My dear parish family,

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks with deep tenderness to His disciples: “I will not leave you orphaned.” (John 14:18). These words reveal the heart of God — a love that is personal, protective, faithful, and comforting. The love of Christ is not distant or cold. It is a love that carries, embraces, heals, and remains close to us even in moments of fear, loneliness, confusion, and uncertainty. The prophet Isaiah beautifully reminds us: “Can a mother forget her child? Even if she forgets, I will never forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15). God’s love is greater than every human limitation. Even when the world changes, His presence remains constant.

Many people today silently carry burdens within their hearts — anxiety, disappointments, loneliness, struggles within families, or uncertainty about the future. Yet the Risen Lord gently reminds us that we are never abandoned. Every Eucharist becomes an embrace of God’s faithful love. Every prayer becomes a reminder that Christ walks with us. The Holy Spirit continues to guide, strengthen, and renew us. As a parish family, may we also become signs of that same compassionate love to one another — through kindness, welcome, encouragement, and simple acts of care. A loving community itself becomes a reflection of God’s presence among His people.

THANK YOU FOR THE 10TH ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Last Sunday was truly a joyful and grace-filled occasion for our parish family as Fr James Raj celebrated his 10th Ordination Anniversary. The parish extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed through prayers, love, support, organisation, music, decorations, hospitality, and generous encouragement. It was a beautiful celebration of priesthood, community, and thanksgiving. The warmth and affection shown by parishioners made the occasion deeply memorable and a true witness to the loving spirit of St Ann’s parish family.

BIRTHDAY WISHES TO SISTER URSULA

We warmly wish Sister Ursula many happy returns of the day as she celebrated her birthday this Saturday. We thank God for the gift of her life, her faithful ministry, and her loving service within our parish community and beyond. Through catechism, prayer, pastoral care, and her gentle witness of faith, she continues to touch many lives. We also express sincere gratitude to the Holy Cross Congregation for their generous support and service to the Church.

SUMMER TEA AT MARYMOUNT SCHOOL – Friday 15 May 2026

All parishioners are warmly invited to the “Summer Tea” gathering hosted by the Grade 8 students of Marymount School on Friday 15 May 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The afternoon will include tea, refreshments, craft activities, and an opportunity to learn more about the school community and the Sisters of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. Everyone is encouraged to attend and support this beautiful occasion of friendship and community building.

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

This Thursday, 14 May 2026, the parish will celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord with Holy Mass at 10:00 a.m. All parishioners are warmly invited to join this important feast in the life of the Church.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – TEA & COFFEE TEAM

As our parish family continues to grow, additional volunteers are needed to support the Tea and Coffee ministry after Masses and parish gatherings. The parish hopes to form additional teams so that the ministry of welcome and hospitality can continue to flourish. Those interested are kindly invited to speak with Sister Ursula.

CONFIRMATION APPLICATION FORMS AVAILABLE NEXT WEEK

Application forms for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be available from next week onwards. Further information regarding preparation sessions and programme dates will be announced shortly.

VISIT OF THE NATIONAL PILGRIM VIRGIN STATUE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

St Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill, will be blessed to host the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima together with the relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco on Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May 2026. The visitation will include procession, Holy Mass, Rosary, Holy Hour with Confessions, Benediction, Divine Mercy Chaplet, a Fatima talk, Brown Scapular enrolment, and veneration of the relics. All are warmly invited to take part in this special time of prayer and devotion.

YOUTH GROUP MEETING – Saturday 13 June 2026

The next Youth Group meeting will take place on Saturday 13 June 2026 at 4:30 p.m. in the priest’s house meeting room and will be led by Celia. Young people are warmly encouraged to attend this valuable opportunity for friendship, faith, and personal development.

FAMILY MASS – Sunday 24 May 2026

The next Family Mass will take place on Sunday 24 May 2026 at 10:30 a.m. All altar servers are requested to arrive at the sacristy 15 minutes earlier. Parish families are warmly encouraged to join together in prayer and thanksgiving.

JOURNEYING IN FAITH – SCRIPTURE, TRADITION, AND STORY

Our parish continues its “Journeying in Faith” gatherings inspired by Luke 10:39, encouraging parishioners to deepen their relationship with God through Scripture, Tradition, prayer, and shared reflection. Bible Study with Fr James will take place on Friday 15 May at 7:30 p.m., and the next Spiritual Evening will be held on Tuesday 9 June at 7:30 p.m. with a talk by Patricia. Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be available.

ST ANN’S CAMPUS WELL-BEING INITIATIVES

St Ann’s continues to promote a holistic approach to well-being through parish initiatives that support harmony of body, mind, and spirit. The weekly 60+ Club meets every Wednesday from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the parish hall, offering companionship, activities, and support. Meditation, Breath and Yoga Exercise sessions are also held every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., focusing on Christian meditation, breathing exercises, and gentle movement for well-being.

6th Sunday of Easter

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus,

Recently, many of us around the world were moved by a tragic incident from Jabalpur in India. A tourist cruise boat capsized in the Bargi Dam reservoir on the Narmada River. Among those who lost their lives were a mother, Marina Massey, and her four-year-old son, Trishaan.

Rescuers later shared something deeply heartbreaking.

When they recovered the bodies, the little child was still pressed tightly against the mother’s chest, as though in her final moments she was still trying to protect her son. Even in the face of death, her instinct was not fear for herself, but protection for her child. The incident touched the hearts of many because it revealed something sacred about love.

A parents’ love does not calculate.
A parents’ love holds on.
A parents’ love protects even in suffering.

And today, when we listen to the words of Jesus in the Gospel, we discover that same tenderness in the heart of God.

Jesus says: “I will not leave you orphaned.” ( John 14:18)

These are not simply comforting words.
These are words flowing from the heart of divine love.

In the Old Testament, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah:

“Can a woman forget her baby at the breast, or fail to cherish the son of her womb? Yet even if these forget, I will never forget you.” — Book of Isaiah 49:15

What a powerful image.

God compares His love to the love of a mother carrying a child in her womb. In our spirituality it is called wombish love of the lord. This womb-like compassion is one of the deepest expressions of mercy. God is not distant. God carries us within His own heart.

And Jesus becomes the living face of that love.

He knows the Cross is near.
He knows betrayal is near.
He knows suffering is near.

Yet His concern is for His people:
“I will not leave you orphaned.”

On the Cross, Christ stretches out His arms over humanity just as that mother held her child tightly against herself. He absorbs pain, suffering, rejection, loneliness — all to protect and save His children.

My dear brothers and sisters,
many times after catechism, I quietly observe our children. When they return to their parents, some of them run to their mothers, rest their heads on their mother’s bosom, and suddenly all anxiety disappears. There is warmth. Safety. Peace. No explanation is needed. Presence itself heals them.

That is what God does for us.

Every Mass is an embrace of God.
Every Eucharist is Christ holding you close.
Every prayer is resting your soul upon the heart of God.

Many people today carry silent loneliness. Externally they smile, but internally they feel abandoned, wounded, or orphaned.

Today Jesus reminds us:
“You are not abandoned.”
“You are not forgotten.”
“I still hold you.”

Even if the world changes…
Even if people disappoint…
Even if life becomes uncertain…

The love of Christ remains.

St. Augustine of Hippo beautifully said:
“Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”

And perhaps true spirituality is exactly this:
learning to rest in the embrace of God.

So today, do not be afraid to lean on Him.
Speak to Him.
Cry before Him.
Rest in Him.

Because beneath all the noise of life, there is still a divine voice whispering to your soul:

“I will not leave you orphaned.”