Easter at St. Ann’s – He Is Risen, Alleluia!
The community of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill, gathered with great joy to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ during the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening and again on Easter Sunday morning.
We began in darkness, and as the Paschal Candle was carried into the church, the light of Christ slowly filled the space — symbolising Christ’s victory over sin and death. The Exsultet was sung with reverence and joy, and Scripture unfolded the great story of salvation. The ringing of bells and the return of the Gloria and Alleluia filled the church with light and celebration.
On Easter Sunday, the joy continued as parishioners and families filled the church, giving thanks for new life in Christ. After Mass, our Catechists hosted a joyful Easter Egg Hunt for the children — a beautiful sign of the life and hope we share.
This Easter, we are reminded:
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here – He is Risen!” (Luke 24:5)
The Risen Christ walks with us — in our prayers, our families, our community, and in every act of love.
🌿 Upcoming: Parish Planting Day – Sunday, 27 April
As part of our Easter journey and care for creation, we invite you and your family to join us for our Parish Planting Day on Sunday, 27 April, after the 10:30 AM Mass.
We will be planting over 300 flowers, shrubs, and grass around the church — each plant a symbol of life and remembrance. You are welcome to plant in memory of a loved one.
We will also bless and open our new Friends’ Fountain, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, a sign of peace, simplicity, and our parish community’s unity.
All parishioners, neighbours, benefactors, and friends are warmly invited to be part of this celebration of life and faith.
From the empty tomb to blooming gardens, Easter is alive among us.
Come and be part of it — He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!
Easter Homily
“Why do you look for the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5)
My dear brothers and sisters,
We are in the Resurrection!
This is the season of life, of hope – a time that comes every year, yes –
but today, something very peculiar, very profound, stands out in the Gospel.
The women come to the tomb. They come with spices.
Their hearts are heavy.
But they are greeted not with silence –
they are greeted with a question:
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here – He is risen!”
My dear people, this is not just a question for them –
it is a wake-up call for us.
Every time we look for life in the wrong places…
in our past, in our pain, in brokenness, in things that are already buried –
He reminds us: I am not there. I AM RISEN.
St Paul says, “If Christ is not risen, our faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:17).
But I know – and you know –
Christ is living among us!
He lives in the Holy Eucharist,
He lives in the community of believers,
He lives in you and in me –
Every single day!
Even after the Resurrection, He walked with the broken-hearted.
He appeared to His disciples.
He joined the two on the road to Emmaus –
and what did He do?
He walked with them.
He listened.
He broke the bread –
and their eyes were opened.
And they said:
“Were not our hearts burning within us?”
That’s what the Risen Jesus does!
He sets our hearts on fire!
He turns sorrow into joy, confusion into clarity.
And He is still doing it today.
Every time you celebrate the Eucharist – He is there.
Every time two or three gather in His Name – He is there.
He is not just a memory – He is the Living Lord.
And even more –
He reconciles the sinner,
He lifts the fallen,
He restores the broken.
He looks at Peter – who denied Him three times – and says:
“Feed my sheep.”
He doesn’t shame him.
He restores him.
He does the same with us.
And see what happens when we believe in the Resurrection –
The disciples who were afraid, who hid,
who denied and doubted –
they are transformed!
Peter stands up and preaches one sermon – and 5,000 people believe!
His very shadow begins to heal the sick!
That is the power of the Risen Lord.
And today, that same Risen Christ is walking among us –
not in the tomb,
but in this very church,
in this Eucharist,
in your heart.
He is alive.
And because He lives –
you have hope.
Because He lives –
you have strength.
Because He lives –
we will rise with Him.
Let us not look for the living among the dead.
Let us live with the fire of the Resurrection!
Let our hearts burn with His Word.
Let our lives shine with His joy.
Let our faith rise up and say –
He is not here… He is Risen! Alleluia!
