Our Mission
Rooted in the love of Jesus Christ and strengthened by the Holy Eucharist, St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church exists to glorify God by proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, forming faithful disciples, and serving our neighbour with charity. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church and inspired by the example of St. Ann, we strive to build a welcoming parish where every person is invited to encounter Christ, grow in holiness, and joyfully share the Catholic faith with the world.
Our Vision
To become a vibrant Catholic parish where every person encounters Jesus Christ, every family is strengthened in faith, every child is formed in the truth of the Gospel, every parishioner discovers their gifts for service, and our community becomes a visible witness to the hope and joy found in the Catholic faith. United in prayer, centred on the Eucharist, and guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek to be saints who lead others to Christ
A Parish with Deep Roots
St. Ann’s Parish was officially established in 1952, although the Catholic presence in Ancaster dates back much earlier. Before the parish existed, local Catholics travelled to St. Augustine’s Parish in Dundas for Mass. In 1949, a small wooden mission church was built at the corner of Wilson Street and Fiddler’s Green Road, laying the foundation for today’s parish.
The first pastor was Fr. William Loftus, O.M.I., one of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The Oblates cared for the parish until 1979, when responsibility passed to priests of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton.
A Growing Catholic Community
As Ancaster expanded, St. Ann’s became the spiritual home for many Catholic families. The parish played a central role in establishing Catholic education in the area, supporting schools such as St. Ann Catholic Elementary School and later other Catholic schools as the community grew. The parish centre, completed in 1992, provided much-needed space for parish ministries and community life.
Patroness: St. Ann
The parish is named after Saint Anne, the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ. She is the patron saint of mothers, grandparents, families, and those seeking to raise children in the faith. Her feast day is celebrated on July 26, together with Saint Joachim.
A Remarkable Legacy
One fascinating aspect of St. Ann’s history is that several priests who served at St. Ann’s were later called to the episcopacy:
Bishop Matthew Francis Ustrzycki
Served at St. Ann’s from June 1, 1979, to June 1, 1985. Ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton on July 3, 1985
Bishop Daniel Joseph Miehm
Served at St. Ann’s from June 30, 2004, to June 27, 2012. Ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton on May 7, 2013, Installed Bishop of Peterborough on April 19, 2017 and transferred as Bishop of London in 2026
Bishop Wayne Lawrence Lobsinger
Served at St. Ann’s from June 26, 2019, to January 4, 2021. Ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton on April 18, 2021
This is a noteworthy distinction for a parish established only in 1952 and reflects the quality of pastoral leadership that has helped shape St. Ann’s over the decades.
Clergy and Staff
Father Ross Campbell, Pastor
