A Parish at the Heart of Black Rock
St. Ann Parish has its home on Brewster Street in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut, a small corner of Fairfield County where the parish describes itself as "a vibrant parish" and "a joyful community of faith." The parish mission statement opens by calling St. Ann a welcoming Catholic community "called by God to live out the message of Christ in love and service to all people," united in reverence to the Trinitarian God in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Sacraments. Under the patronage of St. Ann, Mother of Mary and Grandmother of Jesus, the community seeks to be "a loving, caring, giving, and forgiving community in the service of all whom we touch in our daily lives," a "Beacon of Faith, Hope, and Love, and Harbor of Peace."
The parish's bilingual character is one of its most visible marks, with weekly Mass offered in both English and Spanish, an extensive Spanish-speaking Ministerio Hispano, and formation materials in both languages. The community's identity is rooted in its neighborhood, and the parish grounds host the Black Rock Farmers Market and the Black Rock Summer Concert Series, two summer fixtures that draw neighbors onto the field behind the church. The parish's calendar, ministries, and sacramental life all flow from the conviction that "the heart of a parish is the Eucharist," and St. Ann's gathering for prayer, formation, and service extends from the rectory on Brewster Street out to a food pantry on Princeton Street and onto the field that hosts the summer concert series. A line from Blessed Maria Elizabeth Hesselblad anchors the parish's hospitality: "The Lord has called us from different nations, but we must be united with one heart and one soul."
A Week of Masses in English and Spanish
The weekly rhythm of Mass at St. Ann is built around three Sunday liturgies, a Saturday Vigil, daily weekday Mass, and a Wednesday evening Mass in Spanish. On Saturday, the Vigil Mass is celebrated at 4:00 pm in English. On Sunday, Mass is offered at 8:30 am and 9:45 am in English, followed by a 12:00 pm Mass in Spanish. From Monday through Friday, daily Mass is celebrated at 8:00 am in English, and on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm the community gathers for a Mass in Spanish. The parish also welcomes families with the 9:45 am Sunday Mass, which serves as the anchor liturgy for children in the First Communion and Confirmation programs, who attend with their families before going to their classes after Mass.
On Holy Days, the parish adds a Vigil Mass at 5:30 pm the evening before, an 8:00 am Mass on the day itself, and a 7:00 pm Mass that is bilingual. Confession is heard on Saturdays from 3:15 pm to 3:50 pm and on weekdays from 8:30 am to 9:00 am during the time of Adoration. Confession is also available by appointment by calling the parish office at 203-368-1607.
Confession, Adoration, and the Daily Rhythm of Prayer
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament follows the 8:00 am daily Mass on Monday through Friday, running from 8:30 am to 9:00 am. During this half hour the sacrament of Confession is also available, and the parish encourages the practice of making a brief visit to the Blessed Sacrament part of the weekday routine. The parish notes that "the evils of our world - and those of the Church - must not be excuses for diminishing our commitment and our fervor," echoing Pope Francis's call in The Joy of the Gospel.
For those seeking to grow in daily prayer, the parish recommends traditional Catholic devotions alongside contemporary practices. The Rosary Group gathers on the first Friday of each month at 6:00 pm to pray the Rosary together. The Grupo de Oración gathers the same evening at 7:00 pm for prayer in Spanish. The Prayer and Life Workshop meets on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm during the fall, in both English and Spanish, drawing on the Prayer and Life Workshops movement for spiritual formation.
The Seven Sacraments
St. Ann celebrates the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and provides formation for each. Baptism is described as the gateway to the divine life, cleansing the soul of original and personal sin and incorporating the baptized into the Body of Christ. The parish teaches that water, oil, light, and the white garment are the central baptismal symbols, and that anyone may baptize in an emergency by pouring water on the candidate's head while saying, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Sponsor certificates for Baptism are issued to active, registered parishioners who attend Sunday Mass at St. Ann and assist with the material needs of the Church; sponsors must be at least 16, fully initiated, and in valid Catholic marriage if married. Those seeking a certificate are asked to schedule a meeting with the pastor at least three months in advance.
The Eucharist is at the center of parish life. The parish teaches the doctrine of transubstantiation, holding that the Risen Jesus is truly and substantially present in the Eucharist. Mass is described as the central, binding celebration of the Church, the "source and summit" of Catholic life, divided into the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The parish underscores that all Catholics who have received their First Holy Communion are welcome to receive the Eucharist unless in a state of mortal sin, in which case the sacrament of Penance is to be received first.
Confirmation is celebrated as a deepening of baptismal grace through the anointing of chrism oil and the laying on of hands by the Bishop. The parish draws on the Acts of the Apostles, where the Spirit descends on the disciples at Pentecost and is later conveyed to new believers by Peter and John at Samaria and by Paul at Ephesus, to root the sacrament in Scripture.
Penance, or Reconciliation, is taught through the four traditional steps of contrition, confession of sins, absolution, and the commitment to live a renewed Christian life. The parish describes the sacrament as one that "frees us from sinful patterns of behavior and calls us to complete conversion to Christ" and points to its spiritual effects: reconciliation with God and the Church, remission of eternal and temporal punishment, peace of conscience, and an increase of spiritual strength.
The Anointing of the Sick is offered to anyone struggling with illness, not only those at the point of death. The parish teaches that the sacrament brings the strength and support of the Holy Spirit and is ideally celebrated in a communal setting, surrounded by the prayers of the whole ecclesial community.
Marriage is taught as a covenantal union in the image of the covenants between God and his people, a lifelong bond of unity reflecting the communion of the Holy Trinity. The parish holds that the remarriage of persons divorced from a living, lawful spouse "contravenes the plan and law of God as taught by Christ" and that such persons, while not separated from the Church, cannot receive Eucharistic communion.
Holy Orders continues the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles through the ordained ministry of deacons, priests, and bishops. The parish teaches that ordination imprints an indelible sacramental character and that the Sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred by the laying on of hands followed by a solemn prayer of consecration.
Faith Formation for Children and Youth
Faith formation at St. Ann is a multi-year journey preparing children and young people for the Sacraments of Initiation. Classes begin in September each year. Parents are asked to enroll their children in grades 1 and above through the online registration form, or by stopping by the parish office on Monday or Thursday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. The program is led by Amy Baker, the Director of Faith Formation, who can be reached at RelEd@stannblackrock.com or 203-368-1607 ext. 110.
First Communion preparation is a two-year program starting in 1st grade, with classes meeting twice a month after the 9:45 am Mass. Year 1 students go with their teacher for basic religious education, while Year 2 students stay in the church with their parents for a 20-to-40-minute class to prepare for the sacrament. A maximum of two absences is allowed during the two-year course. The homily at the 9:45 am Mass on Communion Sundays is directed to the children's level, and parents are asked to stay with their students.
Confirmation preparation is a two-year program beginning in 7th grade, with students meeting after the 9:45 am Mass from 10:45 am to 11:45 am. A maximum of three absences is allowed during the two-year program. All materials for both programs are made available in English and Spanish, with downloadable weekly lesson plans for each year of preparation, including materials for First Reconciliation.
Ministerio Hispano: A Spanish-Speaking Family of Faith
Spanish-speaking ministry at St. Ann is woven into nearly every aspect of parish life, from the Sunday 12:00 pm Mass and the Wednesday evening 6:00 pm Mass to a wide range of Spanish-language formation materials and parish groups. The Ministerio Hispano invites parishioners to consider joining the choir, the lectors, the welcome group, the altar servers, or the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, all of which include Spanish-speaking members. The parish describes participation in these ministries as "a great privilege," no matter how small the role, since each contribution is "a fundamental piece in the proper functioning of the body of Christ."
The Grupo de Oración gathers for prayer in Spanish on the first Friday of each month at 7:00 pm. The Grupo Renovación Carismática meets every Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm. Spanish-speaking parishioners are also active as lectors, altar servers, and members of the music ministry, and the entire Spanish-language formation program for First Communion and Confirmation runs in parallel with the English materials. The Cursillos de Cristiandad de Bridgeport gathers for a monthly Apostolic Hour on the first Saturday of the month at 8:45 am.
Becoming Catholic and Returning Catholics
For those seeking to enter the Catholic Church, St. Ann offers the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a journey of formation that introduces newcomers to the Catholic faith. The parish describes the Catholic Church as "the largest religion in the world" with "beautiful teachings consistent through the ages," inviting inquiry through the Becoming Catholic and Learn More sections. The parish teaches that "human beings were created by God in love," that goodness infuses all of God's creation, that the Church believes in stewardship, that God has revealed himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, that the Church is a living community, and that Jesus Christ became human in the Incarnation to walk among us.
The parish also welcomes Catholics who have been away from regular practice. The Returning Catholics ministry, drawing on the mission of Catholics Come Home, reminds visitors that "the first thing you need to know is that you are always welcome back. The Church misses you and hopes that you will choose to come home as an active member." Those returning are invited to contact the parish office to meet with the pastor and explore the sacramental life of the Church.
Lay Ministries: Serving God Through Service
St. Ann is home to a wide range of lay ministries, each with a specific role in the life of the parish. The Altar Linen Ministry cares for the sacred linens used at Mass on a rotating schedule, laundering purificators and corporals at home with reverence for the Body and Blood of Christ. Altar Servers assist in the sanctuary at Mass, and must have made their First Communion. Ushers warmly welcome parishioners and visitors, help seat those arriving, assist people with disabilities, take up the collection, and help direct the flow during Communion.
Catechists lead children and adults in the faith teachings according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, beginning with the Virtus requirements of the Diocese of Bridgeport. Lectors proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture at Mass (except the Gospel) and may also announce the intentions during the Universal Prayer; they must be at least 16 years old, fully initiated Catholics in good standing, and in full compliance with the Safe Environment Program of the Diocese of Bridgeport. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priest in distributing the Eucharist when pastoral need requires their help, and they too must meet the Safe Environment requirements.
The Parish Council serves as an advisory board to the pastor, with at least 12 voting members selected from the parish and appointed by the pastor, meeting on the first Thursday of each month. The Liturgy Committee assists with planning the various liturgical seasons and special liturgies, also meeting on the first Thursday. The Offertory Counters count the funds collected at Mass each week, with each group volunteering about twice a month. The Music Ministry and Choir provide liturgical music for the celebrations, and the parish notes that "liturgical musicians provide a very important service to the People of God assembled to give praise and worship to the Lord."
Anyone wishing to serve in these ministries is asked to complete Virtus Training before volunteering, available through the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The Men's Group and the Life of Prayer
The St. Ann Men's Group gathers in the rectory basement for fellowship, prayer, and reflection on the readings of the coming Sunday, meeting on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The group is led by Deacon John Piatak, and parishioners can reach him through the parish office. The group prays Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, drawing on the iBreviary app and DivineOffice.org for audio resources, and uses printable guides for the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Daily Examination of Conscience from St. Ignatius, and the Lives of the Saints. As a starting point for personal reflection, members are invited to read the Book of Exodus together, 40 chapters that the group recommends as a family reflection especially during Lent.
Feeding the Community: The Food Pantry
St. Ann operates a weekly food pantry that provides and hands out food to those in need. The pantry is located at 15 Princeton Street in Bridgeport, a few blocks from the church, separate from the parish office. The food pantry is a direct expression of the parish's commitment to the Corporal Works of Mercy - feeding the hungry and giving drink to the thirsty - and reflects the conviction that the Church is called to serve one another as Jesus served. Parishioners interested in supporting the pantry can contact the parish office at 203-368-1607.
The Black Rock Summer Concert Series
For nine weeks each summer, the parish hosts the Black Rock Summer Concert Series on St. Ann's Field at 481 Brewster Street. The concerts run on Tuesday evenings in July and August, beginning at 6:30 pm and ending at 8:30 pm, with a slightly earlier start time later in the summer as daylight fades. Admission is $5 for ages 12 and up, no pets are allowed, and guests are invited to bring their own beverages, picnic, chairs, and blankets. A rotating lineup of food trucks serves the gatherings, including local favorites serving lobster rolls, sausage grinders, wood-fired pizza, dumplings, empanadas, and hamburgers and hot dogs. The parish is always looking for volunteers to help with admissions, raffles, and setup, and the concert series is a beloved gathering of the Black Rock community.
Year-Round Parish Life
Beyond the weekly rhythm of Mass and the sacraments, St. Ann sponsors a number of recurring parish events throughout the year. The Black Rock Farmers Market meets on the parish grounds on Saturday mornings, gathering neighbors around locally grown food. The Annual Parish Picnic brings the community together for food and fellowship. The Annual Golf Tournament, held in October, raises funds for the parish's operations, with golfers, sponsors, and dinner guests all participating. The tournament has been held at Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course in Fairfield, and features a scramble format with raffles and a silent auction. The parish also holds a Thanksgiving Food Drive and a Lenten Project each year, joining faith with outreach.
For sports fans, the St. Ann Basketball League runs throughout the season in the parish gym. The St. Ann WildCat Food Court is open on weekends, serving coffee, tea, hot chocolate, bagels, donuts, candy, and pizza, with the gym opening 30 minutes before the first game.
Mass Intentions, the Wall of Remembrance, and Online Giving
Parishioners may request Mass intentions through the parish office for loved ones, living or deceased. The parish notes that "the Eucharistic Prayers remind us that every Mass is for all of us and for our loved ones who have died, as we are all part of the Communion of Saints," and that offering specific Mass intentions for loved ones "has been a beautiful and meaningful part of our Catholic tradition for centuries." A $15 stipend is suggested per Mass intention, and requests are honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests may be submitted online, by WhatsApp message, or by email, and are accepted for the calendar year.
The Wall of Remembrance offers a place to dedicate a seven-day vigil candle in memory of a loved one, with candles located in the Infant of Prague Alcove in the front vestibule of the church. Donations for the candles may be made online through the parish's online giving platform.
Online giving is available through Our Sunday Visitor's online giving platform, allowing parishioners to set up recurring gifts, adjust contributions, and use credit cards without disclosing bank information directly to the parish office. Donations made online are credited to a year-end tax statement. The parish publishes a Statement of Financial Position and a Statement of Activities each year as part of its accountability report, available online.
Leadership and Staff
St. Ann is led by Pastor Fr. Ian Jeremiah, who can be reached at 203-368-1607 ext. 102 or frjeremiah@diobpt.org. Deacon John Piatak assists in the pastoral care of the parish and oversees the Men's Group. Amy Baker serves as Director of Faith Formation, supporting the First Communion and Confirmation programs as well as the catechists. The parish office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, with evening appointments available on request. The parish closes for all Holy Days and civic holidays.
Visiting St. Ann and Getting Connected
St. Ann welcomes visitors and newcomers at any of its weekend or weekday Masses. The parish office can be reached at 203-368-1607 or office@stannblackrock.com. New parishioners are invited to register through the parish's online registration form, and those curious about the Catholic faith are encouraged to explore the Becoming Catholic, Returning Catholics, and Learn More sections. Parking is available behind the church, accessible from Brewster Street. From I-95 South, take exit 25, turn left onto Fairfield Avenue, then left onto Brewster Street. From I-95 North, take exit 24 toward Black Rock Turnpike, continue onto Kings Highway East, and Brewster Street will bring you to the church on the right.
Parishioners can keep up with announcements, Mass intentions, and devotions through the Facebook page, the weekly bulletin (available online), and the parish calendar. Online giving, the Safe Environment resources of the Diocese of Bridgeport, and the parish's ministry contacts are all available through the parish's online presence. St. Ann's mission, in the words of the parish, is to be "a Beacon of Faith, Hope, and Love, and Harbor of Peace" for the people of Black Rock and beyond.