Divine Mercy Sunday – Sunday 12th April 2026

St Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill

This Sunday we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday – a beautiful reminder that mercy and sacrifice stand at the very heart of our faith. The Cross of Christ reveals both: a love that gives itself completely and a mercy that never turns away. At the centre of Christianity is not power, but compassion; not control, but surrender; not judgement, but mercy.

Divine Mercy is not simply a devotion – it is a way of life. It invites us to:

• See others with understanding
• Forgive even when it is difficult
• Begin again with hope

As we hear in Scripture:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

Journeying in Faith – Parish Formation

A gentle invitation to deepen faith through Scripture, Tradition, and shared reflection.

• Bible Study (Third Fridays):
  Friday 17th April 2026 – 7:30 pm
• Spiritual Evening (Second Tuesdays):
  Tuesday 5th May 2026 – 7:30 pm
  Theme: Women in the Bible

Well-being at St Ann’s

A space for harmony of body, mind, and spirit:

• 60+ Club: Wednesdays, 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
• Meditation, Breath & Gentle Yoga: Wednesdays, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Reflexology & Healing Touch: Restorative sessions available

Upcoming Key Events

• Friday 17th April: Bible Study – 7:30 pm
• Sunday 26th April: Family Mass (10:30 am) & Children’s Gardening Activity
• Monday 27th April: First Communion Session – 5:30 pm
• Saturday & Sunday 30th–31st May:
  Visitation of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima & Relics of Saints Francisco & Jacinta
• Sunday 7th June: First Holy Communion Celebration – 12:00 noon

Giving to the Parish

Account Name: RCAS Kingston Hill
Account Number: 79124429
Sort Code: 60-50-01 (NatWest)

Thank you for your continued generosity and support.

Thank you for being part of our St Ann’s parish family.
Let us continue to pray for one another and grow together in faith, mercy, and love.

Divine Mercy Sunday – Homily (Peace Be With You)

My dear brothers and sisters,

There is a gentle moment in today’s Gospel…

A room filled with hearts searching for direction.
Relationships strained.
Minds unsettled.
Emotions moving in every direction.

And into that space, Jesus comes and says: “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)

He says it again. And again.

Because peace is the deepest need of the human heart.

This is the beauty of Divine Mercy.

After everything that has happened—betrayal, fear, the cross—Jesus returns to His own.
He returns to the same relationships.
He returns to the same people He formed for three years.

And what does He bring?

Peace.

Peace becomes the bridge.
Peace becomes the healing.
Peace becomes the future.

In every relationship—family, friendship, community—there is always a silent question:

What will remain in the end?

Christ shows us clearly:

Peace remains.
Love remains.
Mercy remains.

Even death does not have the final word. “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)

And see how Jesus moves…

He enters their situation as they are.
He understands their condition.
He speaks to their hearts.

Then gently, He lifts them.

This is the heart of Divine Mercy.

To meet someone where they are… and to lead them forward.

Sometimes in life, we are a little ahead of others—in experience, in understanding, in faith.

In those moments, Jesus teaches us a beautiful way:

Walk with them.
Give space.
Offer peace.

Because peace creates growth.

As Saint Teresa of Ávila says:

“Let nothing disturb you… God alone suffices.”

My dear friends,

The human heart often moves like waves.

Thoughts rise.
Emotions move.
Fear and anxiety appear.

Life can feel like quicksand.

Yet there is a wisdom here…

When the body becomes still,
there is clarity.
there is direction.
there is a way forward.

Peace gives that stillness.

That is why Jesus repeats:

“Peace be with you.” (John 20:21)
“Peace be with you.” (John 20:26)

Because peace slowly settles the heart,
clarifies the mind,
and strengthens the spirit.

As Saint Augustine of Hippo reminds us:

“Peace is the tranquillity of order.”

Today, the Risen Lord comes into our lives.

Into our relationships.
Into our journey.
Into our daily experiences.

And He offers this one gift:

Peace.

Peace to move forward.
Peace to understand.
Peace to grow.

Let us receive that peace today.

Let it settle within us.
Let it guide our relationships.
Let it shape our lives.

And gently, in the depth of our heart, hear Him say:

“Peace be with you.”

Amen.