St. Ann’s Church is inviting members of the public to a special celebration to honor its pastor this Sunday.
The celebration will honor Fr. Charles Stanley, who spent 17 years as pastor at St. Ann’s. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and attendant safety concerns, the celebration has been changed to drive-by only, starting at 2 p.m. in the church parking lot on Lynn Street. Well-wishers will have the opportunity to extend their gratitude and thanks from the safety of their vehicles as they drive by a special celebration tent, with all parties socially distanced.
“A celebration of Father Stanley’s 17 years at St. Ann’s will definitely take place, but not in the way it was originally,” co-organizers Rich D’Ambrosio and John McGinn said in a statement. “Because of the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and individual concerns, we cannot plan on holding a ‘traditional celebration’ in the church hall. Instead, we are planning to have an organized ‘well-wishes’ drive-by, much like the current drive-by celebrations for graduates and birthdays.”
“We had planned a big celebration and dinner for the end of May, so, while it’s not what we dreamed we were going to do, this can be a very exciting and fun event,” said D’Ambrosio.
Fr. Stanley, however, said he expects he will still be active despite his retirement status.
“It’s not like a lawyer or dentist retiring who takes up fishing or golf,” the Lynn native said. “I’ll still be doing baptisms and masses and funerals, just not as many of them, and probably weddings too. As a priest, our work is still our work, I may just be working one day a week instead of many.”
Fr. Stanley was born and raised in Lynn. He served many parishes across the state in his career, including churches in Dracut, Waltham, Lakeville, Pepperell and Winthrop, “but probably I can’t remember all of them when you get to be my age.” He also did missionary work in multiple locations in Peru and Bolivia.
D’Ambrosio and McGinn encourage participants to use their creativity in expressing their gratitude to Fr. Stanley.
“You may decorate your vehicle any way you would like,” they said. “Let’s see what interesting decorated vehicles or signs present themselves.”
Participants are asked to remain in their vehicles at all times.
There will be a collection for a farewell gift for Fr. Stanley. To contribute, mail a check in the amount of your choosing to Richard D’Ambrosio, 39 Tamarack Lane, Peabody, MA 01960. Parishioners who attend any of the in-person weekend church services can pick up pre-addressed envelopes that will be available at the doors of the church.
Fr. Stanley’s last day as pastor is Monday, Aug. 31, following which he will assume a new position as a Senior Priest (retirement status) when the church’s new collaborative with St. Adelaide Parish goes into effect.
Earlier this year, Cardinal Sean O’Malley announced in a letter that Fr. David Lewis will assume the role of Collaborative Pastor for both St Ann and St Adelaide Parishes.
D’Ambrosio said Fr. Stanley, now in his 49th year as a priest, will be missed.
“He certainly listened to the call,” he said. “He’s a very pious and religious man and always delivered extremely meaningful sermons. I’m so happy that his family will be here and I know they are all looking forward to the day and I know Fr. Stanley is looking forward to a healthy and relaxing environment.”
For questions about the event, contact D’Ambrosio at (978) 535-2773 or McGinn at (978) 532-5335.
