4th Sunday of Easter – 11th May 2025
Divine Mercy Sunday – 27 April 2025
Fourth Sunday of Easter (4th May 2025)
🕊️ Stewardship & Planned Giving Drive – Week 2
This weekend the second of our three-week journey of Stewardship and Planned Giving. As a parish, we are invited to prayerfully reflect on how we can joyfully offer our time, talents, and financial support to strengthen our community.
- Week 1: A Call to Gratitude and Stewardship
- Week 2: Parish Finances & Mission – members of the Finance Committee will speak at all Masses.
- Week 3: Pledge Sunday – an invitation to renew our commitments.
💚 Garden Care Teams – Volunteers Needed!
We’re forming three garden teams:
- St. Francis Garden (front),
- Our Lady’s Garden (right lawn),
- St. Ann’s Front Garden (entrance).
Please contact Fr. James if you’d like to join or lead a team.
🔔 Parish Gratitude
We sincerely thank the donor who gifted our parish a lawn mower, blower, and trimmer — making garden maintenance easier.
💻 Share the Joy – Leave a Review!
Rate St. Ann’s R.C. Church, Kingston Hill on Google Maps or scan the QR code at church. Your kind words will help others find our faith-filled community.
📧 Email: kingstonhill@rcaos.org.uk
📞 Tel: 020 8546 8732
🌐 Website: www.stannskingstonhill.org.uk
Homily – Stewardship Drive Week 2: “When Love Is the Currency”
St. Ann’s Catholic Parish, Kingston Hill
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus,
Today’s homily is personal. Over the past eight months, since I arrived at St. Ann’s in September 2024, I’ve rarely spoken about finances – not because there was nothing to say, but because I believe that in the Church, people and ministry come first. I believe deeply that when we put God and His people at the centre, everything else will follow—including what we need to sustain our parish.
But today, as we continue into Week 2 of our Stewardship and Planned Giving Drive, I feel it is important to share something openly, not to burden, but to build trust—and to give thanks.
When I arrived, the parish’s financial situation was difficult as it was for last few years. We had very little to manage with. Still, I didn’t want to begin by talking about money. I came with one prayer in my heart: “Lord, let this be a church that lives Your Word and Your mission—a place of mercy and solace.” I asked myself: If I were a parishioner here, what kind of church would I want to belong to? And I worked toward that vision—humbly, step by step—praying to St. Ann, and walking with all of you.
Let me be clear: in these months, I have not taken my monthly stipend of £148. I have not claimed travel expenses, food costs, or anything beyond what was absolutely needed. Friends and our church volunteers have supported me—one provides food, another helps with the house. I started to do manual works in the church as well to reduce the expenses. This is not about sacrifice—it is about love.
And yet, even in our struggle, God has been generous through you. Through many of your generosity for particular purpose or through your regular offerings. Our parish is growing. People love coming here. They feel warmth, welcome, and the beauty of our liturgies and garden. But if that growth is to continue, we must step forward together—not just spiritually, but practically.
A Personal Story: Allow me to share a short story—not to elevate myself, but to reveal a lesson I learned years ago.
In seminary, my father visited me once a month. I’d ask for pocket money, and he always gave it, though at times reluctantly. He thought I was wasteful, showy. He didn’t know that I was using that money to support a fellow seminarian’s family—paying tuition for his brother, helping them survive. One day, in my third year while I was away at a football match, my father visited and while waiting for me accidently met that seminarian. As they spoke, the young man thanked my father for what I had been doing—and explained everything. My father was deeply moved. He later came to me and said: “I misunderstood you. I’m sorry.”
From that day on, he gave freely.
That story isn’t about money. It’s about how when we give quietly, without recognition, God multiplies the grace. He changes hearts. That’s the spirit I bring into this work. To God alone be the glory.
As you can read in our Week 2 stewardship booklet sent by the diocese for our stewardship drive, our parish has run at a deficit for the past few years. This is not sustainable long-term. Like every household, we must pay for: Gas and electricity, Council tax, The diocesan levy (30% of income), General upkeep, Emergency repairs (roof, heating), Sacramental and pastoral needs and salary and upkeeping of the Parish priest.
We receive no funding from the Vatican or the government. We survive only by the grace of God—and your generosity. This is not an appeal for luxury. This is about stability.
Stewardship: A Matter of the Heart
Stewardship is not about large cheques or pressure. Even £5 or £10 a week by standing order makes a real difference. What matters is not the amount—but the heart behind it.
If you’re a UK taxpayer, please consider signing up for Gift Aid. It adds 25% to your offering at no extra cost to you—money that helps us deeply.
Conclusion: This is Our Church
St. Ann’s is not a project. It is a family. And families grow strong when everyone plays a part.
I promise you: every penny you give will be used wisely, transparently, and for the mission of the Church. So please, I ask you—pray about your part. Give if you can. And next week, on Pledge Sunday, let’s all come together and say: “This is my parish. This is my faith. I will be part of it.”
Let us build a Church not just of bricks, but of hearts. And let us do it together. Amen.
Important Dates for the Diary
🕊 Lent & Holy Week 2025 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church 🕊
As we begin our Lenten journey, we invite you to walk with us in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter. 🌿🙏
📖 Get your copy of the Lenten Journey Booklet from St. Anne’s to guide your reflections this season!
🔹 Key Dates
📌 Ash Wednesday – 5th March (Mass at 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM)
📌 Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 7:20 PM (after 7:00 PM Mass)
📌 Lenten Reconciliation Service – 5th April, 5:00 PM (followed by Vigil Mass)
📌 Palm Sunday – 13th April, 10:30 AM Procession & Mass
📌 Good Friday – 18th April, 2:00 PM Way of the Cross, 3:00 PM Passion Service
📌 Easter Sunday – 20th April, 10:30 AM Mass & Celebration 🎉
Join us on this journey of faith and renewal as we prepare for the Resurrection of Christ! 🌟
