Seven ways to celebrate a Covid-safe Easter

At the heart of each parish is a Eucharistic Community who gather together to celebrate the Eucharist each week.  The high point of that liturgical life each year, is the Easter Triduum – the three days that make up the ceremonies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil.

This year we will celebrate with even greater joy having been thrown into lock down prior to Easter in 2020.

Our Easter ceremonies will take place in an environment where we are still dealing with restrictions in relation to social distancing. So here are seven ways that we can prepare for Easter:-

1.  Plan and Book

Plan which Easter ceremonies you would like to attend and make sure that you book in via TryBooking.  If you need assistance please ring the Parish Office and one of the staff will make sure you are booked in.

2.  Arrival Early

Once you are booked in, you will need to be checked in on arrival at each ceremony, so please arrive early to allow time for check in and seating.

3.  Bring your own Palm

If you are attending Palm Sunday please bring a palm branch with you so that we can reduce the handling of palms by multiple people. The blessing of Palms and a short procession will take place at 10:00 am at Camberwell, 10:30 am at Surrey Hills and 10:30 am at Deepdene. Once again early arrival will assist with check in.

4.  Keep your shoes on!

Be aware that the washing of the feet will not take place on Holy Thursday this year.  Instead, each of our churches is planning for a symbolic representation of the washing of the feet.

5.  Venerate the Cross with a bow

On Good Friday be prepared to venerate the cross with a simple bow.  We will not be kissing or touching the cross this year.

6.  We have five Churches – find out where there is a place for you

We have five Churches in the three parishes of Camberwell, Balwyn Deepdene and Surrey Hills Wattle Park.  Due to number restrictions you might like to consider attending a Church other than your usual place of worship, if spaces are available.  Our largest Church is Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, 301 Elgar Road, Surrey Hills.

7.  Bring a plate and celebrate

We will celebrate our Easter faith with a reception after the Easter Vigil at each of our parishes.  You are invited to join this community celebration at Our Holy Redeemer, Our Lady of Good Counsel or Our Lady of Victories after the Easter Vigil.  If you are able to bring a plate to assist with the celebrations please contact the Parish Office.