Dear Friends of Saint Anne's Shrine,

 

The pilgrimage season started with rainy and cold weather but as summer arrived, hot temperatures set in without much rain causing our current drought conditions. The last weeks of August and September have had wonderful weather, but dry. The lake level is at a historic low. There is a touch of fall in the air with cooler nights and warm sunny days. The beauty of the Shrine can truly be appreciated on these rapidly shortening days as visitors roam the grounds.

The slow start of the season quickly changed with improved weather and the schedule of events being actualized. I believe it was a fantastic pilgrimage season as we had a good number of people for directed and private retreats, various pilgrimage groups, a number of student groups and athletic teams from Saint Michael’s College, and a few funerals and baptisms which were prayerful liturgical celebrations.

As we approach the end of our pilgrimage season with 10:30 a.m. Mass and the Harvest Dinner on October 12th, we are racing to complete various projects before the impending cold weather. The final replacement of decaying wood on the outside of the Boucher building is taking place this month. We have some lingering HVAC repairs to cabin heat pumps due to technological problems in the hardware. Winterization of our buildings is taking place to safeguard from wildlife and the harsh elements. A significant expense we are currently incurring is an update to our remote heating, lighting and music system which is still operating on the original 2013 software which will no longer be supported in the coming year. The estimated cost of this update is over $42,000.

To help us make needed and continuous improvements to our buildings and infrastructure, a Vermont family has come forward with a $50,000 matching gift to help us cover our operating expenses. Each dollar you contribute for the operations of St. Anne’s Shrine will be matched, up to a combined total of $100,000! Please help us realize this generous matching gift opportunity by submitting your donation.

Please also fill out our intention form so we can remember your prayer requests. I will especially remember all your deceased loved ones in a special way on All Souls Day on November 2 and throughout the month. Thank you for your continued support of the Shrine and be assured of my continued prayers for you and your family.

Sincerely,