Our Winter Celebration was a truly joyful occasion, bringing together more than 100 parishioners, including many children, seniors, and couples. The day was filled with laughter, fellowship, and a deep sense of community.
We were blessed with an abundance of delicious food, generously shared by everyone, with plenty to go around. The Social Committee, Welcome Committee, and Tea & Coffee Team did a fantastic job ensuring that everything ran smoothly, from logistics to hospitality.
The venue at Holy Cross Preparatory School provided a wonderful space for our gathering. Children enjoyed both indoor and outdoor areas, while the Holy Mass was celebrated in a dedicated hall. The games and shared meal took place in another spacious hall, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable time together.
A heartfelt thank you to Holy Cross Preparatory School, George Road, for their generosity in welcoming us and making this event possible. Their kindness in providing the space contributed greatly to the warmth and success of the celebration.
This was truly a beautiful way for our parish family to come together before the Lenten season. Thank you to everyone who participated, helped, and shared in this memorable day!
Parish Synodal Team Meeting at St. Ann’s Catholic Church
On 9th February 2025, St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill, held a Parish Synodal Team Meeting, bringing together committee leads, catechists, parish representatives, and community members to review and strengthen the pastoral mission of the parish.
Commissioning Ceremony & Opening Session
The day began with a Commissioning Ceremony during the Mass, where members of the Parish Synodal Team were officially blessed and sent forth in their ministries. This spiritual moment underscored their commitment to serving the parish community with faith and dedication.
Following the Mass, the Parish Synodal Team Meeting commenced at 3:00 PM, structured around an agenda that focused on strengthening parish collaboration and planning for the liturgical seasons.
Key Discussions & Outcomes
The meeting covered essential areas of parish life and ministry, including:
✅ Reviewing the Guidelines for the Parish Synodal Team – Ensuring that parish activities align with the Call to Bear Fruit vision and the universal Parish General model.
✅ Lenten & Easter Preparations – Plans for Ash Wednesday, the Way of the Cross, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter were discussed to enhance spiritual participation.
✅ Annual Calendar Review – Key dates for parish activities were confirmed, ensuring a structured and engaging year ahead.
✅ Pilgrimage Church Development – Strengthening St. Ann’s role as a pilgrimage church, encouraging prayer, adoration, and devotion.
✅ Sacramental Programmes – Updates on First Holy Communion (Christy) and Confirmation (Celia) were presented, ensuring well-organised faith formation for children.
✅ Parish Engagement & Community Building – Plans for upcoming initiatives, including:
Gardening Improvements to enhance the parish grounds.
Indoor Community Get-Together on 23rd February for fellowship and faith sharing.
“Called to Bear Fruit” Initiative aimed at deepening community participation and discussion on the document among parishioners.
A Model of Synodality & Collaboration
The Parish Synodal Team, made up of 25 active members, represents a diverse group including:
Young Enthusiastic Families representing parish life
This structure fosters shared responsibility, enhanced communication, and a more engaged faith community.
Looking Ahead
With a successful meeting concluded, the parish remains committed to listening, planning, and journeying together in faith. The next Parish Synodal Team meetings are scheduled for June and October 2025, focusing on upgrading parish activities and preparing for Advent and Christmas.
We extend our gratitude to all participants for their dedication and look forward to a fruitful year of faith, service, and community building.
Gardening Day for Kids: A Joyful Success at St. Ann’s Catholic Church
On February 2nd, after the 10:30 am Mass, St. Ann’s Catholic Church hosted a delightful Gardening Day for children. Twenty-eight enthusiastic young participants were commissioned to the Parish Gardening Team, each bringing their own tools and excitement. Under the guidance of Lourdes and Romula, the children worked for 45 minutes in the church’s front garden, while parents enjoyed the joyful atmosphere and camaraderie. The weather was splendid, adding to the day’s success. The next Gardening Day is scheduled for April 27th. We look forward to seeing even more children and families join us for this wonderful community event.
We are happy to announce that St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill, has launched a new YouTube channel! This platform will help us reach and engage with more people, allowing us to share Masses, reflections, and other church events online.
Additionally, new contact cards are now available at the back of the church, along with updated sacrament forms and pamphlets. These resources are designed to help everyone navigate church information quickly and stay connected more easily. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these tools to deepen your connection with our parish community.
On September 15, following our Sunday Mass, we were delighted to officially launch our new parish website. The launch was a joyful moment, with participation from families, children, and our elders. Our children had the honor of unveiling the website, marking a special milestone for our community. Afterward, we gathered for refreshments, where everyone appreciated the simplicity and elegance of the website’s design. It was a wonderful day, filled with fellowship and excitement for this new chapter in our parish’s digital presence.
