St Anne's Catholic Parish Sydenham

05/09/2026

🏆🧠 A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR QUIZ NIGHT WINNERS! 🧠🏆

What a night of fun, laughter and friendly competition! 🎉

A huge congratulations to all three teams! 👏🏽 Your knowledge, teamwork and competitive spirit certainly made the night one to remember! 😄

Thank you once again to everyone who joined us and made our first Parish Quiz Night such a wonderful success. ❤️

05/09/2026

🧠✨ A little Quiz Night throwback! ✨🧠

One week later and we’re still smiling! 😄 What an incredible evening of fun, laughter, teamwork and a little friendly competition! 🏆

Thank you once again to everyone who joined us and helped make our first Parish Quiz Night such a success. ❤️

🎥 Here’s a little look back at the memories!

05/09/2026

04/09/2026

🌟 NO PLANS THIS WEEKEND? 🌟

We’ve got TWO options for you! 🙌🏽⛪️

✨ Option 1: Liturgy workshop
✨ Option 2: Grief sharing - loss of a spouse

04/09/2026

THE GOD WHO SEES THE HEART

St Paul tells us in the First Reading that we are “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” A steward is not the owner; therefore, our responsibility is not to impress people but to remain faithful to what God has entrusted to us. As St Paul says: “It is the Lord who judges me.” (1 Cor 4:4)

Many of us live under the pressure of human judgment. We worry about what people think of our success, failures, appearance, ministry, or even our spiritual life. Sometimes, we change ourselves simply to gain approval. Yet God sees beyond appearances and looks into the heart. His judgment is what ultimately matters.

In the Gospel, people ask Jesus why His disciples do not fast like others. Jesus responds with the image of the bridegroom. His disciples rejoice because the Bridegroom is with them. Christianity is not merely about external religious practices; it is about entering into a living relationship with Christ.

Jesus then speaks of new wine and old wineskins. The new life He brings cannot always be contained within old ways of thinking. Conversion means allowing Christ to renew our hearts, attitudes, priorities, and relationships.

There is a danger in becoming religious externally while remaining unchanged internally. We may attend Mass, pray the Rosary, fast, and fulfil religious duties, yet still carry bitterness, pride, unforgiveness, or jealousy. Christ does not simply want to change our religious activities—He wants to transform our hearts.

Therefore, let us ask ourselves:

Am I living to please God or to impress people?
Am I allowing Christ to renew me, or am I simply repeating old patterns?

The Psalm gives us the answer: “Trust in the Lord and do good.” We do not need to defend ourselves before everyone. God knows the truth. Our task is simply to remain faithful.

Let us place our reputation, struggles, and hidden sacrifices in God’s hands. We may not always be understood by people, but we will never be forgotten by God.

Peace ✌️ be with you.

03/09/2026

DO NOT BE AFRAID: A CALL TO EVANGELIZE

Simon could not yet have grasped the significance of what Jesus was doing when He chose Simon’s boat as the place from which to preach to the crowds. After teaching, Jesus told him, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” The miraculous catch that followed would become a powerful sign of Simon’s future mission.

Traditionally, the boat represents the Church. It is therefore significant that Jesus first preached from Simon’s boat. Later, Jesus would entrust Simon with a unique mission of leadership: “I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). Though Simon would stumble during the Passion, his faith would be restored. Jesus would change his name to Peter, the rock upon which He would build His Church (cf. Matthew 16:17–19).

This moment foreshadows the Church’s mission: anchored in Peter, guided by Christ, and sent into the deep waters of the world to draw souls into God’s Kingdom. Christ alone saves, yet He chooses to work through Peter, his successors, and every faithful disciple who becomes a “fisher of men.”

Simon’s response to the miraculous catch was humility: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8). Yet Jesus did not reject him. Instead, He said, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10).

These words are meant for us, too. Fear can prevent us from embracing God’s call. But our unworthiness does not disqualify us. When we respond with humility, courage, and trust in His grace, Christ can use us to bring others closer to Him.

Lord Jesus, You first preached from Simon’s humble boat. Continue to reach those caught in the deep and turbulent waters of this world. Send me to bring Your Gospel to those who need it most. Purify me of fear and give me courage and zeal to answer Your call. Jesus, I trust in You.

02/09/2026

🤍 LOSS OF A SPOUSE

A special GriefShare seminar offering support, understanding and hope after the loss of a spouse.

📅 Saturday, 5 September 2026
⏰ 9:00am – 11:00am
📍 St Anne’s, Sydenham

🌿 You are not alone. There is hope.

All are welcome. 🕊️

02/09/2026

Good morning 🌅

Liturgy workshop

📆Date : 05/09/26
⏰Time: commencing with first Saturday Mass
⛪️Venue :Tersanne hall (will move across after Mass)

What to bring :

1) bible
2) writing material
3) bring and share snack

02/09/2026

Floral Tribute to St Francis of Assisi

The Floral Tribute to St Francis of Assisi will take place on 3 & 4 October 2026 and will feature a special Garden of Remembrance.

Those we love never truly leave us; they remain in our hearts and in the memories we cherish.

We invite parishioners to honour and remember a loved one by making a floral tribute dedication. The name of your loved one will be displayed in our Garden of Remembrance as a lasting tribute.

To make a dedication:
Please place your donation and the name of your loved one in a sealed envelope marked “Floral Tribute – Dedication” and hand it in at the Parish Office.

02/09/2026

THE POWER OF HIS WORD

Today we encounter Simon for the first time in Luke’s Gospel—Simon whom Jesus would later name Peter. Having witnessed Jesus’ authority, Simon brought his mother-in-law, who was suffering from a severe fever, to His attention.

Jesus entered the house and rebuked the fever, and immediately it left her. Luke uses the Greek word epitimaō, the same word used when Jesus rebuked the demon in the preceding passage. This deliberate parallel reveals that both the spiritual and physical realms are subject to Christ’s authority. His word is not wishful thinking or empty speech; what He commands, He accomplishes.

This truth is foundational to our faith. When we turn to Christ in trust, we can believe that His word has power to heal, free and transform. His authority reaches every dimension of our lives—body, soul and spirit—and He desires to restore what has been wounded by sin, suffering and disorder.

One of the clearest ways we experience this power today is through the words of absolution spoken by the priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This sacramental authority was first entrusted to the apostles, with a particular role given to Simon Peter, and continues through apostolic succession. In absolution, Christ acts through His minister: sin is forgiven, the soul is restored to grace, and peace is renewed. Every Sacrament likewise conveys God’s grace through Christ’s efficacious word and action.

Reflect today on your trust in the power of Jesus’ word. Do you believe He can rebuke the disorders in your life with divine authority? Do you approach Him confidently in the Sacraments, trusting that what He speaks, He accomplishes?

Surrender your sins, wounds and struggles to Him. Allow the power of His Word to restore you, especially through the Sacraments.

My authoritative Lord, when You speak, what You speak comes to be. Speak to me, Lord. Rebuke my sin and weakness, and accomplish Your holy will in my life. Let me hear Your voice, especially through the Sacraments, where Your mercy and power are made manifest. Jesus, I trust in You.