Anita Campbell
County Reporter
Looking for a way to honor families and loved ones, a group of parishioners at St. Ann Catholic Church began a memorial prayer garden near the front entrance of the church.
St. Ann members Kathy Krier and Don Wilde had the initial visions of a place for church members to go to pray and meditate.
A plan was developed with much input and with the help of the Warsaw Boy Scouts, the plan began to take shape and grow. The Scouts cleared an area for the garden and built a sidewalk.
Today there is a semi-circle shaped garden with s statue of the Virgin Mary as well as stations of the cross and columns at each end. There is a picture of the original St. Ann Catholic Church which was built in 1961 as well as a history of the St. Ann parish.
On Sunday after a specially scheduled Mass, Father Ben Nwosu prayed over and blessed the structure, marking it's official opening.
The bricks that make up the structure have been purchased by members of St. Ann and have the names of family members or just the family name etched into the stone.
St. Ann Catholic Church Parish Council president David Grimes reported that bricks can be purchased for $250 for a 4x8 or $450 for an 8x8 by contacting the church office at (660) 438-3844.
“We usually advertise the sale of the bricks twice a year, but anyone can contact the church about reserving one,” said Grimes.
The next big event for members of St. Ann is the Monster Shrimp Boil at the Knights of Columbus Hall located on Wildcat Drive on Saturday night from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The meal is all-you-can-eat shrimp, baked potato, slaw, roll, drink and dessert! The cost is Adults, $20 in advance or $22 at the door. Children under 12 eat for half price. Take out and curbside service is also available. This is a major fundraiser for the Knights of Columbus Jay
Harris Council #8620 in order to assist local charities.
