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Launch of St. Ann’s Annual Parish Planner 2025

An Inspiring Start to 2025: The Launch of the Annual Parish Planner

St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill, celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of its Annual Parish Planner for 2025. This comprehensive guide reflects our vibrant and united parish life and outlines the key activities, goals, and opportunities for spiritual growth in the year ahead. The event was graced by the presence of Canon Gerard Bradley, Episcopal Vicar for South West London, who unveiled the planner during a special Mass.

Highlights of the Annual Parish Planner

1. Youth and Family Engagement: The planner showcases exciting initiatives such as Kids’ Gardening Days and quarterly Faith Family gatherings, aiming to strengthen family bonds and inspire the younger generation.
2. Liturgical and Volunteers’ Diary for 2025: A detailed schedule of liturgical roles and volunteer activities to ensure the smooth functioning of our parish community.
3. Pilgrimage Year Highlights: As a designated Pilgrim Church for the Jubilee Year 2025, St. Ann’s will host special Masses, Rosary walks, and other Jubilee-themed events to foster spiritual renewal.

Symbolic Presentation of the Planner

To reflect the diverse contributions of our parish community, the Annual Parish Planner was received by representatives from key groups:

• A member of the Finance Committee, symbolising the stewardship of resources.
• Sr Ursula, acknowledging her invaluable service to parish life.
• A senior parishioner, representing the wisdom and guidance of our elders.
• A family, embodying the unity and love that define our parish community.
• A youth representative, highlighting the importance of empowering the next generation.
• An Altar Server, representing the dedication of our liturgical ministry.

A Message from Canon Gerard Bradley

Canon Gerard Bradley, during the unveiling, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the parish in fostering a dynamic and inclusive community. He encouraged everyone to embrace the opportunities outlined in the planner, using them as a means to grow in faith, fellowship, and service throughout the year.

A Collective Effort

The Annual Parish Planner is the fruit of collaboration and dedication from our parish teams, and it reflects our shared commitment to making St. Ann’s a welcoming and spiritually enriching home for all. It serves as a roadmap for the year, guiding us through liturgical celebrations, sacramental programmes, community events, and Jubilee Year pilgrimages.

Looking Ahead

As we journey through 2025, let us embrace the vision set forth in this planner, participating fully in the life of our parish and drawing closer to Christ. Together, let us make this Jubilee Year a time of grace, growth, and renewal.

The book was designed by Fr James Raj

Celebration of Christmas Lights Switching on Ceremony

A Joyful Celebration at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill

This past Sunday, St. Ann’s Catholic Church marked a truly special occasion, celebrated in three beautiful phases that brought our community together in faith and joy. The event was well-attended, with parishioners of all ages participating in the meaningful celebrations.

1. Indoor Lighting Ceremony

During the Mass, the church came alive with light, symbolising Christ’s light that dispels all darkness. Parishioners seated at the side pews lit candles along the pews and windows, creating a warm, inviting glow throughout the church. This heartfelt moment was followed by the illumination of the Christmas tree, Nativity crib, and Jesse tree by designated individuals with remotes. The lighting ceremony deepened our reflection on the hope and joy of Advent, filling the church with a sense of peace and anticipation.

2. Lectionary Procession

The celebration continued with a solemn procession honouring the introduction of the new translation of the Lectionary. Representatives from our parish—a child, a youth, an elder, and a teacher—carried the four volumes of the Lectionary into the sanctuary. This poignant act symbolised the shared responsibility across generations to embrace and proclaim God’s Word. It was a significant step in our liturgical journey, inspiring us to engage with Scripture with renewed reverence and understanding.

3. Outdoor Lighting Ceremony

The joyous occasion concluded with a grand outdoor lighting ceremony after the Mass. In three distinct phases, different areas of the church and its surroundings were illuminated, each accompanied by a collective countdown from 5 to 1. The outdoor display brought festive cheer, showcasing the beauty of our church in the Advent season. Volunteers ensured the event proceeded smoothly, creating a magical and memorable experience for everyone present.

The day also celebrated the 64th anniversary of St. Ann’s Church, giving thanks for the blessings of our shared journey of faith since 1960.

The celebration was a resounding success, reflecting the spirit of Advent and the vibrant life of our parish community.

Enjoy the Live Stream of the Event: https://youtube.com/live/WJ2ypA-Fa-E

Fr James Raj
St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill

Celebrate the Christmas Season at St. Ann’s

Join Us in the Spirit of Christmas

As the festive season approaches, we warmly invite you to celebrate the joy and faith of Christmas with us at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill. This special time of year is a moment for us to gather as a parish family, reflecting on the love, hope, and peace that the birth of Christ brings.

Upcoming Events:

• 8th December 2024 – Mass and Christmas Lights Ceremony
  • 4:00 PM: Celebrate Mass with us and enjoy the switching on of the Christmas lights at 5:00 PM. This joyful tradition marks the beginning of the Advent season, followed by refreshments for all.
• 21st December 2024 – Advent Reconciliation Service
  • 5:15 PM: Candlelight Adoration to prepare spiritually for the Christmas season
• 24th December 2024 – Christmas Eve
  • 6:30 PM: Carol Service to set the festive tone.
  • 7:00 PM: Christmas Vigil Mass with a special Nativity Play performed by our parish children, bringing the story of Christ’s birth to life.
• 25th December 2024 – Christmas Day
  • 10:30 AM: Christmas Day Mass, celebrating the birth of our Saviour with faith and thanksgiving.
• 31st December 2024 – New Year’s Eve
  • 11:15 PM: Eucharistic Thanksgiving Adoration, leading into the New Year Mass. Welcome 2025 in prayer and gratitude.

A Special Invitation from Fr. James Raj

In a heartfelt letter, Fr. James Raj has extended his warmest wishes to all parishioners, inviting everyone to participate in these celebrations and to experience the joy of coming together as a faith community. He writes:
“Together, as a faith family, let us continue to build a community of joy and unity, promoting peace and solace to one another.”

You can read his full letter below:

Christmas Lights Switching-On Ceremony

Join us for a special family evening as we light up St. Anne’s Catholic Church for the Christmas season!

📅 Date: Sunday, 8th December 2024
🕓 Time: After the 4:00 pm Mass
📍 Location: St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill, KT2 7LX

We warmly invite all parishioners and families to attend this festive event. Come together as we switch on the Christmas lights, both inside and outside the church, followed by refreshments. Let’s celebrate the start of Advent in the spirit of joy and community.

We look forward to seeing you there!