The group of priests that runs our parish is one many have not heard of before. They are not Jesuits or Franciscans or Benedictines. They are La Salette Missionaries and their approach to our faith is what defines St. Ann’s.  

“It’s the La Salette charism of reconciling love that makes them and us different,” said Joanne Simpson, coordinator of worship and sacramental life. “I think it rubs off on you whether you deliberately choose to learn more or if you just attend Mass.” 

A couple dozen parishioners decided they did need more and joined the inaugural class for La Salette Laity, an ongoing course that delves into the La Salette message, the order’s history and its spirituality and charism.  

“I wanted to learn more about Mary’s message, and this study is a path to a more prayerful life,” said Ellen DeHihns. 

The La Salette story began in 1846 in a small French town that bears the same name. There, the Blessed Mother appeared to two children to encourage people to reconcile with God, and asked the children to make her message known.  

La Salette Laity is doing just that.  

“We are encouraging laity to learn more about the La Salette message and share it with others,” Simpson said. “Reconciliation and love are pretty basic to our faith and needed in our world.” 

The group, which meets Monday nights, started with a book discussion and now focuses on prayer and reflection.

“Reconciliation is a key to love,” Simpson said. “It’s more than a trip to the confessional.”