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Vision Hour Report (1/3)

St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill
Vision Hour Report
Date: September 29, 2024
Fr. James Raj
Attendees: 12 Parish Members

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It brings me great joy to share with you the wonderful outcomes of our recent Vision Hour meeting, held on September 29, 2024. I was truly uplifted by the enthusiasm and the spirit of collaboration shown by all twelve parishioners who attended. This meeting was not just a time for discussions but a moment of unity, where we came together as one family in Christ, eager to envision the bright future of our parish.

The ideas that emerged were inspiring, and I am excited to see how they will help us grow together in faith and fellowship. Here’s a summary of the key points discussed:

1. Youth Involvement

One of the highlights of our meeting was the passionate conversation around engaging our youth more actively in parish life. We all agreed that it’s important to keep our young people connected to the church, especially as they transition from childhood to their teenage years. Some wonderful suggestions came up, including charity bake sales, youth-focused Masses, and giving our teens leadership roles in various parish activities.

2. Post-Confirmation Engagement

We had a vibrant discussion about keeping our young people involved even after they’ve received Confirmation. The idea of organizing regular meetups and social events for them was well-received. By allowing our youth to plan some of these activities, we will be nurturing their sense of belonging and responsibility within our parish.

3. Parish Welcoming Team

Another exciting proposal was to create a welcoming team that will greet newcomers with warmth and kindness. Giving a welcome pack for new parishioners, filled with information about our church, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. This will certainly make everyone feel right at home from the moment they walk through our doors!

4. Floral Donations

One idea that touched my heart was the suggestion to move to real floral arrangements in the church, donated by parishioners. These flowers could be dedicated to loved ones for special days and death anniversary, and their names mentioned in the newsletter. How beautiful it will be to see our church adorned with fresh flowers, representing the love and prayers of our community!

5. Choir Development

We all agreed that our choir is a vital part of our worship experience. It was encouraging to hear suggestions to invite more parishioners to join, so we can enhance the musical beauty and solemnity of our Masses. I’m already looking forward to hearing the harmonious voices lift our spirits even higher during our celebrations.

6. Family and Community Events

Finally, I am delighted to announce that we will be organizing a “Family Garden in God’s House” event. Families will have the opportunity to come together after Mass to plant flowers and greenery around the church organised by Sunday Catechism kids and teachers. This event will be a wonderful way for us to bond as a parish family, as we nurture both our community and the beauty of our church grounds.

Conclusion

I left this Vision Hour meeting with a heart full of joy and hope for the future of our parish. The ideas and plans that were shared reflect the deep love and commitment we have for our church and for one another. I am grateful to everyone who participated and contributed their thoughts and time.

I truly believe that these initiatives will bring new life to our parish, helping us grow together in faith, love, and service. I look forward to seeing these plans come to fruition in the coming months, and I encourage each of you to get involved and share your gifts with our community.

Our next Vision Hour meeting will take place in January 2025, and I can’t wait to see how much we will have achieved by then!

May God continue to bless our parish and all its members!

In Christ’s love,
Fr. James Raj

26 September 2024

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by kingstonhill