Thank you to all who were involved in our Easter celebrations this year. Dozens of parishioners assisted in planning our Easter liturgies and participated in so many ways: reading, singing, preparing the church, lighting the Easter fire, distributing candles, setting up for hospitality, serving at the altar, preparing the Easter holy water and much more.
I was standing outside the Church at Our Lady of Victories prior to the Easter Vigil. The fire was burning and throwing light out onto the street. Three passers-by entered the courtyard area, drawn by the light of the fire. Two young women came together to see what was happening. What is the meaning of this fire, they asked? What are you celebrating tonight? As we spoke they were amazed to hear that we were gathering under the full moon to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, from the dead. I explained that we would bless the fire, light the new candle and process through the Church, singing ‘Christ Our Light!’ I told them we would light that candle throughout the year and it represented our hope, our belief in light, life and forgiveness. Their interest was alive and they spoke of their own inner search for meaning. Neither of them was Christian. They wanted to keep talking, so a couple of us invited them back next week to meet with us and talk about how we all ‘put life together’. The third person was a young man who has been learning about Christianity and is very keen to become a Christian in the Catholic Church. He too was intrigued by the liturgy of light. He also joined us for the Liturgy of the Word at the Easter Vigil.
The Easter Liturgies are full of evocative symbols, intriguing narratives and rituals which invite reflection, conversation and thought. I wonder what other experiences and encounters were had across these days?
We have very active liturgy groups across our parishes and the coordination and planning from these teams was exceptional. If you have an interest in liturgy and would like to be part of one our liturgy teams please contact the Parish Office for more information.
Now that the Easter period is over and COVID 19 restrictions have eased we will be transitioning from TryBooking to the QR code system for our ordinary Sunday Masses. You are asked to register on arrival using the QR code, no pre-booking is required. Those without QR code capabilities can give their name and contact number at the door. We will continue to ensure that we have a COVID safe environment and ask your cooperation in complying with the regulations under which we continue to operate.
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Ray says:
Fr Brendan, thank you for this magnificent story of the 3 passers-by. This is what Easter is all about and the telling is a boost for our faith. Many thanks to the priests and the whole parish community for acting like lifebuoys in the oceans of life.