St. Ann School celebrates 110 years of faith, excellence and community

St. Ann School at Communion of Saints Parish in Cleveland Heights kicked off its 110th anniversary on Sept. 21, with a special Mass and school blessing. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost presided at the liturgy with Father Anthony Marshall, Communion of Saints pastor, and Father Joseph Previte, pastor of nearby Holy Rosary Parish in Cleveland, concelebrating. 

“Today, as we celebrate the feast of St. Matthew, who Jesus called to be his follower, we remember that Jesus also calls each and every one of us to follow him – to be a light to others,” said Bishop Woost. 

During his homily, Bishop Woost went on to share a story about a child named Eli who lived in the forest with his parents, younger sibling and grandmother. He loved exploring and often encountered others in need of assistance. One day, Eli’s grandmother gave him a special lantern that she said would glow brighter the more he helped others. Sure enough, and with each passing kind interaction, his lantern in fact glowed brighter.  Eli came to understand that this light reflected Christ working in and through him.  

 “You bring the light of Jesus to your family and to your neighbor, and every time you love another, every time you care for each other, every time you try to be nice to each other and to serve each other, the light of Jesus shines from your life,” Bishop Woost said. “Keep that by your word. Keep that light burning because it's been burning here brightly for 110 years. And now Jesus asks you to be that light for one another.” 

Following Mass, the entire school community gathered for a special blessing of the school, its classrooms, students, faculty and staff.   

Alumni, friends and parishioners were invited to be a part of the milestone moment in the school’s history.  “St. Ann School belongs to all of us,” said Father Marshall. “It is an investment in the future of our community, and a vital part of our mission to form disciples for Christ.”  

Throughout the coming year, St. Ann School will mark each of its 110 years of excellence in Catholic education with an initiative to complete 110 Acts of Service.  

“Inspired by Christ’s call to love our neighbor, this initiative invites students, families, faculty, alumni and parishioners to live out the corporal works of mercy,” explained Beth Yakawiak, St.  Ann principal.  

For more information about St. Ann School, click here.