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🕊 A Tribute from St. Ann’s Parish

In loving memory of Pope Francis (1936–2025)

“Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of hope.” – Pope Francis

It felt as if he waited.

On Easter Monday, just after the Church had proclaimed Alleluia, Pope Francis quietly entered into the promise he spent his life proclaiming. It was as though he needed to hear the Resurrection echo through the Church one last time — to see the stone rolled away — before stepping into the arms of the Risen Lord.

Here at St. Ann’s, Kingston Hill, we mourn his passing with deep affection and great gratitude.

He was more than a pope to us — he was a shepherd with the smell of the sheep, a father to the forgotten, a voice for the voiceless. He walked with a limp, sometimes misunderstood, often burdened, but always with love. He reminded us that holiness is not perfection, but presence — a way of showing up with mercy, even when the road is hard.

From his first gesture — bowing and asking us to pray for him — Pope Francis taught us that true authority kneels, and real leadership is marked by compassion.

“The thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful.”

He chose simplicity when grandeur was offered. He brought the joy of the Gospel to the margins. He didn’t just talk about mercy — he embodied it.

He reminded us that the Church is not a museum of saints but a field hospital for sinners.

And now, just after Easter, he has gone home.
Not with grand words, but with a final homily — preached in silence, through the quiet timing of his death.

“A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.”

We at St. Anne’s give thanks for his life, his witness, and his love.
He has finished the race. And what he leaves behind is more than memory — it is a call.

A call to live more gently.
To serve more humbly.
To love more fully.
To hope more boldly.

May the Risen Christ, whom he followed so faithfully, now welcome him into eternal joy.

Rest in peace, Holy Father. And thank you.
— St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill

A Mass in memory of Pope Francis

will be celebrated at St. Ann’s on Saturday at 12:00 noon.
We invite all parishioners to join us in prayer for the eternal repose of his soul and in thanksgiving for his life and papacy.

Let us give thanks to God for the gift of Pope Francis, and may he now rest in the peace of the Risen Christ whom he served so faithfully.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

🕊 In Loving Memory of Pope Francis

1936 – 2025
“Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of hope.” – Pope Francis

With deep sorrow and reverence, the parish community of St. Ann’s, Kingston Hill, joins the faithful around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

A humble shepherd and tireless advocate of mercy, justice, and peace, Pope Francis inspired millions through his simplicity, his love for the poor, and his deep call to care for creation and one another. His papacy reminded us again and again that the Church must be close to the people — a “field hospital,” a home for the wounded, the lost, and the searching.

At St. Ann’s, a memorial has been placed in front of the church with flowers, light, and prayer, where parishioners and neighbours are welcome to pause and remember the life of a pope who taught us to “pray, fast, and give” with sincerity of heart.

May Pope Francis, a servant of Christ and champion of the Gospel, now rest in the eternal peace of the Risen Lord.

✝️ A Mass in memory of Pope Francis

will be celebrated at St. Ann’s on Saturday at 12:00 noon.
We invite all parishioners to join us in prayer for the eternal repose of his soul and in thanksgiving for his life and papacy.

Let us give thanks to God for the gift of Pope Francis, and may he now rest in the peace of the Risen Christ whom he served so faithfully.

🙏 Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Easter at St. Ann’s – He Is Risen, Alleluia!

The community of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill, gathered with great joy to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ during the Easter Vigil on Saturday evening and again on Easter Sunday morning.

We began in darkness, and as the Paschal Candle was carried into the church, the light of Christ slowly filled the space — symbolising Christ’s victory over sin and death. The Exsultet was sung with reverence and joy, and Scripture unfolded the great story of salvation. The ringing of bells and the return of the Gloria and Alleluia filled the church with light and celebration.

On Easter Sunday, the joy continued as parishioners and families filled the church, giving thanks for new life in Christ. After Mass, our Catechists hosted a joyful Easter Egg Hunt for the children — a beautiful sign of the life and hope we share.

This Easter, we are reminded:

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here – He is Risen!” (Luke 24:5)

The Risen Christ walks with us — in our prayers, our families, our community, and in every act of love.

🌿 Upcoming: Parish Planting Day – Sunday, 27 April

As part of our Easter journey and care for creation, we invite you and your family to join us for our Parish Planting Day on Sunday, 27 April, after the 10:30 AM Mass.

We will be planting over 300 flowers, shrubs, and grass around the church — each plant a symbol of life and remembrance. You are welcome to plant in memory of a loved one.

We will also bless and open our new Friends’ Fountain, dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, a sign of peace, simplicity, and our parish community’s unity.

All parishioners, neighbours, benefactors, and friends are warmly invited to be part of this celebration of life and faith.

From the empty tomb to blooming gardens, Easter is alive among us.
Come and be part of it — He is Risen indeed. Alleluia!

Easter Homily

“Why do you look for the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5)

My dear brothers and sisters,
We are in the Resurrection!
This is the season of life, of hope – a time that comes every year, yes –
but today, something very peculiar, very profound, stands out in the Gospel.

The women come to the tomb. They come with spices.
Their hearts are heavy.
But they are greeted not with silence –
they are greeted with a question:

“Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here – He is risen!”

My dear people, this is not just a question for them –
it is a wake-up call for us.
Every time we look for life in the wrong places…
in our past, in our pain, in brokenness, in things that are already buried –
He reminds us: I am not there. I AM RISEN.

St Paul says, “If Christ is not risen, our faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:17).
But I know – and you know –
Christ is living among us!

He lives in the Holy Eucharist,
He lives in the community of believers,
He lives in you and in me –
Every single day!

Even after the Resurrection, He walked with the broken-hearted.
He appeared to His disciples.
He joined the two on the road to Emmaus –
and what did He do?

He walked with them.
He listened.
He broke the bread –
and their eyes were opened.
And they said:
“Were not our hearts burning within us?”

That’s what the Risen Jesus does!
He sets our hearts on fire!
He turns sorrow into joy, confusion into clarity.

And He is still doing it today.
Every time you celebrate the Eucharist – He is there.
Every time two or three gather in His Name – He is there.
He is not just a memory – He is the Living Lord.

And even more –
He reconciles the sinner,
He lifts the fallen,
He restores the broken.

He looks at Peter – who denied Him three times – and says:
“Feed my sheep.”
He doesn’t shame him.
He restores him.

He does the same with us.

And see what happens when we believe in the Resurrection –
The disciples who were afraid, who hid,
who denied and doubted –
they are transformed!

Peter stands up and preaches one sermon – and 5,000 people believe!
His very shadow begins to heal the sick!

That is the power of the Risen Lord.

And today, that same Risen Christ is walking among us –
not in the tomb,
but in this very church,
in this Eucharist,
in your heart.

He is alive.
And because He lives –
you have hope.

Because He lives –
you have strength.

Because He lives –
we will rise with Him.

Let us not look for the living among the dead.
Let us live with the fire of the Resurrection!
Let our hearts burn with His Word.
Let our lives shine with His joy.
Let our faith rise up and say –
He is not here… He is Risen! Alleluia!

Good Friday at St Ann’s

A Night of Love and Service

On Thursday evening, the parish of St. Anne’s, Kingston Hill, came together to begin the Sacred Triduum with a deeply moving Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

The church was well attended, and the spirit of prayer and reflection was beautifully present throughout the liturgy.

The highlight of the evening was the Washing of the Feet, where twelve parishioners symbolically received the gesture of Christ’s humility and service. This act reminded us that true discipleship is found not in power, but in love that stoops to serve.

We also received the Three Holy Oils blessed at the Chrism Mass — the Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Sick, and Sacred Chrism — which will be used throughout the year in our sacramental life.

The celebration concluded with the Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and many remained in silent adoration, keeping watch with the Lord in His hour of solitude.

We thank all who attended and supported the liturgy — may the love of Christ, who gave Himself for us, remain alive in our hearts.

“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)

Good Friday Homily

“When the Crowd Chooses Barabbas”

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

There is something deeply painful about today’s liturgy. Not just because we remember the crucifixion, but because we are forced to confront the human heart — and the crowd’s heart — when it turns away from love.

I remember during my seminary days, we had what was called Community Day. The whole seminary, about 300 of us, was split into two large groups. For a full week, we entered into spirited competitions — sports, debates, stage plays, creative arts — all meant to build unity and camaraderie. In theory, it was a beautiful celebration. In practice, sometimes, it exposed the darker sides of us.

One year, I was part of a group that had to put on a stage performance. The other team had designed an artistic tree as part of their set. During the performance, a gust of wind caused the tree to shake slightly. Some members of my group insisted this was a violation of the rules and demanded the team be disqualified.

A handful of voices turned into a mob. Even mature, level-headed seminarians lost their balance. They shouted, protested, and tore down what was supposed to be a celebration of community. The rest of the week was full of boycotts, divisions, chants against the organising committee, and hostility. It was no longer about truth or fairness — it became about noise, emotion, dominance.

And in moments like that, I realised something: all it takes is two or three voices, and a crowd can be led astray.

And so we come to Good Friday.

There, too, was a crowd.
The same crowd that sang “Hosanna!” just days earlier…
…now yells “Crucify Him!”
And in one of the most chilling moments of the Passion, Pilate asks them,

“Whom shall I release to you — Jesus, or Barabbas?”

And they choose Barabbas.

Barabbas — a man guilty of violence, rebellion, and crime — is released.
Jesus — the one who healed their sick, touched their hearts, dined with sinners, forgave the broken — is handed over.

And the people go silent. Those whom He healed, loved, defended — they are there, but say nothing.
The mob wins.

This is not just history. It is humanity.

Today, culture and emotion still have the power to drown truth.
Voices online, peer pressure, trends, and selfish values take over.
We live in a time where the criminal is often released and Christ is crucified again — not on a hill, but in our homes, in our culture, in our choices.

The culture of self, of pride, of moral confusion is loud.
And if we’re not careful, we can be swept up in it — even without knowing.

So what do we do?

We must learn to step back.
To become what I call the third person in your own story.

When you face a conflict, a temptation, or confusion — don’t stand inside the storm. Step outside it. Become a third person. View your situation not with emotion, but with Christ’s eyes.

You do that for others — when someone tells you their problem, you give them wise, calm advice.
But when the problem is yours, you lose clarity.

So do what Jesus did — remain rooted in truth, even when the crowd shouts.
Don’t let culture think for you. Don’t let noise define your choices.

Christ or Barabbas?

That is the question today.
Not for the crowd. But for you.

• In your daily choices
• In your values
• In your relationships
• In how you treat others when emotions rise
• In how you parent your children, form your conscience, or respond to pressure

Do you choose Barabbas — what’s easy, popular, safe?
Or do you choose Jesus — the way of love, truth, and sacrifice?

Final Word

Jesus stands silently today. Bruised. Rejected.
Still offering love, still hoping for your “yes.”

Let this Good Friday open our eyes. Let us not stand with the shouting crowd, but with the crucified Christ.

Let us not release the criminal, but hold on to God. Amen.

Maundy Thursday at St Ann’s

A Night of Love and Service

On Thursday evening, the parish of St. Anne’s, Kingston Hill, came together to begin the Sacred Triduum with a deeply moving Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

The church was well attended, and the spirit of prayer and reflection was beautifully present throughout the liturgy.

The highlight of the evening was the Washing of the Feet, where twelve parishioners symbolically received the gesture of Christ’s humility and service. This act reminded us that true discipleship is found not in power, but in love that stoops to serve.

We also received the Three Holy Oils blessed at the Chrism Mass — the Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Sick, and Sacred Chrism — which will be used throughout the year in our sacramental life.

The celebration concluded with the Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and many remained in silent adoration, keeping watch with the Lord in His hour of solitude.

We thank all who attended and supported the liturgy — may the love of Christ, who gave Himself for us, remain alive in our hearts.

“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)

Maundy Thursday Homily: “To Wash is to Love”

Dear brothers and sisters,

Tonight is not just the beginning of the Triduum. Tonight is the beginning of a love so deep, so holy, and so tender, it cannot be explained—only received.

In the upper room, under the shadows of betrayal and denial, Jesus does something astonishing. He takes off His outer robe, kneels down, and begins to wash the feet of His disciples. Yes—even Judas. Yes—even Peter, who will soon deny Him.

He doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t withdraw. He moves toward the mess of our humanity.

Two Washings: One of Mercy, One of Escape

There are two kinds of washing we see in these final hours of Jesus’ life.

One is the washing of Pontius Pilate—a man who washes his hands to avoid responsibility.
Pilate stands before truth, before the unjust condemnation of an innocent man, and he washes to say: “I want no part of this. This isn’t mine to deal with.”
He washes to distance himself from the pain of others.
He washes for justice denied.

But then, we see another washing—Jesus bending low, taking the dust-covered feet of His disciples, and washing them with His own hands.

Not to escape responsibility—but to embrace it.
Not to protect Himself—but to give Himself.
Not to run from suffering—but to walk into it.
He kneels, not because He is weak, but because love stoops low.

He who is Teacher, Master, Lord, and Son of God, takes the posture of a servant—no, more than a servant: a slave. And He says: “Do you understand what I have done for you?”

He Loved Them to the End

He washes Judas, knowing he will betray Him with a kiss.
He washes Peter, knowing he will curse and deny Him.
He washes the rest, knowing they will abandon Him in His hour of need.

Still, He loves. Still, He gives.
Not reacting, but radiating.
Not condemning, but cleansing.

Tonight, Jesus shows us what love really means—not a feeling, but a decision to give yourself away completely.
“This is My Body, given for you.”
“This is My Blood, poured out for you.”

And then—He gives a new command: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

He does not say: “Be correct. Be admired. Be powerful.”
He says: “Love.” And to love, in His terms, is to give all—to wash the feet of the undeserving, to bend low even when you’re the highest.

Tonight Is a Mirror

This night, dear friends, is not for spectators. It is a mirror.
It asks:

• Will you wash like Jesus, or like Pilate?
• Will you take up the towel, or wash your hands of the world’s pain?
• Will you run toward the broken, or protect yourself from inconvenience?
• Will you offer your heart, or retreat into comfort?

Tonight, the heart of God is on display. A heart that is not reactive, but radiant.
A heart that is not disturbed by betrayal, denial, or failure, but remains faithful to the end.

His Sacred Heart is not conditional. It does not give up.
Your weakness does not change His tenderness.
Your sin does not cancel His service.
Your silence does not silence His love.

Conclusion: Let This Night Change You

Tonight is not just about what Jesus did.
It is about what He invites us to become.

Let this sacred night soften your heart. Let it call you out of self-protection.
Let it draw you into a love that does not wait to be understood, or thanked, or praised—but simply gives.

Because to love like Christ is to bend, to serve, and to wash—even when your hands are pierced. Amen.

Pilgrimage of Hope – Marymount School’s Walk to St Ann’s

Tuesday, 1st April 2025 marked a special moment of grace and solidarity at St Ann’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill, as we welcomed students and staff from Marymount School for a Pilgrimage Walk inspired by the theme: Pilgrims of Hope – Walking with Creation, Walking with Compassion.

The pilgrims journeyed through Richmond Park to reach St Ann’s, embracing nature as sacred and seeing their footsteps as a form of prayer. Their walk supported a powerful cause – raising funds for their sister school in Zambia, especially towards the development of a science lab. But even more, it became a spiritual offering of compassion and hope.

Fr James Raj opened the service with a heartfelt welcome, reminding everyone that “this is not just a walk across distance, but a journey of the heart – a moment to encounter God in nature, in one another, and within.”

The prayer service featured:

• A moving Opening Prayer invoking God’s presence in creation.
• A reflective reading of Psalm 104, highlighting the wonders of nature.
• A beautiful rendition of St Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures, celebrating all elements of creation as brothers and sisters.
• Intercessory Prayers calling for peace, justice, education, and ecological care.

Fr James Raj also shared a short reflection, inviting the young pilgrims to see this not as a one-time event, but the beginning of a lifelong walk in faith, compassion, and environmental stewardship.

The service concluded with a special blessing:
“May the earth support your steps and the wind carry your prayers.”

🌎✨ We thank Marymount School for their spirit of unity and care, and we pray that their walk continues to echo love and change in the lives they touch – near and far.

Foodbank Collection Drive

Foodbank Collection Drive An Act of Solidarity during Lent by St Ann’s Parish Family

Dear Parishioners,

In response to the growing needs in our local community, we are launching a Food Collection Drive at Sunday Masses to support the Kingston Foodbank.

The foodbank currently serves 50–75 client families weekly from the downtown Kingston distribution point, with even more served in other parts of the city. Clients include the homeless, refugees, recent arrivals, and families facing financial hardship. This is our opportunity to respond in love and faith.

Let this be our Lenten act of solidarity – a way to live out the Gospel by feeding the hungry and caring for our neighbours.

🛒 Collection baskets will be placed in the church entrance beginning next Sunday.

You are invited to donate any of the following items:

Most Needed Food Items:

• Tinned meat (ham, hot dogs, corned beef, stews)
• Tinned vegetables (corn, carrots, peas, mixed veg)
• Baked beans
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Long-life milk (UHT)
• Rice and tinned tomatoes
• Tinned fruit and custard
• Instant noodles and packet soup
• Peanut butter and jam
• Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
• Cereal and porridge oats
• Cooking oil and sugar

Toiletries and Household Items:

• Shampoo and soap
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Toilet paper
• Laundry detergent
• Sanitary products
• Baby wipes and nappies (various sizes)

Every item you give is a sign of hope to someone in need. Let us join hands and make a difference together.

With gratitude,
Fr. James Raj
St. Ann’s Catholic Parish, Kingston Hill

Altar Servers at St Ann’s Catholic Church

At St Ann’s, altar serving is more than a task – it is a ministry, a calling, and a privilege. Our altar servers play a vital role in the celebration of the Eucharist, assisting the priest and helping the congregation enter more deeply into the mystery of the Mass.

Whether you’re a new server or have been serving for years, this Altar Servers’ Booklet is a helpful guide to support your journey. It includes:

• An understanding of the Mass
• Step-by-step serving instructions
• Practical guidance on liturgical roles
• Prayers before and after Mass
• Monthly training details
• Notes for incense bearers and special roles

📖 Download the Altar Servers’ Booklet here
👉 Click to download the booklet PDF

“Above all, you are servers of Jesus Christ, of the eternal High Priest.” – Pope St. John Paul II

If you’ve received your First Holy Communion and are interested in joining the Altar Server Ministry, we warmly welcome you. Please speak to Fr James or contact the parish office for more details.

📍 St. A

📖 Download The Altar Servers Booklet,

Lent at St Ann’s

Lent and Holy Week 2025 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church

📍 St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Kingston Hill
📅 Lenten Season: 5th March – 20th April 2025

As we enter this sacred season of Lent, we invite all parishioners to embark on a journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter.

🕊 Ash Wednesday – 5th March

Begin Lent with the imposition of ashes as a sign of repentance and renewal.
⏰ Mass Times: 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
🔹 A Day of Fasting & Abstinence (Fasting: ages 18-59, Abstinence from meat: 14+)

📖 The Lenten Journey – Parish Booklet

To support your Lenten reflections, St. Anne’s is offering the Lenten Journey Booklet, filled with daily scripture, prayers, and reflections. Get your copy at the church or download it from our website.

🙏 Lenten Observances at St. Anne’s

🔹 Stations of the Cross – Every Friday at 7:20 PM (after 7:00 PM Mass)
🔹 Lenten Reconciliation Service – Saturday, 5th April, 5:00 PM (followed by Vigil Mass)
🔹 Lenten Lantern Walk – Friday, 14th March, 7:30 PM (Outdoor reflection walk with lanterns)
🔹 Lenten Soup & Scripture Evenings – Simple meal and Lenten reflection after Stations of the Cross

🌿 Holy Week 2025

🔹 Palm Sunday – 13th April
📌 10:30 AM – Procession with palm branches, reenacting Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem

🔹 Maundy Thursday – 17th April
📌 7:00 PM – Mass of the Lord’s Supper & Adoration at the Altar of Repose

🔹 Good Friday – 18th April
📌 2:00 PM – Outdoor Way of the Cross
📌 3:00 PM – Passion Service

🔹 Holy Saturday & Easter Vigil – 19th April
📌 7:00 PM – Fire blessing, Paschal Candle procession & First Mass of Easter

🔹 Easter Sunday – 20th April
📌 10:30 AM – Resurrection Mass, followed by tea, coffee, cake & Panettone

🌟 Join us for this Lenten journey as we walk in faith towards the joy of the Resurrection.

📖 For more details and to download the Lenten Journey Booklet,

Winter Celebration – A Joyful Gathering!

Our Winter Celebration was a truly joyful occasion, bringing together more than 100 parishioners, including many children, seniors, and couples. The day was filled with laughter, fellowship, and a deep sense of community.

We were blessed with an abundance of delicious food, generously shared by everyone, with plenty to go around. The Social Committee, Welcome Committee, and Tea & Coffee Team did a fantastic job ensuring that everything ran smoothly, from logistics to hospitality.

The venue at Holy Cross Preparatory School provided a wonderful space for our gathering. Children enjoyed both indoor and outdoor areas, while the Holy Mass was celebrated in a dedicated hall. The games and shared meal took place in another spacious hall, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable time together.

A heartfelt thank you to Holy Cross Preparatory School, George Road, for their generosity in welcoming us and making this event possible. Their kindness in providing the space contributed greatly to the warmth and success of the celebration.

This was truly a beautiful way for our parish family to come together before the Lenten season. Thank you to everyone who participated, helped, and shared in this memorable day!