Did you ever hear of a church that found new life in old traditions? St. Anne Catholic Church, right here on Irving Avenue, is just such a place. It’s a beacon of traditional Catholic worship in San Diego. In 2008, Bishop Brom re-established St. Anne Catholic Church as a parish dedicated to the Extraordinary Form. This means the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) and the sacraments are celebrated according to the 1962 liturgical books. This revival breathed new life into St. Anne Catholic Church. It became home to the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP). This group, established by Pope St. John Paul II, is devoted to preserving these older traditions. The heart of St. Anne Catholic Church is the TLM. The reverence and solemnity of this form draw a dedicated community. They describe themselves as “a family of families”. They are united by their devotion to the Eucharist and the Church’s ancient traditions. The music here is another draw. The choir, made up of parishioners, fills the church with Gregorian chant, polyphony, and traditional hymns. St. Anne Catholic Church is more than just the TLM. It’s a vibrant parish with a rich community life. There are groups like the Altar Guild for boys, the Holy Name Society for men, and the Women’s Guild. They also host lively annual events. The Parish Picnic, the Annual Fiesta, and the Christmas Pageant bring everyone together. Education is also a cornerstone, with a focus on homeschooling support and catechesis. St. Anne Catholic Church is led by a dedicated team of priests. Father John Lyons, FSSP, serves as pastor, alongside Assistant Pastors Father Jesus Valenzuela, FSSP, Father Caleb Insco, and Father Earl Eggleston. They guide the community in their shared pursuit of holiness. So, the next time you’re in San Diego, stop by St. Anne Catholic Church. Located just south of downtown at 2337 Irving Avenue, it’s a place where tradition thrives. Experience the beauty of the TLM and the warmth of a close-knit community. You can find Mass times and more information on their website.
Sweetwater River
From high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the Sweetwater River begins its journey. It’s a 55-mile trek to the Pacific, a