July 11, 2020
Dear St. Ann Parishioners,
On this weekend of Fr. John’s 39th Anniversary of Ordination, I am pleased to share with you a Message from Sr. Melanie Rauh, PHJC, our very own parishioner.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for Us.
Many good things to you,
Father Jon Plavcan Administrator
May 22, 2020
Dear parishioners and friends of St. Ann of the Dunes,
Please click on the link for a Letter from Fr. Jon Plavcan to the St. Ann of the Dunes community about the Committal Service for Fr. John. You are welcome to join us next Wednesday, June 10th at the Chesterton Cemetery at 10 am.
Yours in Christ…
May 22, 2020
Good afternoon parishioners and friends of St. Ann’s,
A Private Order of Christian Funerals — Funeral Eucharist Mass for Fr. John is scheduled for Saturday, May 23 at 11 am at St. Ann’s with the Bishop of Gary presiding, The Most Rev. R. J. McClory. Former Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dale J. Melczek, will con-celebrate with Four Deans representing the priests of the Diocese of Gary. Fr. Gediminas Kersys, our Pastoral Care Minister for the Lithuanian Community, will also be in attendance.
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the Mass will be limited to the Bishops and clergy ONLY along with music provided by the Diocese and a parish Sacristan and Lector. We will be broadcasting a live feed of the Mass on St. Ann’s YouTube Channel starting ~10:45 am with Mass beginning around 11 am. This will be our first live feed to the parish YouTube Channel and the Mass will remain available for future viewing as well.
Plans regarding a Memorial Mass that all can attend will be communicated at a later date when COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and we can together celebrate the life of our Pastor Fr. John!
Eternal rest grant unto Fr. John, O Lord. May perpetual light shine upon him forever, Alleluia!
Yours in Christ…
May 19, 2020
Hello again,
Just to let you know, Fr. John’s obituary just appeared on Ott/Haverstock’s website. Here a link to it:
We will provide details for the Bishop’s Funeral Mass once final arrangements have been completed. This Mass will take place during the restricted Covid-19 environment with only clergy present. However, we are hoping to provide a live feed of this Mass on our Parish YouTube Channel.
As indicated in the obituary, a Memorial Funeral Mass open to the entire parish will be scheduled once restrictions are lifted!
We will update details later this week as information becomes available!
Yours in Christ…
May 18, 2020
Greetings to all,
It’s amazing to see the outpouring of love and prayers for Fr. John from our parish community via email and on FaceBook! It is quite evident that Fr. John touched ALL of our lives in a very special way!
We are currently awaiting Funeral Mass arrangements from the Diocese as well as the appointment of a Parish Administrator. We will pass along information as it becomes available.
Since we will not be broadcasting a weekend Mass for at least the time being, Fr. Jon Plavcan and Fr. Nate Edquist have graciously invited us to join them in the celebration of Mass at St. Patrick’s in Chesterton “during this period of uncertainty and transition at St. Ann.” Click on the following link for a Letter to St. Ann Parishioners from Fr’s. Jon & Nate. We thank them for their welcoming invitation!
Please continue to pray together for the repose of the soul of our Pastor and good friend, Fr. John!
Yours in Christ…
May 16, 2020
Dear parishioners and friends of St. Ann of the Dunes,
It is with deep sadness that we have to let you know that our beloved Pastor, Fr. John, passed away sometime last night….
Funeral arrangements will be determined in the coming days. The Bishop will typically preside at a funeral Mass with the other priests of the diocese. However, with the current limitations on worshiping together, we are not sure how many parishioners will be able to attend inside the church. Be assured that once we are all allowed to gather together again as a parish community, we will have a Memorial Mass that all can attend.
Unfortunately, for at least the time being, we will not be broadcasting a weekend Mass. However, we ask that we all pray together for the repose of the soul of our Pastor and good friend, Fr. John! He will be missed, by all!
Yours in Christ…