Applications closed. Successful applicants, who have received an email from the Parish Office, please kindly come to collect their car park labels on or before 30 September 2015.

Labels unclaimed after 30 September 2015 will automatically go to those on waiting list.

Dear Lectors, 

I attach the lector schedule for OCTOBER. Apologies for the early release; I will be travelling for most of September. 

As usual, if you cannot read at your assigned slot, please email the googlegroup to ask for a replacement. 

May I please remind all readers to practice the readings OUT LOUD before the Mass. Arrive a bit early to give yourself time to do this. Believe me, it is noticeable when this hasn’t been done. Conversely, those who have prepared by reading out loud give a noticeably quality performance! 

God bless all, 
Markus 

Download the schedule here:  Lectors' Schedule October 2015

Thank you all who have completed the registration for CCD. 

The cut-off date for any new registrations is this Sunday, September 6.

Classes begin Sunday, September 13 at 10:00am. We are happy to announce that due to the parent volunteers of a few students, we are able to offer a special class on Saturday evenings at 5 pm only for students preparing for First Holy Communion who play rugby on Sundays. This class will begin on Saturday evening, September 12 at 5:00 pm, to enable students and their families to attend the 6:00 pm Mass.

We are still in need of a few teachers and teacher assistant volunteers. Please prayerfully consider participating in this important ministry.

Thank you

Please find the updated St. Anne's CCD Calendar 2015-16 here.

CCD 2015-6 Revised Calendar

Blessings

Dear music ministry members,

I’d like to let you know that that Agnes Lee has volunteered to share the responsibility with me for coordinating the music ministry.  She will take over the coordination and direction for half of each year, from October through April.  She is sure to bring new energy, ideas and talents to our music ministry; we can all learn a lot from Agnes.  Welcome and thank you, Agnes!!!

Service Sunday is next weekend.  Please encourage your friends and fellow parishioners to join us in the music ministry.  Here's what we need:

• We now have 3 guitarists and 4 keyboard accompanists, but it would be nice to have more accompanists to fill in when people are away. 

• Our singers are all mostly sopranos and altos; it would be good to have some tenors and basses for four part harmony and good to have more expat members to join.

• Youth singers and instrumentalists are very welcome to join (it is one way for them to fulfill their Confirmation service hours).  Many of them play instruments or sing in choirs at school, so they have talents to give. 

The line-up and schedule for September are attached below.   Thanks to Stella Woo for the line-up selections.

September Music Line-up
September Schedule

Peace,
Peggie

 

Do you wish you could spend three days off to rediscover your faith and the life-enhancing power of the Holy Spirit? If the answer is "YES" (or even "maybe"), then the Walk to Emmaus retreat is for you.

The Walk to Emmaus is a 3½ day residential weekend retreat held at Maryknoll House (in Stanley).  It is an ecumenical retreat linking Christians from many churches in Hong Kong.  You will spend three busy, but very enjoyable days in study, prayer, worship and discussion, centering around 15 talks given by both laity and clergy.  A great many St. Anne's parishioners have taken part in a Walk to Emmaus retreat over the years and have found it to be a life-changing experience.

The upcoming walks, #67 and #68 in the series, will be held on 1-4 October 2015 (Men) and 8-11 October (Women).  Additional information can be found on the WTE website at www.hkwalktoemmaus.org

For any questions or to express interest, please contact:

MEN: Patrick Kaye at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Paul Munder at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 
WOMEN: Vivian Lee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Karen Hartman Brown at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Dear Lectors,

Please find attached the schedule for September. If you find that you cannot make your assigned slot, please look for a replacement in advance through our group email. We would like to reduce to zero the incidences of readers just not showing up, and the priest having to scramble to find someone to read in his/her stead. 

Thanks and abundant blessings to you for your contribution to this ministry!
Vivian

Download here:  Lector Schedule September 2015

The Acolyte Ministry is in need of altar servers for the coming year.  Children aged 9 and above and adults of the parish are very welcome to join the ministry.   A formal training will take place during the month of September, exact date and time TBD.

For further information, please contact:  Moka Quinlan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The end of the Summer schedule, and the resumption of the regular schedule for masses is now in effect.

Weekday Masses at St. Anne's are:

1) Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00AM;  
2) Eucharistic Adoration on Thursdays at 9:30AM;  
3) Confessions at 5:00PM on Saturday, and by appointment for other times. 

Weekend Masses at St. Anne's:

1) Saturday at 6:00pm;  
2) Sunday (English) at 8:45AM and 11:15AM;  
3) Sunday (Cantonese) at 8:00AM (Carmelites Convent) and 10:00AM (St. Anne's). 

Weekday Masses at Carmelite Sisters: 1) Monday through Saturday at 7:15AM. 

All CCD families are reminded to complete their registration for classes beginning in September.

Please go to the church's website to complete the registration process and note that you must re-register even if you attended the program this past year.

Registration is considered complete once payment is received, which can be either submitted by mail, handed in to the church office or in person to the CCD team this coming weekend, Saturday, August 22^nd from 5:00-5:45PM or Sunday, August 23^rd from 10:00-11:00AM in the CCD office.

We have very limited number of Sunday car parking spaces at St. Stephen’s College this year,

If you wish to apply, please contact our parish secretary, Jacqueline.

At St. Anne's, we ask parishioners, young and old, to offer some service for specific activities and ministries that will be carried out over the course of the year.

Participation from each family in this endeavor is critical to the quality of our common parish life. Some needs have relatively small time commitments and do not require experience.

Following is a list of active ministries in the Parish. Please consider offering your services on Service Sunday, September 6th, or contact Fr. John or Jacqueline Wu, our Parish Secretary, to let us know that you are willing to offer service in some way. 

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of responding to our needs.

--Fr. John

________________________

English-Speaking Parish Council

The council consists of the pastors, four officers (chairman, deputy chairman, treasurer and secretary) and representatives of the various English-speaking ministries. The Filipino community group and the Chinese parish council are represented on the English-speaking council. The council tries to meet once a month except over the summer, when many expatriates are away, and welcomes all parishioners to attend its meetings.

Acolytes Ministry

The Acolyte (Altar Server) Ministry, coordinated by Chris and Moka Quinlan, provides Acolytes at all of the English speaking weekend Masses. Training is held during the month of September for children and adults new to the ministry.

Building Committee

The Building Committee, chaired by Randy Quinn, deals with renovations and repairs to the church building and its fabric.

Bulletin

Parish volunteers produce a weekly English language bulletin with contributions from our Pastors and from each of the parish ministries.

CCD Ministry

The CCD Ministry provides a religious education program for the parish’s English-speaking children. St. Anne’s is blessed to be the only English-speaking Catholic church in Hong Kong that provides a curriculum from Pre K through Confirmation. Most years the ministry has well over 200 students with high demand for our sacramental classes.  Last year we successfully piloted a Saturday evening class that allowed some of our athletic rugby students more flexibility to meet their sacramental requirements while still being able to participate in the sport that they love.  To do all of this though, we require a team of over thirty dedicated adults to share their time and faith with our children.  But what could be more important?  Please consider volunteering your time with our Ministry.  The CCD Administrative team this year is Sandra Gallaudet, Tracey Keller, Paul Munder and Amy Turner.

Church Beatification Ministry

The Church Beautification Ministry, coordinated by Angel Lee, keeps the church beautiful, in particular by arranging flowers on the altar. 

Eucharistic Ministry

The Eucharistic Ministry provides Eucharistic ministers for all the English speaking weekend Masses. It also organizes training for Eucharistic ministers. 

Filipino Catholic Group

The Filipino Catholic Group, coordinated by Lorenda Rafanan, is open to all Filipino Catholics, and its objectives are to promote Christian Fellowship, service to the community, spiritual growth, and inter-personal relationships among its members.

Hospitality Ministry

The Hospitality Ministry seeks volunteers to support CCD class teachers in the coordination of a snack table offered to parishioners once or twice a month. Parishioners are invited to gather on these occasions after the Sunday 8.45AM Mass on a pre-determined schedule linked to the religious education class timetable.

Lectors Ministry

The Lectors Ministry, coordinated by Vivian Lee and Markus Shaw, organizes training and provides lectors for all the English-speaking weekend Masses.

Legion of Mary

The Legion of Mary, coordinated by Jeneveb Arabia, holds legislative weekly meetings on Sundays from 10:15-11:45 AM. Its Choir sings at every 8:45 AM Mass, and it engages in outreach to the needy, the elderly and the handicapped as well as evangelization works.

Meditation Group

The Meditation Group, coordinated by Vivian Lee, meets weekly to have quiet time with the Lord in silence. We practice the John Main style of meditation.

Music Ministry

The music ministry, coordinated by Agnes Chiu Lee and Peggie Fitch Yu, provides music at the English speaking weekend Masses, including those which are broadcast, on the major feast days of the church, and for First Holy Communion, Confirmation and other ceremonies. We always welcome new members to join us. 

Outreach Ministry

Sister Wu coordinates the Outreach Ministry, which does valuable work for the Cheshire Home in Chung Hom Kok (including the organization of Masses for the residents and an annual Christmas party for them). 

Parish BBQ

Each year, St. Anne’s hosts a BBQ that brings together all of the communities of the Parish. Coordinated by Ken Ward, this year’s event will take place in early December on the grounds of St. Stephen’s College. Volunteers from the parish community coordinate the many activities required to bring this event to life.

Ushers Ministry

The Ushers Ministry, coordinated by Lorenda Rafanan, arrives early before Mass to open the church's doors and give a warm welcome to parishioners. They assist in seating people, invite volunteers to present offertory gifts, take up the collection, serve as a guide to facilitate the flow of communion, and distribute bulletins and other materials at the end of Mass.

Website

The Website Ministry, coordinated by Patrick Kaye, administers the parish’s English language website, which receives thousands of visits each month. We always welcome the participation of parishioners in expanding St. Anne’s online presence. No technical expertise required!

Dear music ministry members,

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer so far!  Many thanks to all of the choir members who have been filling in for those of us who have gone away during the summer.  We should start getting back to a more regular schedule now.  As the new school year starts, new parishioners will start coming to St. Anne's.  Please welcome them to our community and encourage them to join us in the music ministry.

The line-up and the schedule for August are as follows: 

August Music Line-up
August Schedule

Peace, Peggie

Dear Lectors,

I attach the lector schedule for August, with apologies that it is appearing at the last minute. I have accommodated all August absences notified to me.

Please look at the schedule carefully and find a replacement in good time if you cannot make your slot (via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Thanks and God bless all.

Markus

DOWNLOAD HERE:  August 2015 Lector Schedule

Fr. John will be away this summer until August 10th.

During that time, Fr. Paulus Waris and Fr. David Tristianto, both of whom are Order of Carmelites priests, will cover all pastoral needs. They can be reached through the parish office at 2813-0206. 

The aim of the music ministry is to add beauty to the mass using music. We hope to offer music as another form of worship and prayer for all parishioners, as well as for choir members ourselves.

If you like music, you'd enjoy being a part of this ministry. There are several groups/times to choose from - Saturday evening 6pm, 8:45 Sunday, 11:15 Sunday, Filipino Choir, and Legion of Mary Choir. Rehearsals generally take place one hour before Mass.

We welcome all vocalists and instrumentalists, and we especially need keyboard accompanists, guitar accompanists, and cantors.

If you are interested to find out more, come talk with one of the choir members after Mass, or else e-mail me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Dear music ministry members,

The line-up and schedule for July are below. Thanks to Stella Woo for the selections.  

July Music Line-up
July Schedule

After a busy year, we will be a bit less hectic in July, with a chance for our members to take a rest or go on holiday.  We will have ‘quiet mass’ on Saturday evenings, no music; so we just need to plan for Sunday’s 8:45 and 11:15 masses.  

This year, there is no bi-lingual mass for St. Anne’s Feast.  The masses for that weekend of July 25^th and 26^th will be as normal – Saturday 6pm, Sunday 8:45am (English), 10am (Chinese), and 11:15 (English).   We will still be using the readings and the music for St. Anne’s Feast.  

Safe travels to all who will be away, and thanks to all who will be staying and making music. 

Happy summer to all! 

Peggie

Dear Lectors,

Please find attached the Lectors Schedule for July. I have made up the schedule according to the what holiday information I have. If you are not in Hong Kong, or unable to read, please seek a replacement via the group email as soon as you can.

Please note your scheduled date on your calendar, so as not to miss your reading.

Thank you and wishing you a breezy summer!

Vivian

Download here!
LECTOR-SCHEDULE-July-2015.pdf

Congratulations to the 13 couples who participated in last Sunday’s “Marriage Celebration Mass" and to the many friends and family who came to witness and give blessing to the couples in their Renewal of Vows and Candle Lighting Ceremony. It was a very memorable evening thanks to our pastor Fr. John who led the couples in a prayerful renewal of love and promise.

The joyful atmosphere of the Mass overflowed into the parish hall as everyone gathered for a delicious potluck dinner. Blessings continued as we listened to The Covenant Hymn sung by Pat and David, Gregorian Chant by the men’s group and lots of laughter sharing wedding memories from Gigi.

Thank you to Hubie for his piano accompaniment. . . Ying Ying for the wonderful display of old photos . . . Angel for the incredible flowers . . . Markus for capturing the memories in photo . . . Christine, Mae and Estela, who helped with set up and food . . . and to all those behind the scenes who organized and prepared for this special event. It would be a blessing to celebrate with more couples in the future!

As a priest, I have been in accompaniment of a good number of persons and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one.  I have also witnessed their suffering exacerbated and prolonged when that loved one died without clear instructions for critical arrangements following their death. 

Making a will is one last loving act we can perform on behalf of those who have been most intimate and important in our lives.  As many of us return to our home countries this summer, please consider making a will while home if you have not done so already, and updating your will if one has already been made.

May you have an enjoyable summer!