Sunday 17 May 2026 – 7th Sunday of Easter

As the Church journeys between the Ascension of the Lord and Pentecost, We reflect on how Christ continues His mission through ordinary people who serve with love, compassion, and generosity. Every quiet act of kindness becomes a witness to the Gospel and strengthens the life of the parish community.

Confirmation & Eucharistic Ministers Applications

Confirmation application forms are now available for young people currently in Year 8 and above. Parents and grandparents are warmly encouraged to support children in continuing their faith journey through the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Parishioners who may feel called to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are also invited to apply. Preparation sessions will be arranged, and the formal induction will take place on Sunday 21 June 2026.

Gratitude to Cappagh Group of Companies

St Ann’s parish expresses sincere gratitude to the Cappagh Group of Companies for their generous support and for the excellent work carried out on the new front steps of the church. The project was completed with professionalism, care, cleanliness, and remarkable attention to detail, enhancing the beauty of the parish campus.

Appreciation for New Volunteer Secretarial Team

Fr James expressed heartfelt thanks to parishioners who generously volunteered to support the growing administrative needs of the parish. Special appreciation was given to Anne, Jane, Isabel, and Melita for offering their time and talents in various parish ministries including administration, communications, sacramental records, website support, and children’s ministry assistance.

Volunteers Needed

Additional volunteers are needed for the Tea & Coffee ministry and Friday church cleaning. Parishioners willing to assist are warmly encouraged to come forward and support the growing parish family.

Upcoming Parish Events

• Family Mass – Sunday 24 May 2026 at 10.30 am
• Visit of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima – Saturday 30 May & Sunday 31 May 2026
• First Holy Communion Celebration – Sunday 7 June 2026 at 12 noon
• Youth Meeting – Saturday 13 June 2026 at 4.30 pm
• Parish Synodal Team Meeting – Sunday 14 June 2026 at 3.00 pm
• Parish Finance Committee Meeting – Sunday 21 June 2026 at 3.00 pm
• Summer Garden Party – Sunday 28 June 2026 after the 10.30 am Mass

Educational Trust Opportunity

The Prospect House School Educational Trust is offering free bursaries for academically strong children entering Year 3 or Year 4 in September 2026. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to contact the school or Oliver Hudson, a member of the parish community.

With gratitude to all parishioners, volunteers, families, and supporters for continuing to build a welcoming and vibrant parish family at St Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill.

7th Sunday of Easter

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus,

Today, in many places, the Church celebrates the Ascension of our Lord. And I was reflecting on something very interesting. Sometimes I wonder — if Jesus had not ascended into heaven, we could have had risen Lord with us in this world. Perhaps we could have invited Him even for our Summer Garden Party on 28th June! Imagine that… the Risen Lord physically walking among us, sitting with us, eating with us, speaking with us face to face.

But then comes the deeper question: why did He ascend?

During our philosophical and theological studies in the seminary, one question constantly surfaced: Why do innocent people suffer if God is all-loving and all-powerful? Many explanations were given, but one reality always stood out – the mystery of human free will.

God created the world beautifully. Nature follows its order. Animals follow instinct. The stars follow their path. But humanity was created differently. We were created not merely as biological beings, but as spiritual beings. We can think beyond survival. We can search for meaning. We can love, forgive, sacrifice, pray, and transcend ourselves. We can look beyond the visible world and seek eternity.

And with that dignity, God gave us freedom.

Not robotic obedience.
Not forced holiness.
But freedom.

This is why the Ascension becomes so meaningful.

Jesus came into this world and became one among us. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). For thirty years He lived an ordinary hidden life. For three years He walked with His disciples, teaching, healing, forgiving, lifting the broken, embracing sinners, and revealing the face of the Father.

Even after the Resurrection, He did not rush back to heaven. He stayed. He strengthened His disciples. He removed their fear. He gave them hope. He ate with them. He allowed Thomas to touch His wounds. He prepared them slowly.

And then He ascended.

Why?

Because now He entrusts the mission to us.

He leaves space for our freedom.

He believes in humanity.

He believes that with the grace of the Holy Spirit, ordinary people can become extraordinary witnesses.

“My dear brothers and sisters,” Jesus did not ascend to abandon us. He ascended to elevate us. The Ascension is not the absence of Christ; it is the expansion of Christ through His people.

Now His hands must become our hands.
His voice must become our voice.
His compassion must become our compassion.

The teachings of Christ — forgiveness, mercy, servant leadership, kindness, sacrifice, welcoming others — all these are now entrusted to us.

This is why He says: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).

The Christian life is not control from outside; it is transformation from within.

God does not drive us like machines. He allows us to self-drive, guided by conscience, grace, and the Holy Spirit.

That is both the beauty and the responsibility of freedom.

St Augustine once said: “God who created you without you, will not save you without you.”

What a profound truth.

God respects our freedom so much that He invites us to cooperate with Him. Every day we choose: love or hatred, forgiveness or revenge, service or selfishness, light or darkness.

And through those daily choices, heaven slowly begins within us.

The Ascension reminds us that humanity is capable of reaching God. In Christ, humanity entered heaven. Our human nature is now seated at the right hand of the Father. That is our destiny too.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, the Ascension is not merely about Jesus going upward. It is about humanity being lifted upward.

So let us make our freedom meaningful.
Let our life become a blessing for others.
Let people encounter Christ through our actions, our words, our kindness, and our presence.

And as we prepare next week for Pentecost, let us pray:
“Come, Holy Spirit. Guide our freedom. Guide our decisions. Help us to live not merely by instinct, but by grace.”

Amen.