemarle County. The original parish church was built on the road to Howardsville and was called “The Ballenger Church.” The first rector was The Rev’d. Robert Rose who lived on the glebe farm near Ballenger Church. Very quickly three other churches were founded: North Garden Church, Forge Church and Broken-Backt Church near Palmyra. Our most famous parishioner of the Colonial Period was Thomas Jefferson.

Unfortunately, none of these pre-revolutionary war buildings survived. Thankfully, a period of revival began in the 1820’s. Today, the parish is comprised of three beautiful churches — Christ Church, Glendower built in1832; St. John’s, Scottsville built in 1875; St. Stephen’s, Esmont built in 1914.

St. Anne’s Parish is a member of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, which shares the rich heritage of the world-wide Anglican Communion.

 

St. Anne, Our Patron Saint (Canonized 1584)

St. Anne's Feast Day is July 26

St. Anne is the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, homemakers, women in labor and midwives, childless people cabinet makers/ carpenters, and equestrians.

"By tradition, St. Anne and Joachim are considered to be the names of the parents of Mary, the Mother of God. We have no historical evidence, however, of any elements of their lives, including their names. Any stories about Mary's father and mother come to us through legend and tradition. We get the oldest story from a document called the Gospel of James that tells the story that after years of childlessness, an angel appeared to tell St. Anne and Joachim that they would have a child. St. Anne promised to dedicate this child to God.

Whatever their names or the facts of their lives, the truth is that it was the parents of Mary  who brought her up to be a worthy Mother of God. It was their teaching that led her to respond to God's request with faith, 'may it be done to me according to your word.' (Like 1:38) It was their example of parenting that Mary must have followed as she brought up her own son, Jesus. It was their faith that laid the foundation of courage and strength that allowed her to stand by the cross as her son was crucified, and still believe."

According to French tradition, Mary Magdalene, Lazarus, his sister Martha and other friends crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Marseilles, France to spread the word of Jesus' death and resurrection. Mary Magdalene is said to have brought St. Anne's remains with them.

 

Back to Top