Parish Feast of St Ann’s – Sunday 27 July 2025

We joyfully celebrated the Feast of St Ann, our beloved patroness – mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandmother of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Mass, celebrated on the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, reflected the theme of prayer, drawn from the Gospel of the day where the disciples ask Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” In this spirit, we entrusted our parish families, grandparents, and young parents to the care and intercession of St Ann – model of quiet strength and faithful love.

After the 10:30 am Mass, parishioners gathered in the garden for a beautiful celebration with live dosa, barbecue, singing, dancing, and joyful fellowship. A heartfelt thank you to all volunteers, sponsors, and participants who made this day a true celebration of our community spirit.

May St Ann continue to guide and bless our parish family as we grow together in prayer, service, and love.

“St Ann, patroness of families – pray for us.”

Parish Announcements

Double Glazing Project – Appeal for Support

The presbytery at St Ann’s urgently needs to replace its single-glazed iron windows and doors with energy-efficient double glazing. The approved quote is £28,500. We kindly invite your support:

Bank Transfer:
Account Name: RCAS Kingston Hill
Sort Code: 60-50-01
Account Number: 79124429
Reference: Double Glazing

QR Code donations are also available at the back of the church.
Thank you for your generosity and support.

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Hall Hire at St Ann’s

Looking for a venue? Our Parish Hall is available for hire — ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, and family gatherings. With 60+ parking spaces, tables, chairs, kitchen access, and a garden view, it’s perfect for your celebrations. Contact us at kingstonhill@rcaos.org.uk to enquire.

HOMILY: “Teach Us to Pray – Journeying from Words to Silence”
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) Luke 11:1–13 | Colossians 2:12–14

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We hear a beautiful and deeply human moment in the Gospel today. The disciples — having walked with Jesus, eaten with Him, seen His miracles, witnessed His silences — now finally ask: “Lord, teach us to pray.”
Not teach us to lead, or to heal, or to speak well. But teach us to pray.

And how fitting it is that on this day — our Parish Feast of St Ann’s — we reflect on that very longing. For St Ann, the grandmother of Jesus, is remembered not through words, but through her silent strength, her prayerfulness, and the grace of a life hidden in God.

That simple request from the disciples touches the heart of Christian life. And I tell you – every saint, every holy man and woman, every parent, priest, and child who has truly known God – has come to that moment: “Lord, I want to go deeper. Teach me to pray.”

I. The Journey with Jesus – Not Always Clear, but Always Transformative

Let’s go back a bit.

Jesus called the disciples. Ordinary people. Fishermen. Tax collectors. Men with their own struggles and searchings. He didn’t demand perfection — only one thing: “Follow me.”

And they followed. But the road wasn’t smooth. They failed. They doubted. Peter sank. Thomas questioned. James and John wanted to call down fire.

Isn’t that our story too?

• In marriage, there are moments of joy and light — but also of dryness and struggle.
• In priestly life, there are moments of deep fire — and also of fatigue.
• In student life, there are breakthroughs — and also blocks and boredom.

Yet in all this, the disciples stayed with Jesus. Even when they didn’t understand Him. Even when they fell asleep while He prayed.

And then, finally, they say — “Lord, teach us to pray.” That one moment shows not just curiosity — it shows hunger. A desire for depth.

That request is not casual. It’s like a child going to their parent and saying, “Can you teach me?” And every parent knows the joy of that. It is a moment you never forget. And that’s what the disciples did.

II. The Lord’s Prayer – A Revolution of the Heart

Jesus doesn’t give them a formula. He gives them a relationship.

“Father… Abba…”
He teaches them to surrender —
To ask for daily bread.
To forgive and be forgiven.
To trust that God is not distant, but near.

It is a prayer of trust, dependence, and love.

IV. The Mass – The Highest Form of Prayer

My dear people, this Holy Mass — this Feast Day — is the highest form of prayer.
Not just the priest praying, but all of us — the entire Parish Family of St Ann’s — lifting our hearts together.

As the Gospel says: “Where two or three gather in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)
He is among us now. He listens now.
He comes to us — Body and Blood — not just to be received, but to renew us.

V. Prayer Is the Power that Moves Us Forward

So let me say this clearly, especially to those who are tired, or facing a time of dryness:

In your moments of confusion — don’t give up.
In your moments of silence — don’t walk away.
In your doubts — keep journeying.

For Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9)

Conclusion – A Call to Stillness

So today, as we celebrate the Feast of St Ann, let us echo the disciples’ humble plea:
“Lord, teach us to pray.”

Let prayer be our strength — not just in moments of joy, but in dryness too.

And may St Ann, woman of quiet faith, guide us to grow deeper in prayer, and stronger in trust, as one family in Christ. Amen.

 

Important Dates for the Diary