The Spear Newsletter

RE & Parish News

My Lord and My God

Easter Liturgies

Easter is the most important time of the year for Catholics because it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which is the foundation of the Christian faith. According to the Bible, Jesus' resurrection signifies His victory over sin and death, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Why is Easter so significant for Catholics?

  1. The Resurrection of Jesus – Easter Sunday marks the day Jesus rose from the dead after His crucifixion on Good Friday. This event confirms Jesus as the Son of God and fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament.
  2. The Basis of Christian Faith – As St. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile." The resurrection validates everything Jesus taught and promises believers eternal life.
  3. Victory Over Sin and Death – Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is seen as the ultimate act of love, offering redemption from sin. His resurrection proves that death is not the end, giving hope to all Christians.
  4. Celebration of New Life – Easter symbolises renewal and new beginnings, both spiritually and in the world around us (springtime, new growth, etc.). Many Catholic traditions, like baptism, tie into this theme of new life in Christ.
  5. The Culmination of Lent and Holy Week – Easter is the climax of the liturgical season of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday, leads up to Easter and commemorates Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection.

How is Easter Celebrated in the Catholic Church?

  • Easter Vigil Mass (on Holy Saturday night) – The most important and beautiful liturgy of the year, where new members are baptised and the Paschal Candle is lit to symbolise Christ as the Light of the World.
  • Easter Sunday Mass – A joyful celebration with Alleluia hymns, scripture readings about the resurrection, and the Eucharist.
  • Traditions like Easter eggs and feasting – Eggs symbolise new life, and many cultures have festive meals to celebrate Christ's victory over death.

May the light of the Risen Christ bring peace to your heart, strength to your spirit, and hope to the world. As people of many cultures and traditions celebrate new life, may we be united in faith, love, and compassion. May this season renew our commitment to justice, mercy, and peace for all. 

 

St Thomas Parish Masses

 

Station of the Cross in Lent every Friday 7.00pm

 

† Saturday Vigil Mass: 6.00pm

† Sunday Masses:  9:00am, 10:45am & 5.00pm

 

For updates regarding these and all Easter services please follow this link: https://stthomasap.org.au/

 

Stay safe these school holidays, and may God bless you and your loved ones.

Project Compassion

Go St Thomas the Apostle! We've reached end of the project. We'll be able to gather the donated money and send it off to Caritas.

 

If you still have a Project Compassion box at home, please bring it back to school at the beginning of term. We can do an emergency 2nd collection for any that are still left over.

Please note that even if there is no money collected (no problem at all by the way), please bring back the box anyway. We are required to dispose of any unused boxes.