Happy Easter

Another Easter with a difference. Last year we were able to celebrate Easter with only five people present. This year, although the numbers were increased, some restrictions remained. Yet the sense of hope, peace and joy that comes from the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the same year in and year out, with five or 225 in attendance, in a big church or smaller church. Christ is risen still!

We overcame the obstacles of a covid lockdown, the mandatory wearing of masks, rain for an outdoor Good Friday liturgy and the Easter fire, and a change of venue to experience the message of Easter. Over all these obstacles, hope and joy prevailed. And when you have two very happy boys baptised during the celebrations, the effort is worth it.

Confirmation and First Communion

Spare a thought and prayer for all the children across the diocese who will soon be celebrating their final initiation sacraments. This is the group of children who were only weeks or months away from the celebrations when Covid-19 caused an upheaval in parish life in March 2020.

For us in Bundaberg, our group was six weeks away from completion. We are looking forward to celebrating with Bishop Michael on Tuesday and Thursday, the 27^th and 29^th April. There will still be the Covid regulations to follow but a small inconvenience to bear for a celebration a long time coming in the eyes of a child.

The Gift: A Life in the Spirit Course

A six-session Life in the Spirit course for anyone who wants to get more out of their faith began in the parish on Tuesday, 13^th April. Led by the United Hearts Prayer Group it has been well received so far and we look forward to the attendees enlivening others with their Spirit-filled zest for the Father’s love.

Holy Rosary Work Nears Completion

Our current target is to have the church back in service for the children’s Confirmation and First Communion celebrations in the last week of the month, during Bishop Michael’s pastoral visit. On the first Sunday of May, the 8.00am and 5.30pm Mass communities will once again celebrate Eucharist in Holy Rosary church on a regular basis.

It has been three months of hard work, negotiation, and delays but finally the air conditioning system and the new LED lighting have been installed. As the tradesmen have crawled into unseen spaces in the ceiling of the church, the age and historical value of the building has been revealed. The massive task of cleaning the interior then begins. GEM Energy will install solar panels to the roof which won’t affect the interior activities of church life.

Landscaping will begin in the grounds on the Barolin and Woongarra Streets corner to soften the look of the northern side of the church. It’s time the grand old lady was given a new look.

St Patrick's Church

Meanwhile St Patrick’s church is having more landscaping work done on its surrounds. The upgrade of the garden bed behind the brick sign at the entrance to the grounds is almost completed. This work is the last major component of the landscaping refurbishment for St. Patrick’s for now. With a new sign, seating, shade cloth, garden beds, trees, and a memorial seat St Patrick’s is looking good!

Anne Sheehan