PLEASE HELP SAVE
SAINT ANN'S COLORGUARD!!!
We do not want to have to stop our children from doing what they love to do. 
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The following article from Father Sean was written and placed in this week's bulletin:

http://saintannneponset.com/colorguard.aspx
7/2/2010

Dear Friends,

I cannot begin to express the emotions I have experienced these past few days. Certainly, I was stunned when our pastor informed me of his decision to eliminate the guard program at St. Ann's.

It has taken me a few days to absorb and process the news. Your letters of encouragement have provided comfort to... the present and former members of St. Ann's. While your overwhelming support makes this situation more tolerable, I remain heartsick knowing that 80 years of an organization can be erased...ignoring the deep-rooted history of our neighborhood organization, the benefits it has brought to generations of kids, the educational value it delivers to young people in today's extremely complicated world, and the success of many of the St. Ann's guards over the years at a local and international level.

I have tried to manage this situation in a respectful and professional manner, but I need your help! I owe it to my "girls" and the colorguard program to do so. We need to protect what has been in place for nearly a century!  To be clear, the parish does not provide any financial assistance to the guard. We support ourselves through dues, donations and fundraising. The parish has provided us with the school hall for rehearsal and equipment storage which has been a tremendous benefit.

The letters I've received these past few days remind me of the reasons why colorguard is so important, and why it is crucial for me to protect the organization I have fostered for the past 40 years. I think the following excerpts capture the value of the St. Ann's Colorguard program best...

"There are so many positives to color guard - perhaps these folks just don't understand what the activity is all about. Things we all take for granted - the sense of responsibility and teamwork, comraderie, positive self image - just for starters. St. Ann's kids have always been poster children for a positive self image! They love what they do and it shows."

"You look around at St. Ann's at a contest and you see siblings, parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents. In some cases they were all members of St. Ann's through the years. Is there anything else that strengthens the family more than shared experiences over generations? How does the Church not benefit from this?"

Again, thank you for your support!
Love, Eileen

Please contact the following individuals/organizations to express your opinions and maybe collectively we can get them to change Fr. Sean’s mind and allow us to use the St. Ann’s facilities as we always have. If this fails, be assured I will not give up. We will find another way, find another home. But until then, let’s see what we can do together.

UPDATE!!!!  ~ 7/9/2010

Dear friends, Thank you for everything you've done up to this point...For those of you who know me so well, I've got to say, "It's the middle of July and we should be practicing! In order to get the girls back together and to reassure them we are all here for them, I went to Larry Feeney, Esq., and had him incorporat...e the guard as NEPONSET YOUTH COLORGUARD. This incorporation allows our equipment to be released to us per Fr. Sean. Once the girls have their equipment in hand, we'll need a new home/practice site. If anyone has any suggestions, connections, a vacant warehouse... please let me know! I would love to continue to give these girls and any child interested in joining Neponset Youth Colorguard, the opportunity to create their memories and friendships like the ones we all cherish so dearly!!

Love & thanks, Eileen