About Saint Anne · Sumter, South Carolina
Saint Anne and Saint Jude Roman Catholic Church is a diverse, multi-ethnic Catholic parish of approximately 894 registered households in Sumter, South Carolina, serving the wider Sumter community from its newly built church on Beckwood Road. The parish is the product of the 2010 merger of the historic St. Anne parish (white community) and St. Jude mission (African American community), and is staffed by the Adorno Fathers (Clerics Regular Minor). Worship is offered in English and Spanish, with a daily 7:00 AM Mass, four Sunday Masses including a Spanish liturgy and a Youth Mass, Tuesday Eucharistic Adoration, weekly confession, and a rich devotional life including Padre Pio, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and First Friday devotions.
- Established
- 1838
- Patron
- Saint Anne and Saint Jude
- Rector
- Rev. Anastacio 'Nony' Villaluz, CRM
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston
Why belong here
St. Anne and St. Jude brings together nearly 900 households in a community described as 'diverse and unified, rooted in a deep faith that celebrates all ethnicities, races, and cultures.' Daily Mass is offered Monday through Saturday, with four Sunday Masses (one in Spanish), a Youth Mass at 5:00 PM, weekly confession, Tuesday Eucharistic Adoration, and devotions honoring Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Padre Pio, and the First Friday of the month. Active faith formation runs from Pre-K through 12th grade, a vibrant youth ministry meets Sundays in the HIVE, and the Sumter Catholic School K–8 is on campus — making this a parish where families can worship, learn, and serve across generations.
Mass times at Saint Anne
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 3:00–4:30 PM (or by appointment)
- Diocese directory lists Saturday 3:30–4:30 p.m. or by appointment
Adoration times
- Tuesday — Eucharistic Adoration following the 7:00 AM daily Mass, concluding with Devotion at 6:00 PM
- First Friday — Eucharastic Adoration and Nocturnal Adoration 6:00 PM – 7:00 AM (per Diocese directory)
- First Friday Devotion — Eucharistic Adoration 6:30 PM
About St. Anne and St. Jude Parish
St. Anne and St. Jude Roman Catholic Church in Sumter, South Carolina is a community of approximately 894 registered households drawn together in faith by the Holy Spirit under the leadership of the Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston and in communion with the universal Catholic Church. The parish describes itself as 'diverse and unified, rooted in a deep faith that celebrates all ethnicities, races, and cultures.' Its vision is summed up in the motto: 'United in Faith. Strengthened by Hope. Active in Charity.' The parish came into being through the 2010 merger of the historic St. Anne and St. Jude parishes, and a brand-new combined church was dedicated on June 2, 2023, on Beckwood Road.
- 894 registered households
- Diocese: Charleston; Deanery: Columbia
- St. Anne and St. Jude merged in 2010; renamed in 2016
- New church dedicated June 2, 2023 (seats 400)
Mission, Vision & Pastoral Plan
By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the parish seeks to further the kingdom of Jesus Christ and to work for His greater glory as a community drawn together under the Bishop of Charleston. The Pastoral Plan organizes parish life around six key focus areas: Spirituality (Eucharistic Worship, Faith Formation, Evangelization), Parish Life (Family, Stewardship), Outreach and Advocacy, Administration, Facilities, and Communication. The plan was launched in February 2018 under Father Giovannie Nunez, CRM.
- Mission: To further the kingdom of Jesus Christ and to work for His greater glory
- Vision: United in Faith. Strengthened by Hope. Active in Charity.
- Pastoral Plan covers 2021–2024
History of the Sumter Catholic Community
Catholic life in Sumter began with Irish immigrants in the early 19th century. Natalie Delage, who married Col. Thomas Sumter, built a chapel on the family estate, and in 1838 Bishop John England established the Catholic District of Sumter on 168 acres of Providence Plantation near Dalzell. The community relocated to West Liberty Street in 1848 (St. Lawrence), then dedicated a new Gothic-style St. Anne Church on May 21, 1911. St. Anne Elementary School opened in 1955 in Gerald Hall, named for the first St. Anne parishioner killed in WWII, and was renovated in 1991.
- 1838: first Catholic church built; 30 members
- 1848: relocated to West Liberty Street as St. Lawrence
- May 21, 1911: St. Anne Church dedicated by Bishop Henry Northrop
- 1955: St. Anne Elementary School opened; renamed Gerald Hall
History of St. Jude Mission
St. Jude was founded in 1938–39 by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate as a mission to serve the African American community on West Oakland Avenue, a mile and a half from St. Anne. The original church (later known as Atkinson Hall) was completed in 1941, and the present St. Jude Church was built in 1948 alongside a convent and a school staffed by the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur from Buffalo, NY. Sumter's first Catholic high school was built on the St. Jude property in 1958, and St. Jude sponsored what became the Sumter Developmental Learning Center in 1971.
- 1938–39: OMI establishes mission for African American community
- 1941: original church completed (Atkinson Hall)
- 1948: present St. Jude Church built; Sisters of St. Mary of Namur arrive
- 1958: first Catholic high school in Sumter built on St. Jude property
- 1962: first graduating class of ten seniors
The Two Parishes Become One
As vocations to the diocesan priesthood declined, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate took over pastoral care of St. Anne in September 1974, serving both communities until they withdrew in 1996. The Redemptorist Fathers succeeded them and remained until August 1, 2015, when the Adorno Fathers (Clerics Regular Minor) arrived. On May 30, 2010, Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone suppressed both parishes by decree and created 'The Catholic Community of Sumter.' The combined parish was officially renamed 'St. Anne and Saint Jude Roman Catholic Church' in 2016.
- 1974: OMI assume pastoral care of both parishes
- 1996: Redemptorists replace OMI
- May 30, 2010: Bishop Guglielmone issues Decree of Suppression, merging into 'Catholic Community of Sumter'
- 2016: parish renamed 'St. Anne and Saint Jude Roman Catholic Church'
- 2015: Adorno Fathers (CRM) replace Redemptorists
Building the New Church
Twenty years ago, parish leaders identified the need for a single, larger worship space to replace the two historic campuses. Some 521 acres near Dalzell were secured. Groundbreaking was held on January 22, 2022; the new church at 1855 Beckwood Road was completed at Easter 2023 and was formally dedicated on June 2, 2023.
- Groundbreaking: January 22, 2022
- Completed: Easter 2023
- Dedication: June 2, 2023 (6:00 PM)
- Address: 1855 Beckwood Road, Sumter, SC 29153
Clergy, Deacons & Staff
The parish is currently served by the Adorno Fathers (Clerics Regular Minor). Pastor Father Anastacio 'Nony' Villaluz, CRM, is assisted by Parochial Vicar Father Ronie R. Lorcha, CRM, and two permanent deacons. Lay staff support faith formation, youth ministry, liturgy, funerals, parish administration, and the parish councils.
- Rev. Anastacio 'Nony' Villaluz, CRM — Pastor
- Rev. Ronie R. Lorcha, CRM — Parochial Vicar
- Deacon Greg Tavarez
- Deacon Louis Delsole
- Tori Leggett — Parish Secretary
- Nicole Macedo — Director of Faith Formation
- Cecilia Smith — Youth & Young Adult Minister
- Donna Kearney — Liturgical Ministry & Funeral Coordinator
- Joey Duggan — Pastoral Council Chair
Devotions
Outside of Mass and Adoration, the parish maintains a calendar of devotional services — a weekly Our Lady of Perpetual Help novena, a monthly Padre Pio Healing Mass and Service, and the First Friday Devotion.
- 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: Eucharistic Devotion and Nocturnal Adoration
Faith Formation & Sacrament Preparation
Recognizing parents as the primary educators of faith, St. Anne and St. Jude offers a student-centered religious education program for K4 through 8th grade that uses the diocesan-approved curriculum and 'fun, faith-filled activities.' Classes meet Wednesday evenings from 5:45 to 7:00 PM in the St. Anne School Building. Sacramental preparation for Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation is integrated into the Wednesday program; students must complete at least one year of religious education before receiving a sacrament.
- Religious Education Pre-K through 8th grade (Wednesdays 5:45–7:00 PM)
- First Reconciliation / First Communion preparation (2nd grade)
- Confirmation classes 9th–12th grade
- OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation of Children)
- Quinceañera preparation (celebrated 6–12 months after scheduling)
- Safe Environment compliance required for all volunteers
Youth Ministry (SASJ Catholic Youth of Sumter)
The parish youth ministry 'SASJ Catholic Youth of Sumter' meets every Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the HIVE youth group room in the St. Anne Parish Hall, serving youth in 6th through 12th grade. Each evening begins with a brief lesson on a relevant Catholic topic, moves into small-group discussion and reflection, then dinner, an activity or game, and closes with prayer.
- Weekly meetings Sundays 6:00–8:00 PM in the HIVE
- Open to grades 6–12
- Lesson → small groups → dinner → activity → prayer
- Youth-led leadership development
- Sunday 5:00 PM Youth Mass complements the ministry
Sumter Catholic School (K–8)
St. Anne Elementary School opened in 1955 in Gerald Hall — named for the first St. Anne parishioner killed in WWII — and was renovated in 1991. Today it operates as Sumter Catholic School, serving students in kindergarten through 8th grade on the St. Anne campus. No detailed admissions information was published on the parish website.
- Founded 1955 in Gerald Hall
- Renovated 1991
- Now serves K–8 as Sumter Catholic School
Sacraments at SASJ
The parish celebrates all seven sacraments: Baptism (with the rights and responsibilities described in CCC 1269), Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders. Sacramental preparation for children is integrated into the Wednesday evening religious education program, with Confirmation classes running through 12th grade. A 24/7 Sacramental Emergency line is maintained for Anointing of the Sick.
- Baptism — parental preparation required
- First Reconciliation / First Communion (2nd grade, after at least one year of formation)
- Confirmation (2nd grade within Wed. program; 9th–12th grade standalone)
- Matrimony — contact Parish Office
- Anointing of the Sick — Sacramental Emergency: 843-804-2001
- Quinceañera — scheduled 6 months to 1 year in advance
Contact & Visit
The parish office can be reached by phone at (803) 773-3524 or (803) 773-9244. Office mail should be addressed to 216 East Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29150; the new church is at 1855 Beckwood Road, Sumter, SC 29153.
- Office Tel: (803) 773-3524; (803) 773-9244
- Sacramental Emergency: 843-804-2001
- Church: 1855 Beckwood Road, Sumter, SC 29153
- Mailing: 216 East Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29150
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Frank Palmieri, CRM2016
Officially renamed merged community 'St. Anne and Saint Jude Roman Catholic Church' under Bishop Guglielmone's decree.
- Father Giovannie Nunez, CRM2018
Received Bishop Guglielmone's approval to build the new combined church on the parish's 521-acre property.
- Redemptorist Fathers (Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer)1996–2015
Succeeded the Oblates of Mary Immaculate; withdrew August 1, 2015.
- Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI)1974–1996
Took over pastoral care of both St. Anne and St. Jude as diocesan vocations declined.
- Adorno Fathers (Clerics Regular Minor, CRM)2015–present
Replaced the Redemptorists in August 2015 and continue to staff the parish today.