St Ann Parish awarded First Prize for Natural Beauty and Environment Competition 2008

In line with the 2008 Natural Beauty and Environment Competition organized by the Padawan City Council, St Ann Parish emerged as Champion for the Church category. Fr Gerard together with Mr. Robert Josem (Parish Council chairman) and some parishioners went to SMK Padawan on 23 October 2008 to collect the prize money, Certificate and trophy.

This award reflects a true commitment and dedication by the parishoners involved in the gotong-royong and Mr. Simon Junal (Parish Gardener & Landscape) to make St Ann a place of worship and welcome for the parishioners and others visiting the parish.

Animal Blessing

In line with the Franciscan tradition of Animal Blessing, a paraliturgy was organized on 5th October 2008 at St Ann Baruk. A number of parishioners came to partake in the ceremony and are slowly becoming familiar with regard to the “giftedness” of animals in their lives.

Confirmation Mass at St Ann Baruk

Archbishop John Ha presided at the Confirmation Mass on 21 September 2008 at 9 am. A total of 318 candidates were confirmed and Bishop Ha was assisted by the two parish friars.

St Ann Feast Day 2008

The parish of St Ann celebrated her Ruby anniversary on 27 July 2008. Archbishop John Ha presided at the Eucharist together with the friars of the Custody Council of Singapore-Malaysia-Brunei. The highlights of the celebration were the launch of the Gift coupon in aid of the new St Ann Complex, the “Longest Hand Print Banner” project and the visit of 50 parishioners, mostly from St Mary of the Angels.

What was unique for this year’s celebration was the twin-celebrations of the Ruby Anniversary of St Ann (Diocese) and the 50th Anniversary of the Franciscan Presence in Singapore. The visitors from Singapore joined in the festive celebrations and were truly touched by the encounter with the local people.