Reflections from St. Ann DC

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?

Let's learn more about All Souls, All Saints, and St. John Henry Newman in this week's homily.

Pray with us.

Persistence may be hard, all things in life are hard. In Exodus, Moses is tired and weary but he is supported by Aaron and Hur to fulfill what the Lord wants. Then, Jesus in the gospel of Luke also speaks on persistence and to pray unceasingly without being weary. Jesus was weary on the cross with no assistance but he still cried out to his father that “thy will be done”. His sacrifice and his permanent patience is the reason we come to mass, to praise, to adore and to unceasingly embrace our God who came down to Earth for our sins.

Those who are grateful are happy. God is at work. He has his ways of communicating with us no matter what. We're only able to see a fraction of what He is doing.

People often ask how can a good merciful God allow for all the evil in our world to happen? The apostles experienced this question, asking Jesus to increase their faith, as people of faith can understand the evil of the crucifixion which was necessary as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Being grateful to God is how people are able to put the evil of the world into perspective, having faith that grows like a mustard seed.

In this week's homily, Fr. Maximo Stock explains the five pieces of advice that the rich man should have considered taking that could have helped him break through indifference and connect with others. Take a listen.

In today's homily, His Eminence Cardinal Wuerl preaches the importance of Catholic Charity and how we, unlike the wealthy gentile in today's reading, must find humility and recognize the sin of greed in ourselves before it is too late.

In Fr. Maximo's homily this week, he repeats Jesus' words asking us to have the shrewdness of the children of this world, while at the same time the integrity of the Children of Light. "Be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves," Jesus says in Matthew 10:16. Let's learn how.

It's easy to write people off, but we can learn from everyone. We need to make the distinction: We learn from the world, without becoming entrenched in the world's sin. How do we make this distinction?

Have you ever wanted to know more about the history, architecture, art and foundation of our parish? This is your chance!

Why is the cross so important? In the midst of many recent tragedies, we commemorate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which has healing powers we cannot comprehend - in, and beyond, this world. Take a listen as Fr. Aaron Stettler explains the beauty of the cross.

Monsignor Watkins discusses how Jesus called us to give up our possessions in order to follow him as a disciple, as well as ways to reduce the weight of our physical or mental possessions.

Fr. Maximo Stock explains how Jesus provides a model of leadership. The Christian leader puts others first at the expense of him- or herself.

Fr. Ivan Pertine speaks about the disposition necessary for entering the Kingdom of Heaven.

Msgr. Watkins speaks on the substance of the Mass and what should be our focus each Sunday.