Written by
Adam Calderone
Easter Blessings
As we approach the joyful season of Easter, it's a time for us to reflect on the message of hope that it brings to our lives. Easter is not just about chocolate and eggs, but it carries profound significance, especially in the context of hope and renewal.
At its core, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking a pivotal moment in Christian faith. It's a time of profound spiritual significance, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair, and life over death.
In a world that often feels burdened by challenges and uncertainties, the message of Easter serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is the promise of renewal and redemption. Easter reminds us that new beginnings are always possible.
This message of hope is especially relevant in our current times, as we navigate through unprecedented global challenges. From the ongoing pandemic to social and economic upheavals, many of us have faced hardships and uncertainties. Yet, Easter reminds us to hold onto hope, to believe in the possibility of brighter days ahead.
As we celebrate Easter, let's not only focus on the festivities but also take a moment to reflect on the profound message it carries. Let's embrace the spirit of hope, spreading kindness, compassion, and love to those around us. Let's support each other, lift each other up, and strive to create a world where hope flourishes.
Easter reminds us that there is always hope. It's a reminder that no matter how challenging our circumstances may be, there is always the possibility of renewal and transformation. So, as we gather with our loved ones to celebrate Easter, let's cherish the message of hope it brings and carry it with us throughout the year ahead.
Wishing you all a blessed and hopeful Easter season.
Caritas Project Compassion
I wish to thank the many contributors to our Term 1 Caritas Project Compassion fundraiser. Whilst the final total is still be counted, we can rest in the knowledge that all funds raised will be directly given to people in need around the world and in Australia. Our generosity, even in these tough economic times, makes life just that little bit easier for those at the margins of society and certainly less fortunate than ourselves.
Catholic Education Week
The Christian Service Captains and Vice Captains were fortunate to travel to the annual Catholic Education Week Mass and Speakers Colloquium at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and East Melbourne last week, along with many of the Catholic primary and secondary schools in the archdiocese. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist and then hear from students in Year 12 from a variety of schools about their faith journeys and experiences at World Youth Day in Lisbon last year. I wish to thank Sister Nelia Llanto and Mr John Tran for accompanying the students and myself to these wonderful events.
Easter Masses
Please find below the details for mass services during Holy Week at our various local parishes:
St Martin of Tours, Rosanna
HOLY THURSDAY, 28th March
(NO MORNING MASS), MASS at 7.30 PM
NIGHT WATCH- 9.00 PM-10.00 PM
GOOD FRIDAY, 29th March
- COMMUNITY STATIONS OF THE CROSS-10.00 AM
- COMMEMORATION OF THE LORD'S PASSION-3.00 PM
SATURDAY EASTER VIGIL, 30th March
7.30 PM
EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD MASSES, 31st March
8.00am & 10.00 am
Our Lady of the Way, Kingsbury
Holy Thursday Mass and Adoration, 28th March
5.00pm
Good Friday Service, 29th March
10.00am: Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday Service, 30th March
7.30-9.00pm Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday Service, 31st March
9.00am Mass
St Mary’s, Greensborough, St Thomas the Apostle, Greensborough North and Sacred Heart, Diamond Creek
HOLY THURSDAY, 28th MARCH
NO morning Mass
St Mary’s: 7:30 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
St Thomas: 6:30 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
(St Mary’s & St Thomas -Prayer before Altar of Repose after Mass Concluding with Night Prayer at 9:30 pm)
GOOD FRIDAY, 29th MARCH
NO morning Mass
St Thomas: 11:00 am Ecumenical Stations of the Cross (Combined local Churches)
St Mary’s: 3:00 pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
Sacred Heart: 3:00 pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
HOLY SATURDAY, 30th MARCH
St Mary’s: 10:00 am Morning Prayer
EASTER VIGIL, 30th MARCH
St Mary’s: 6:30 pm Service of Light outside the Church (weather permitting)
Sacred Heart : 7:30 pm Service of Light outside the Church (weather permitting)
EASTER SUNDAY, 31st MARCH
Sacred Heart: 9:00am
St. Mary’s: 8:00 am & 10:00 am NO 5:00 pm
St. Thomas: 10:30 am
St Damian’s, Bundoora
HOLY THURSDAY, 28th MARCH
7:30 PM MASS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER & FOLLOWED BY THE ADORATION.
GOOD FRIDAY, 29TH MARCH
10:00 AM ECUMENICAL STATIONS OF THE CROSS & FOLLOWED WITH THE MORNING TEA IN THE DUNLOP ROOM.
CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S PASSION
3:00 PM AT ST. DAMIAN’S CHURCH.
HOLY SATURDAY, 30TH MARCH
6:30 PM EASTER VIGIL (N0 MASS at 5:30 pm)
(Blessing of Fire and Paschal Candle ceremony in front of the Church)
EASTER SUNDAY, 31ST MARCH
8:00 AM & 10:00 AM MASSES
St Francis of Assisi, Mill Park
HOLY THURSDAY, 28th March
(NO MORNING MASS), MASS at 7.30 PM
NIGHT WATCH- in the chapel, concluding with night prayer at 11.50 pm
GOOD FRIDAY, 29th March
- COMMUNITY STATIONS OF THE CROSS-9.30 AM – gather in school car park
- COMMEMORATION OF THE LORD'S PASSION-12PM and 3.00 pm
SATURDAY EASTER VIGIL, 30th March
5.00 pm and 8.00 pm
EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD MASSES,31st March
9.00 am,10.30am & 5.00 pm
St Francis Xavier, Montmorency and Our Lady Help of Christians, Eltham
Holy Thursday, 28th March
Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7pm @ SFX, Montmorency
Good Friday, 29th March
The Way of the Cross 11am @ OLHC, Eltham
The Passion of Our Lord 3pm @ OLHC, Eltham
Holy Saturday, 30th March
Blessing of the Food 5pm @ SFX, Montmorency
Vigil of the Resurrection 7:30pm @ SFX, Montmorency
Easter Sunday, 31st March
Dawn Vigil of the Resurrection 6am @ OLHC, Eltham
Easter Mass 8:30am @ SFX, Montmorency
Easter Mass 10am @ OLHC, Eltham
