• In these times of “the big weird” as heard it called on radio this morning, we are finding new ways to connect and share what is going on in the parish. There have been several groups and meetings on the forum ‘zoom’ which people are finding very positive. There have had groups of various sizes of up to 22 so far and people have found it a great option. Prayer gatherings, leadership groups, RCIA, parish finance committee and this weekend a Divine Mercy prayer group have used this method with great success. Not everyone has the use of the internet and the phone has been used also by many to keep in touch.
  
• At both our churches there are places to pick-up bulletins and resources which are available as well and many have used this.
  
  
• Facebook has also been a very important way to reach out and share information and things that are happening. Each of the letters from Bishop Michael, daily Scripture readings, prayers, resources, happenings and events locally from schools and local council briefings, the Catholic Education Office and many other things are ‘posted’ and ‘shared’.
• There is a Parish Website which all information, resources and updates are put online and with the Diocesan Website events have been advertised and shared.
• Bishop Michael celebrates Mass daily on YouTube. As a parish we have promoted this as our way of being in communion with each other. When Fr Matthew celebrates Mass he has the YouTube service of the Bishop playing at the same time to hear the readings and to offer his prayers and thoughts for our parish and world as well.  
• On Facebook there are daily photos of the local churches as a small way of connection and seeing what is happening.
  
  For each of the major services over the Easter period symbols in the church and liturgical colours have been posted as well. Palms for collection, bowl and towel, the red cross, the Easter Candles and the rising sun on Easter morn.
  
• A weekly bulletin goes out on email, and parish Facebook and website.
• Over these next weeks as a way of connecting with people in a different way, an invitation to our community is being given to submit:  recipes/activities, for a cookbook/craft work/ knitting activities, gardening and anything else people are doing book, to be collated and put together. This is a work in progress but lots of imaginative things are possible. It might be our community diary of what has, is and going to happen during this time of opportunity.

A big thank you to the many people reaching out to each other and making connections with those in our community,

Keep going with this very important part of life and ministry.

We all look to find new ways of discovering the Risen Christ with us, in our midst and in our hearts.

To the many health care workers and families who are keeping us all safe, thank you.

We continue to pray for the many suffering in our world and who have died.

Fr Matthew Moloney

Capricorn Coast Catholic Parish