Religious Education

Holding on to Easter Joy

With the excitement and joy that surrounds Mother’s Day, it can be easy to forget that we are still in the heart of the Easter season. Yet, in our Mother’s Day Mass held on Tuesday morning, there was a quiet but powerful reminder placed front and centre on the sanctuary—the Paschal Candle. Its steady flame continues to proclaim a message that does not fade once Easter Sunday has passed: Christ is risen, and He is with us still.

This Sunday, we celebrate the Sixth Sunday of Easter, a time when the Church invites us to remain in that Easter joy and to listen closely to the words Jesus spoke to His disciples before He departed from them. Knowing that His time on earth was coming to an end, Jesus did not leave His followers in uncertainty or fear. Instead, He offered them a promise—one that extends to us today.

In the Gospel, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” This is not the kind of peace the world offers, which can come and go depending on circumstances. Rather, it is a deep and lasting peace that comes from knowing we are loved, never abandoned, and always held in God’s care.

Jesus also promises that He will not leave us alone. He speaks of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will come to guide, teach, and remind us of all He has said. Even though the disciples would no longer see Jesus in the same way, His presence would remain with them—alive in their hearts and active in their lives.

The Paschal Candle is a symbol of this very promise. Lit at Easter and burning throughout the season, it reminds us that the light of Christ continues to shine in our world. It is a sign that Jesus is not gone; He is risen and present among us.

As we honour mothers and all the important women in our lives this week, we can also recognise how they reflect this promise of Jesus. Through their love, care, guidance, and presence, they bring peace into our lives. In many ways, they mirror the quiet, faithful presence of God—always there, always loving, always guiding.

So even amidst the celebrations of Mother’s Day, we are invited to keep our hearts anchored in Easter. The flame still burns. The promise still stands. And the peace of Christ is still being offered to each one of us.

May we carry that peace with us, not only this season, but always.

A Prayer for Mums

Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for the gift of mothers and the joy they bring to our lives. Thank you for the love and care they show, even when life is busy and challenging.

Please bless all mothers and all who care for others like a mother. Give them strength, patience, and wisdom each day. Send Your Holy Spirit to guide them as they look after their families.

Be close to those who are sad because their mother is no longer with them. Bring comfort to those who feel hurt or alone. Surround them with Your peace and love.

Help us to love and respect our mothers. May we show them kindness and say thank you for all they do.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us and our families. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Kathryn Ady

Religious Education Leader