Fifth Year – A Journey of Renewal

Dear Parishioners,

As I celebrate the fifth anniversary of my arrival at St. Anne’s Parish on 12th May 2021, I give thanks to God for the blessings, challenges, growth, and journey we have shared together over these past five years.

When I first arrived at the parish, we entered almost immediately into the uncertainty of Covid lockdowns. Those first months became truly a Year of Learning for all of us. We learned how much we needed one another, how precious our faith community is, and how the Church continues to live even in difficult times. Though separated physically for periods of time, we remained united as one Body in Christ. I remain deeply grateful for the kindness and support you showed me during that difficult beginning.

In the second year, we focused on Learning and Setting Goals. With the support and wisdom of many parishioners, important foundations were laid for the future of the parish. The Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Committee, and Building Committee were formed and strengthened. These groups have played an important role in guiding parish life, administration, and the care of our buildings and resources. We also began strengthening ministries, especially those involving children, sacramental preparation, and faith formation.

The third year became A Journey of Growth and Unity. It was encouraging to see our parish life becoming vibrant again after the pandemic years. New parishioners and families joined our community, bringing new life and energy. I also had the privilege of learning more about your cultures, traditions, and stories. These experiences reminded me that our diversity is truly one of the great strengths of St. Anne’s Parish.

Now, as we enter this fifth year together, I see it as A Year of Renewal — renewal of our church building, renewal of our parish community, and renewal in my own priestly life.

One of the major focuses for this year will be the renovation of our church building. Much work has already been done in planning and preparing for the future needs of our parish. Our church building is not simply a structure; it is the spiritual home where generations gather to pray, celebrate the sacraments, and encounter Christ. We are waiting on the archdiocesan approval for the next stage (which is community consultation). I thank all those who continue to work tirelessly in caring for and improving our parish facilities. I ask for your continued prayers, patience, support, and cooperation as we move forward in this important project.

This year is also personally significant for me as I complete eleven years of priestly ministry in the Archdiocese. For this reason, I will be taking my sabbatical (long service) leave later this year. I see this not as stepping away from ministry, but as an opportunity for renewal — to deepen my spiritual life, reflect on my priestly vocation, rest, pray, and return refreshed for the next chapter of ministry and service.

I thank you sincerely for your encouragement, understanding, and friendship throughout these years. Your prayers, support, and generosity have helped me greatly in my priestly ministry. 

As always, I continue to believe that the Church belongs to the Holy Spirit, and each one of us has a unique role in building up the community. My hope is that St. Anne’s will continue to be a welcoming, supportive, prayerful, inclusive, and vibrant parish where everyone — young and old — feels respected, valued, and at home.

May St. Anne and St. Joachim continue to guide and protect us. Let us move forward together with faith, hope, and trust in God’s plans for our parish community.

May God bless you all abundantly.

Fr. Martin