Countdown To Spirit Day

Enthusiastic St. Anne's Spirit Day Committee welcomes challenge to sell 800 tickets for St. Anne's Big Bucks-Countdown to Spirit Day Sweepstakes assuring funding of chapel in memory of late Msgr. Costello. Effort will mark Fifth Anniversary for highly motivated "Spirit Day" group.

A group of spirited St. Anne's parishioners---aptly titled "The Spirit Day Committee"-- got together recently in record numbers (See photo) to plan the most challenging and most satisfying quest in its five-year span of successes---helping to fund the construction of a Memorial Chapel in memory of the late Msgr. William F. Costello who had passed away in a tragic auto accident on July 18, last year.

Led by Co-chairs Marie Fischer and John Parks plus their spouses Mike Fischer and Margaret Parks, the committee, (enthusiastically supported by Pastor Msgr. "Father John" Gilmartin) is launching an early "Countdown to Spirit Day, Sept 15" drive to help guarantee the sale of 800 tickets at $125 each ($100,000) to fund jointly the Memorial (at $50,000) and a "Big Bucks" prize giveaway of $50,000 ($25,000 Grand Prize plus five runner-up prizes of $5,000 each). If less than 800 tickets are sold, the prize pool will still be 50% of the total raised with the prize levels and the funding of the memorial chapel decreased proportionally.

The winners will be drawn at St. Anne's Fifth Annual "Spirit Day," Saturday, September 15 at New Hyde Park Road and Dartmouth Street. Returning former parishioners should appreciate the remarkable "face lift" the parish plant has undergone in recent years.

St. Anne's was fortunate to have "Msgr. Bill" step in as temporary administrator in 1998 from roles as Pastor and later, retiree from nearby St. Catherine of Sienna. Interestingly, his first ministry was served as a curate in St. Joseph's Church in Garden City.

He truly enjoyed his retirement years here at St, Anne's while maintaining an active pastoral schedule. He and "Father John" were die-hard fans of the N.Y. Mets, NFL football and Notre Dame, employing a tight zone defense around the rectory TV. Parishioners, stunned by his sudden passing, agreed that no one more exemplified the "Sprit of St. Anne's" than "Msgr. Bill" in his short tenure here.

"Spirit Day 2007" should enjoy a boost from parishioners who sampled the affair last year. The new "Teen Night Club" was a big hit as was the goldfish tent. St. Anne's MOMS once again sold out of mums and a "Night at the Races" was enjoyed by all. There were more vendors at the Craft Fair as well a record number of hot dogs,pizzas and beverages consumed.The true spirit of St. Anne's, was exemplified in the outdoor celebration of Mass. It was at this time that attendees most deeply felt the loss of "Msgr. Bill" who had always enjoyed sharing in the Spirit Day liturgy and festivities.

The new chapel will be located in St. Anne's School at the site formerly occupied by the "School Small Auditorium".

Remember, St. Anne's "Spirit Day" is Saturday, September 15. Only 800 tickets will be sold in the "Big Bucks"--Countdown to Spirit Day Sweepstakes. Entry forms are being mailed to parishioners. Non-parishioners: Please call the St. Anne's Rectory at 352-5904 for entry forms or additional information.