We are powering ahead here in Bundaberg in the midst of a changing world. Toilet paper, hand sanitiser, Glen 20, rice and pasta are still an endangered species, but the good news is that petrol prices have dropped to 80c / litre! How good is that?

In the parish we have embraced technology and are doing as much as we can to keep our Facebook, website and Youtube pages active, as these are now our main forms of communication. The parish bulletin is still being printed and made available for collection at churches for those who want a copy.

Easter in Bundaberg

Everyone would agree that this Easter just wasn’t the same for any us. The communal action of gathering to celebrate the mystery of our faith was denied us. The candidates for initiation were so close to experiencing the fullness of the Church’s welcome. They were remembered, however, in our prayers during the Triduum liturgies.

All priests came together for Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday and we were able to watch them on Youtube or livestreamed. We’ve heard many comments of gratitude about this ability to be with the priests from afar.

Masses

Fr Peter has arranged for weekday Mass to be livestreamed from the office chapel on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10am with the hope of it becoming daily livestreaming.

As from the 26^th April, Mass will be livestreamed from Shalom College chapel at 10.00am. We are extremely grateful to the technical staff at Shalom College for making the facilities available.

The Youth Centre

During this unexpected break from traditional Youth Ministry I have been using the time I would usually use to prepare each of the 4 Youth Groups that Maddie and I run each week to upgrade the Youth Centre.  The old carpet of the Youth Centre has been replaced with vinyl which has lightened and opened the space. There has also been an extension put in on the rail surrounding the stairwell.

Now that these renovations have been completed. The most colourful part of the renovation has begun. Painting!! We have been painting the bookshelves in colourful paints and the extensions on the stairwell with the logos for three of our Youth Groups. Our very appropriately named Primary School Youth Group, CHAOS, our High School Youth Group, Blaze, and our Young Adults Group, Salt. Whilst the project is in progress it has been a great time to reflect and hope for what the future has in store for Youth Ministry in the Catholic Parish of Bundaberg and in this Youth Centre. I hope for a place young people can come and feel supported and free from any harm, a place filled with fun, laughter and, most importantly, faith.

Elizabeth Kelly (Youth Coordinator)

Parish and School Team Meeting

Each term the principals, APREs, and Parish Team meet to keep communication channels open between parish and schools. Last Thursday we met via Zoom. The schools are embracing the new way of teaching and learning, with a few technical difficulties in the first few days, and feedback from parents so far indicate a willingness to support their children at this time.

Our priests have offered to go to each of the schools to be with the children for a time of prayer or just to have a chat, via video platform. Schools are still making prayer a part of their week and, in some schools, daily.

Church Chat

Fr Peter and Jeffrey “Spielberg” continue to produce a weekly online video segment called “Church Chat”. Members of the parish are being interviewed to tell their story and introduce themselves to the wider parish as a way of getting to know each other. So far, we’ve interviewed six people, all different, from different ministries, who share a love of their faith. These can be watched on our Facebook or website pages.

Anne Sheehan