About Saint Anne and Saint Jude · Sumter, South Carolina
Saint Anne and Saint Jude Roman Catholic Church is a unified parish of approximately 800 registered families in Sumter, South Carolina, formed from the 2010 merger of historic St. Anne and St. Jude parishes and now served by the Adorno Fathers (Clerics Regular Minor, CRM). The parish celebrates Mass in English and Spanish, runs a robust OCIA/RCIA program, a Wednesday-evening Faith Formation program for K–8, a Sunday-night youth ministry (the HIVE), and the Bishop Northrop Council 2207 of the Knights of Columbus. Its brand-new church on Beckwood Road was broken ground on January 22, 2022, completed at Easter 2023, and formally dedicated on June 2, 2023. It sits within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston and worships under the leadership of Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS.
- Established
- 1838
- Patron
- Saint Anne and Saint Jude (Thaddaeus)
- Rector
- Rev. Anastacio 'Nony' Villaluz, CRM
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston
Why belong here
St. Anne and St. Jude is one of the oldest Catholic communities in South Carolina (since 1838) that today worships as a single, diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural parish of about 800 registered families, served by the Adorno Fathers and offering Mass in both English and Spanish every Sunday. It runs a full sacramental and formation life — OCIA for adults, OCIC and Wednesday-night Faith Formation for K–8, Confirmation for high-schoolers, a Sunday-evening youth group (the HIVE) for grades 6–12, and a Hispanic Ministry — supported by the Bishop Northrop Council 2207 of the Knights of Columbus and active Liturgical, Funeral, and Pastoral & Finance Councils. Families and visitors are warmly welcomed into a parish whose brand-new church on Beckwood Road was just completed at Easter 2023 and dedicated on June 2, 2023.
Mass times at Saint Anne and Saint Jude
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:00–4:30 PM (parish website) / 3:30–4:30 PM (Diocese of Charleston directory)
- By appointment
Adoration times
- Tuesday: Eucharistic Adoration following 7:00 AM Daily Mass, concluding with Devotion at 6:00 PM
- First Friday Devotion and Nocturnal Adoration: 6:00 PM through 7:00 AM (First Saturday)
Our History
Catholic life in Sumter began with Irish immigrants in the early 19th century. Colonel Thomas Sumter's Catholic wife, Natalie Delage, donated 168 acres on Providence Plantation; Bishop John England established the Catholic Parish of Sumter District in 1838, and the original church was dedicated on June 2, 1839. The community moved to a former Methodist building on West Liberty Street in 1848, naming it St. Lawrence; the cornerstone of the brick Gothic St. Anne Church was laid in 1909 and the building was dedicated by Bishop Henry Northop in 1911. In 1938 the Oblates of Mary Immaculate opened St. Jude to serve the African American community; its permanent church was built in 1948 and a Catholic high school followed in 1958. The Redemptorists arrived in 1996 and formalized Hispanic ministry; in 2015 they were replaced by the Adorno Fathers (CRM), who still staff the parish today. Bishop Guglielmone's May 30, 2010 Decree of Suppression merged the two parishes into what was first called 'The Catholic Community of Sumter' and renamed 'St. Anne and St. Jude Roman Catholic Church' in 2016 under Fr. Frank Palmieri, CRM. The new $6 million church on Beckwood Road was broken ground January 22, 2022, completed at Easter 2023, and dedicated June 2, 2023.
- 1838: Bishop John England establishes Catholic Parish of Sumter District
- 1848: Parish buys old Methodist church on West Liberty Street, renames it St. Lawrence
- 1909–1911: St. Anne Catholic Church built (Gothic, 45 stained-glass windows)
- 1938: Oblates of Mary Immaculate found St. Jude for the African American community
- 1948: Permanent St. Jude Church and convent built
- 1954–55: St. Anne School opens in Gerald Hall (named for first WWII casualty)
- 1958: First Catholic high school in Sumter built on St. Jude property
- 1996: Redemptorists arrive; Hispanic ministry formalized with Sunday Spanish Mass
- 2003: Bishop Robert Baker dedicates 195-acre Beckwood Road site
- May 30, 2010: Bishop Guglielmone's Decree of Suppression merges the parishes
- 2015: Adorno Fathers (CRM) arrive
- 2016: Parish renamed 'St. Anne and St. Jude Roman Catholic Church'
- 2022: Ground broken for new church; Holy Angels Academy closes after declining enrollment
- June 2, 2023: New church and altar dedicated
Mission & Parish Pastoral Plan
The parish mission statement reads: 'Saint Anne and St. Jude Parish is a Roman Catholic Church that has been ministering to the community of Sumter, South Carolina since 1838. We are a diverse and unified parish rooted in a deep faith that celebrates all ethnicities, races, and cultures.' The Parish Pastoral Plan frames the parish under CCC 2176's definition and calls every baptized parishioner into communion with Christ through evangelization, formation, and service.
- Vision: United in faith as one community of believers
- Pastor shepherds the parish with the Pastoral Council, Finance Council, and every parishioner
- Grounded in Catholic values of unity in diversity
Clergy & Staff
Parish life is led by Pastor Fr. Anastacio 'Nony' Villaluz, CRM, and Parochial Vicar Fr. Ronie Lorcha, CRM, assisted by Permanent Deacons Greg Tavarez and Louis Delsole. Lay staff include parish secretary Tori Leggett, Director of Faith Formation Nicole Macedo, Youth & Young Adult Minister Cecilia Smith, Receptionist Tina Couture, Funeral Coordinator Donna Kearny, and Liturgical Ministry Coordinator Donna Kearney. The Pastoral Council is chaired by Joey Duggan and the Finance Council by Mitch Williams.
- Pastor: Fr. Nony Villaluz, CRM ([email protected])
- Parochial Vicar: Fr. Ronie Lorcha, CRM ([email protected])
- Deacon Greg Tavarez ([email protected])
- Deacon Louis Delsole
- Parish Secretary: Tori Leggett ([email protected])
- Director of Faith Formation: Nicole Macedo ([email protected])
- Youth & Young Adult Minister: Cecilia Smith ([email protected])
- Pastoral Council Chair: Joey Duggan
- Finance Council Chair: Mitch Williams
Devotions & Prayer
Beyond the regular Mass schedule, the parish maintains a rich devotional life. Every Wednesday evening features a Novena in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help followed by Mass at 7:00 PM. On the first Tuesday of each month, a Padre Pio Healing Service and Mass are celebrated at 7:00 PM. First Friday Devotion includes Eucharistic Adoration beginning at 6:30 PM and continuing through the night as a Nocturnal Adoration until 7:00 AM Saturday.
- Wednesday Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 7:00 PM Mass
- First Tuesday: Padre Pio Healing Service and Mass, 7:00 PM
- First Friday Devotion and Nocturnal Adoration, 6:30 PM – 7:00 AM Saturday
Sacraments
St. Anne and St. Jude offers the full range of Catholic sacraments. Baptisms (English and Spanish), Marriage (with six months of pastoral preparation), Quinceañera (with three months' notice and required formation), Anointing of the Sick (available by calling the parish office), and the three sacraments of initiation for children (First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation) are all coordinated through the parish.
- Baptism (Spanish: third Saturday of the month; English: by arrangement)
- Marriage (6-month notice to the pastor required)
- Quinceañera (3-month advance request with the pastor's approval and classes)
- Anointing of the Sick (call parish office or rectory)
- First Reconciliation (2nd grade, after at least one year of religious education)
- First Communion (within Wednesday-night catechism)
- Confirmation (grades 9–12, every other Sunday)
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The Faith Formation program, led by Director Nicole Macedo, ministers to families with children from K4 through 8th grade. Classes meet Wednesday evenings 5:45–7:00 PM in the St. Anne School Building using the diocesan-approved curriculum. Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation is integrated into the program, and parents are recognized as the primary educators of faith.
- K4–8 Religious Education, Wednesdays 5:45–7:00 PM
- First Reconciliation & First Communion (2nd grade)
- Confirmation Class, grades 9–12
- OCIC — Order of Christian Initiation of Children for those with gaps in religious education
OCIA / RCIA — Becoming Catholic
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the parish's formal welcome process for adults seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, for unbaptized inquirers, and for baptized Catholics who have not yet received First Communion or Confirmation. Sessions meet Wednesdays 6:30–8:30 PM in the St. Anne Parish Hall, 216 East Liberty Street. Coordinators are Tess Duggan and Sally Osborne.
- Open to inquirers, catechumens, and candidates
- Wednesdays 6:30–8:30 PM, St. Anne Parish Hall
- Contact: Tess Duggan ([email protected]) or Sally Osborne ([email protected])
- Outreach also to Catholic personnel at nearby Shaw AFB
Youth Ministry — The HIVE
The mission of the SASJ Catholic Youth of Sumter is to embrace teens in a vibrant, caring parish community. The HIVE youth group meets Sundays 6:00–8:00 PM in the St. Anne Parish Hall for grades 6–12. Each evening includes a brief Catholic lesson, small-group discussion, dinner, a fellowship activity or game, and concludes with prayer. The program builds leadership, friendships, and faith through service projects and retreats.
- Weekly meetings: Sundays 6:00–8:00 PM in the HIVE room
- Open to grades 6–12
- Lesson, small groups, dinner, activity, prayer
- Youth Minister: Cecilia Smith ([email protected])
Hispanic Ministry (Ministerio Hispano)
¡Bienvenidos a la Parroquia de Santa Ana y San Judas! The Hispanic Ministry coordinates the Sunday Noon Spanish Mass, formation for young people, and sacramental preparation for the Spanish-speaking community of Sumter. Spanish-language Baptism is celebrated on the third Saturday of each month; couples preparing for Marriage must meet with the pastor six months in advance; Quinceañeras require three months' advance notice; and Anointing of the Sick is available by calling the parish office.
- Spanish Sunday Mass: 12:00 Noon
- Baptism in Spanish: third Saturday of each month
- Marriage: 6-month pastoral preparation
- Quinceañera: 3-month advance notice and formation
- Unción de los Enfermos: llamar a la oficina parroquial
Knights of Columbus — Bishop Northrop Council 2207
The parish is home to Bishop Northrop Council 2207 of the Knights of Columbus, led by Grand Knight Shawn Stump. Council 2207 empowers Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their families, in their parish, at work and in the community through four pillars: Faith, Family, Community, and Life.
- Grand Knight: Shawn Stump ([email protected])
- Pillars: Faith, Family, Community, Life
- Charity and parish service programs
Campus & Facilities
The unified parish operates from two linked Sumter campuses. The new 1855 Beckwood Road campus houses the church and worship site, while the 216 East Liberty Street campus continues to serve as the parish office and parish hall (216 East Liberty) — including the HIVE youth room and the Parish Hall where OCIA meets. A map and turn-by-turn directions for both addresses are available on the parish website.
- 1855 Beckwood Road, Sumter, SC 29153 — Church (new 2023)
- 216 East Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29150 — Parish Office & Parish Hall
- 11 S. Magnolia Street — former Holy Angels Academy / St. Anne School site
Catholic Schools (Holy Angels Academy / St. Anne School)
Catholic education has been part of Sumter Catholic life since the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy opened St. Joseph's Academy during the Civil War, continuing through St. Anne Elementary School (founded 1954–55), the diocesan K-8 school operated from the St. Anne campus, and Sumter Catholic High School (founded 1958, renamed 1994, became private and relocated to School Street in 1997). The elementary school was renamed Holy Angels Academy in 2020 but closed in 2022 due to declining enrollment. A school-affiliation listing remains on the parish bulletin, with Holy Angels Academy/Director Kristi Doyle listed at [email protected].
- St. Joseph's Academy (Civil War-era predecessor, founded by Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy)
- St. Anne Elementary School — opened 1954–55 in Gerald Hall
- Sumter Catholic High School — opened 1958 (renamed 1994, private since 1997)
- Holy Angels Academy (renamed 2020; closed 2022)
Councils & Coordination
Parishioners also serve through Pastoral and Finance Councils, Liturgical Ministry (with coordinator Donna Kearney), and Funeral Coordination (Donna Kearny). The Safe Environment program supports the protection of children and vulnerable adults in parish activities.
- Pastoral Council Chair: Joey Duggan
- Finance Council Chair: Mitch Williams; members Mark Crabbe, Andrew Williams, George Mudd, Frank Costas, Aida Sikora, Sally Osborne, Jim Kearny, Mike Polly, Leslie Bruner, Linda Crabbe, Ed (last name not publicly listed)
- Liturgical Ministry: Donna Kearney
- Funeral Coordinator: Donna Kearny
- Safe Environment / report abuse protocols
New Church & Building Campaign
After more than a decade of shared ministry across two campuses, the parish built a single new home on Beckwood Road. Bishop Guglielmone approved the plan in February 2018; the 'It's Time Campaign' (2019) raised $2.2 million, and the 'One Faith, One Family' capital campaign followed, ultimately raising about $2.4 million over five years and exceeding its goal. The Diocese of Charleston approved the $6 million project plan with a $1.2 million loan. Ground was broken January 22, 2022, the church was completed at Easter 2023, and the new church and altar were dedicated June 2, 2023.
- 2018: Bishop approves new church on Beckwood Road / Highway 521 property
- 2019: 'It's Time Campaign' raises $2.2 million
- 'One Faith, One Family' capital campaign — about $2.4 million raised
- Diocese of Charleston approved $6 million project plan with $1.2 million loan
- January 22, 2022: Groundbreaking with Bishop Guglielmone and parishioners
- Easter 2023: New church completed
- June 2, 2023: Dedication of new church and altar
Contact & Visiting
The parish welcomes visitors and newcomers; the pastor, deacons, and parish staff can be reached through the parish office Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. Sacramental emergencies are covered 24/7 through a dedicated line.
- Office Tel: (803) 773-3524 and (803) 773-9244
- Sacramental Emergency: 843-804-2001
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- General email: [email protected]
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Charles DuBois Wood
Pastor of St. Lawrence who led the transition to the new St. Anne Church; celebrated Mass in St. Joseph's Chapel during construction.
- Fr. Frank Palmieri, CRMthrough 2017
In 2016 obtained Bishop Guglielmone's decree renaming 'Catholic Community of Sumter' to 'St. Anne and St. Jude Roman Catholic Church'; retired from active ministry the following year.
- Fr. Giovannie 'Gio' Nuñez, CRM2017–installed as Pastor Fall 2018; subsequent term
Arrived as Parish Administrator after Fr. Palmieri's retirement; installed as Pastor in Fall 2018. Led the launch of the 'It's Time Campaign' in 2019 and obtained Bishop Guglielmone's approval in February 2018 to build the new church on the Beckwood Road property.
- Fr. Rufino Madridejos, CRM
Parochial Vicar under Fr. Giovannie Nuñez; later reassigned by the Adorno Fathers to another ministry.
- Fr. Gerry Coquilla, CRM
Parochial Vicar who succeeded Fr. Madridejos.
- Rev. Anastacio 'Nony' Villaluz, CRMCurrent
Current Pastor, Adorno Fathers (CRM); listed on 2023–24 parish staff directory.