In a recent bulletin reflection Joe McCorley wrote of one Easter Sunday Mass experience he had while in Brisbane, with a visiting priest presiding. After surveying the people closely, the priest roared, “There are two types of people in the world; the Dead and the Resurrected! And I don’t see many resurrected people here this morning!” Talk about an Easter challenge!

After the Holy Week celebrations in Bundaberg I would hope that we have more resurrected people than not. Our churches were full. People could feel the joy of resurrection and praise of the Risen Christ during the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Masses, we hope. The liturgies were the culmination of a week of prayerful build-up to the empty tomb.

Palm Sunday processions were held at all Mass centres. A small but skilful group of parishioners met to make palm crosses for each Mass centre on the Thursday before.  Fr Jomon came along and stayed for quite awhile learning how to make the crosses and adding to the pile.  His presence and contribution were greatly appreciated.

During the week all those involved in the Triduum liturgies came together for rehearsals. Our young altar servers were remarkable in remembering their roles for each of the liturgies.  Learning how to use a thurible on these occasions is a big achievement. The behind-the-scenes effort that is put into the Triduum is massive, as many of you would know and appreciate. It’s all worth it though to see the paschal mystery unfold over three days, in our time, through the use of ritual and symbol.

Offerings for the poor were brought up in procession during the presentation of gifts at the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper. During Lent parishioners were asked to donate non-perishable food items or gift vouchers for St Vincent de Paul to distribute after Easter. Items were brought along to Sunday Mass each week and left in baskets. Between Project Compassion and the St Vincent de Paul donations our parishioners were generous in their offerings for the poor.

The ritual and symbolism of the Easter Vigil is simply magnificent. We were fortunate to have two young adults and five children initiated into the Catholic Church during the Vigil. The darkness and light came together, the rain held off, the water flowed, the oil, bread and wine became something bigger in meaning for each of the candidates, and the singing was beautiful. A 2½ hour liturgy, done well, flies by! Admittedly it was a bit longer this year than last, but...

            Ayla Duffy                                              Will Mizzi 

Fr John’s Easter Vigil homily made mention of the nine people that we farewelled through the Funeral Rites in the week leading up to the Triduum, many of them long-standing, good and faithful parishioners. We felt the grief of their families but, in one sense, coming so close to Easter, we could rejoice more easily in the hope of resurrection and eternal life that was to come.

We wish all our diocesan “resurrected” brothers and sisters a joy-filled Easter season! Alleluia!

Anne Sheehan