REC News

As we come to the end of our school term, it is important to remember and engage in the Catholic traditions that take place during Lent and Holy Week. This is a special time in our Church year and is celebrated among many people.

Holy Week

The week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, Holy Week, is the most sacred time of year. During this special time, we enter into the passion of Christ - his crucifixion, death and resurrection- through liturgical celebration. The season of Lent is a very important time in the Church, and it is helpful to remember that our Lenten practices (prayer, fasting and almsgiving) are meant as preparation for the three days of the Triduum.

What Is the Triduum?

The three days of the Triduum are counted as the Hebrews counted their days, from dusk to dusk. Lent officially ends and the Triduum begins at dusk on Holy Thursday and continues through dusk on Easter Sunday. As we cannot separate Jesus’ death from his resurrection, the Church teaches that the Triduum is really one celebration that lasts for three days. 

Holy Thursday

So when he had washed their feet [and] put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you?” ~ John 13:12

The evening Mass on Holy Thursday begins the Sacred Triduum. On this night, we remember the Last Supper and celebrate the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. At the end of the liturgy, the sanctuary is stripped clean in preparation for Good Friday.

Family Faith Idea: Talk about how Jesus is really present in Holy Communion and how sharing in his body strengthens us to become the Body of Christ and to follow him each day.

Good Friday

He said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. ~ John 19:30

Good Friday is a remembrance of Jesus’ crucifixion and death on the cross. It is a day of fasting and penance. During this time we examine the places in our lives where we fail to follow Christ and fall into sin. Good Friday is not only a commemoration of a historical event but Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, along with his resurrection, comprise the heart of the Christian faith.

Family Faith Idea 

Pray the Lord’s Prayer at bedtime on this night in remembrance of Christ’s gift for all of salvation.

Easter Vigil

Now in the place where he had been crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there. John 19:41-42

The Easter Vigil is the restoration of the early Church’s tradition as the great celebration of adult baptism and confirmation. The vigil begins in darkness (usually outside) and the long procession of candlelight that enlivens the church reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world who has conquered all darkness and death. The Paschal candle that is lit at the Easter Vigil will remain in the church throughout the year as a sign of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Family Faith Idea

During the day on Holy Saturday, spend some time as a family talking about the Paschal Mystery — Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection. 

Easter Sunday

Celebrate the risen Lord at Mass with the renewal of baptismal vows, a sprinkling with Easter water and receiving the Eucharist. This year, as we celebrate the holidays gifted by a two-thousand-year-old event, live and act with the love intended for each and every one of us and make sure that the kids feel the love.

Easter Fun Facts

• The date of Easter changes every year. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon following the March equinox. However, this always occurs on or between 22nd March and 25th April.
• Easter marks the end of the 40-day period of Lent, which is a traditional time of fasting that begins on Ash Wednesday.
• The week before Easter is known as Holy Week. It begins on Palm Sunday and includes Holy Thursday (the day of the Last Supper), Good Friday (the day of Christ’s crucifixion) and Holy Saturday (the time between the crucifixion and resurrection).
• Eggs are associated with Easter because eggs (along with milk and meat) were forbidden during Lent. Any remaining eggs would be used up on the day before Lent, Shrove Tuesday, which is also known as Pancake Tuesday. The eggs accumulated during Lent would then be eaten at Easter.

As we celebrate the Easter weekend with our families, let’s remember the important sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for all of our sins and the promise of new life grated by his resurrection. This year, we are lucky enough to celebrate with family and friends once again. We would like to wish you all a safe and faith-filled holiday.

Prayer for Easter Sunday

Good and gracious God,

on this day of Easter joy, we remember the Lord Jesus

who is risen, alive, and with us.

Help us to live in the light of the Resurrection.

May we become a new creation, free in heart and spirit.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, our risen Saviour, Amen!

Reconciliation Parent Information Night

Dear Parents and Carers of Year 2 students who are baptised Catholic,

You are invited to attend our Sacrament of Reconciliation Parent Information Night on Wednesday 21st April at 5:00 pm at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. We apologise for the incorrect day and time printed on the Sacramental note sent home earlier this term. 

This event will be followed by our Family BBQ at school straight after.

Regards,

Karlee Hatton

Religious Education Coordinator

Easter Liturgy Timetable