St. Anne Sodality

The Sodality of St. Anne is the oldest enduring parish organization in our community.  It was established in 1913 for married women of French descent in St. Bernard parish, but was opened to all married women in 1958 at the pastor's request.  Since its foundation, the Sodality of St. Anne has grown from the charter group of nine to over two hundred women.  In 1975, the Sodality was reorganized and it was decided to hold four meeting during the year in July, Ocotbe, December and March.  The July meeting is a special celebration held on or around July 26 which is the feast of St. Anne.

The main purposes of the group are spiritual and charitable.  Through the annual parish holiday bazaar money is raised from crafts and food donations as well as a raffle.  This fundraiser allows us to help the parish and its members.  At present, we donate first communion gifts, socks and underwear to local school children, holiday gifts to the needy, baptismal aprons for the newly baptized, as well as providing refreshments for various parish functions.  We make a financial contribution to the Keene Community Kitchen, Project Graduation, St. Vincent de Paul Society, youth groups and programs, Catholic Charities, the parish fuel collection and other worthwhile parish and community causes as needs occur.  Spiritual activities include communion breakfasts, attending members' funerals and serving as honor guards, and Mass at each meeting.

Along with the special celebration on the feast of St. Anne, we have a Christmas party, anniversary banquets, and theme social gatherings which we now try to hold in daylight hours.  Dues are presently $4 per year.

For more information, contact

Ann Ayotte 603-352-6212