Our Easter Celebrations brought us together as community and family to reflect, give praise and thanks to our God, for His unconditional love for each and every one of us.

We started our Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday. Next we gathered as a Diocese for The Chrism Mass where we all recommitted to our shared Ministry and Bishop Michael blessed the sacred oils which are used sacramentally for the coming year. Then we celebrated Palm Sunday when Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to commence Holy Week.  We then gathered for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which included the Procession of Oils, Washing of Feet, and Transference of the Blessed Sacrament. We then all left in silence or stayed for Adoration. Good Friday began with Stations of the Cross at Mary Immaculate Church and was followed by our Ecumenical Walk of Reflection to the Singing Ship. At 3pm we gathered at Sacred Heart Church for the Passion of the Lord, which included The Liturgy of the Word, Adoration of the Cross and a Holy Communion Service. After this we all departed in silence once again.

Our Easter Vigil began in darkness as we gathered to keep a vigil for the Lord. We wait for our lives to be filled once again with Easter Joy. We gathered outside for the lighting and blessing of the fire and then processed into the darkened church with the lighted Paschal Candle. The beautifully sung Exultet heralded the lights being turned on. The Vigil is full of rites and symbols such as the Old Testament Readings, Blessing of the Water, Sprinkling Rite over the congregation and the Renewal of Baptismal Promises. The Vigil was concluded with the glorious Solemn Blessing, and presentation of prayer cards and easter eggs.

On Easter Sunday we celebrated together once again. Allelluia – He is Risen!! In Fr. Matthew’s words – “May the Risen Christ guide, bless and bring us the hope of healing in our world and our lives”.

I forgot to mention in our last Newsletter, that our faithful parishioners who visit the Sick and the Housebound, are once again on the move taking Eucharist and a friendly smile to those who are in need of this ministry – thank you to you all.

We have had Fr Terry Loth and Fr Noel Milner visit our Parish to celebrate Mass over the last two weekends in Fr Matthew’s absence. Thank you to you both and thank you for sharing a coffee with us after Mass.

Rene Veltmeyer gave us a report last Sunday from the Leadership Group. He outlined their last twelve months and called for some new parishioners to join the group to allow for new ideas and shared wisdom. Thank you to the current Leadership Group for their work up to date.

Our Meet in the Middle was held once again last Monday at the Benedictine Monastery. Approximately twenty parishioners came together for a chat, a laugh and some scrumptious food.  See you all for our next one on June 14^th.