Reflections from St. Ann DC

How do I know that God is speaking to me in prayer, and it is not my own voice? Fr. Ivan explains in his homily.

Monsignor Watkins elaborates on the significance of titles.

Msgr. Watkins speaks on on the Lord's model of pity and the power of an openness to hear the suffering of others.

Think of your spiritual journey as constantly combatting heavy winds, and you lack the strength to fight. You must make a choice; focus on Jesus or look away to the storm around us. Peter understood the Lord was rescuing him, but he made the choice to divert his eyes to the sea of troubles around him. Taking your eyes off yourself and looking at Jesus, you can find yourself in peace and get through the storm.

Our Lord always knows what's best for us.

How do you balance prudence and boldness? How did Jesus do it?

Monsignor Watkins explains the parable of the wheat and the weeds, explaining why God allows evil to exist.

Monsignor Watkins speaks of the essence love in today's homily.

Fr. Ivan Pertine details the Importance of fatherhood and the value of fathers.

Why should we work with others?

Father Lynch speaks of his time missioning at the Lakota reservation. He reflects on how in the second poorest county in the US, he sees spiritual and lifelong change and how much of an impact the Jesuit mission makes in their lives.

Come, let us adore Him.

Learn more about this most sacred devotion.

Gospel: John 20:19-23On the evening of that first day of the week,when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,for fear of the Jews,Jesus came and stood in their midstand said to them, "Peace be with you."When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.As the Father has sent me, so I send you."And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,"Receive the Holy Spirit.Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,and whose sins you retain are retained."

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20The eleven disciples went to Galilee,to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.Then Jesus approached and said to them,“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father,and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

This week, Fr. Ivan challenges us to live as Christians live when Jesus asks us to "Keep my commands," if we love Him. It's hard to summarize all of them, but he highlights the following:Pray. Intercede for others.Turn internal criticism into thanksgiving.Listen. Pay attention.Celebrate and appreciate the triumphs and gifts of others.Share. Be generous with your time and your things.Avoid asking "What's in it for me?"Forgive daily.Remember everyone's dignity. Never use others.

In our lives, we want to be as close to God as possible.The closest we get to God is body to body, blood to blood through the Eucharist.First communion is not graduation it is a progression into receiving the fullness of Christ every week.

Jesus came down from heaven to share with us his home. Let us pray today for the grace to receive humbly the gift of a portion of heaven.

Good Shepherd Sunday is a day to pray for vocations in a special way. Father Ivan elaborates here on the vocation of the priesthood, its importance, and its challenges.

Do Not Take Your Faith for Granted: Why?

Monsignor Watkins reflects on Peter's betrayal of Jesus, Jesus' eternal forgiveness, as well as Thomas' need to see his real injuries to believe. At Mass we remember Jesus' sign of peace and we believe, without seeing, in the real body and blood of Christ every Sunday. Through Jesus wounds we remember his sacrifice.

St. Ann hosted a Funeral and Estate Planning Presentation on Saturday, March 14, 2026. More than 60 were in attendance to gain a wealth of information.Listen here to our recording to learn about how to address the inevitable questions and concerns about end-of-life affairs, including funeral arrangements, estate planning, and bereavement. Here we feature panel leaders who can help you understand important considerations around these matters. Please share this with family and friends.Panel of Speakers:James and Ann Hoffman, Blessed Sacrament – BereavementKyle Nipper and Teresa Shnur, DeVol Funeral Home – Funeral PlanningCheryl Guidry Tyiska, Cemetery Manager, Mount Olivet and St. Mary’s Cemeteries – Catholic BurialTom Downs, Owner, Downs Law Firm – Advance Directives & Estate Planning

We are so blessed at St. Ann to have the St. John Society. They run our youth and young adult ministries, and the 7pm Mass weekly. Take a listen to Fr. Ivan's testimony, detailing his journey of how and why he became a priest, and more!

Will you follow Jesus, even amidst persecution?

"Jesus wept" is the shortest verse in the English Bible, but it contains a lot of depth. Listen to Fr. Ivan's homily today to find out why.

Today's advice: Weep like Jesus wept.

Look at our actions in light of "The" Light.

Msgr. Watkins speaks about the role of charity and alms-giving and the powerful work done by the Annual Appeal during the Lenten season.

This is part of a series on the Confiteor, which begins with "I confess" during the Catholic Mass. This week's Lenten focus: Guard your thoughts.

Msgr. Watkins speaks on Lent's power to train our hearts after Christ and to respond to Satan's temptations with Christ's powerful, "No".

What should we remember about this week's Gospel, a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount? Abide by love, not "the law."

Ds doubt that Jesus desires your happiness? That His “Way” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be? This homily podcast is for you.

Amidst a snowy Washington in a chaotic world, Msgr. Watkins keeps it simple and brief: do not be distressed --- when Christ calls, don't dither, follow him.

We have a lot to learn from St. John the Baptist! Take a listen.

We are all his beloved sons and daughters; we must listen to Him, find our mission, and never lose hope in asking for His grace and mercy: Amen.

Christmas is often left after December 25th, but every day should be remembering the mystery of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We must remember why Jesus came to us and his perfect sacrifice in death. He reminds us that through his death we are constantly washed clean of our sins.

When should we be generous? When do I store? When do I save? Let us learn from Mary.

Msgr. Watkins' #NewYears resolution: Be brief. Be sincere. Be seated.

We sometimes forget that the Holy Family lived real human lives — facing uncertainty, difficult decisions, and moments of struggle. In this homily, Msgr. Watkins invites us to look at their story through a human lens, beginning with the heartfelt reflection: “Poor Joseph.” Walk with them, feel their challenges, and discover a fresh perspective.

Jesus lived a short and humble life. What was he showing us? We can imitate him and live a holy life, in our own families.We invite you this week to place a photo of your family next to the manger scene. In doing so, we may be reminded to treat our families with gentleness and patience, growing in holiness along the way.

In today's homily, Monsignor Watkins discusses the importance of the Holy Family — Mary, Joseph, and Jesus — and togetherness. As we near the end of the 12 days of Christmas, and enter into the new year, do not forget the importance of your loved ones in your life.

Msgr. James Watkins beautifully captures the heart of Christmas this year: embracing the Christ Child. During his homily, he tenderly holds a parishioner’s baby—a powerful and poignant image that says it all. May we, too, embrace the Christ Child this #Christmas 🙏🫶 Amen 🎄✨ #MerryChristmas

This Fourth Sunday of Advent, Fr. Ivan Pertiné explains that we should not hold onto our plans too tightly, so as to allow God to move in our hearts and minds. Let us pray that God's plan will always triumph in our lives!

Are you attentive to the signs of God? We have to stay alert this Advent, and listen. Prayer is the most important.

We see most of the world as black and white, good is acknowledged, bad is punished and most religions are the same way.In Christianity however, God doesn't owe us anything.If Santa were loving and merciful, he would go to the land of misfit toys regardless of their defects.Jesus is mercy he came among us into our flawed world and didn't come for the righteous, but for the sinner. Not to punish us but to redeem us out of love. Through baptism we turn from misfits into loved adopted children of God.

Fr. Maximo explains the three comings of Christ: Jesus' Incarnation, His Second Coming, and during the Sacrament of the Most Holy Mass. In light of this, our attitude should change during "Adventus," or Advent, and here's how and why.

Jesus should be King of our lives, and here's why.

Msgr. Watkins gives the history of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe instituted by Pope Pius XI in the wake of the First World War's devastation to call the faithful's attention away from earthly contestations and back to the true and rightful ruler of our lives: Christ the King.

Remember Jesus' words—a powerful reminder today that the world is fleeting, and what is of God is eternal: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Matthew 24:35).

Christ dwells in us as the building blocks of something grand—His Kingdom. What does your building look like?