Easter preparations - What a transformation . . . !

After the very prayerful Office of Readings this morning, containing such beautiful readings, in a bare and 'empty' church, our flower arrangers bustled into action.

What a transformation!  I have said it before but it needs to be said often; we are blessed to have such gifted parishioners who are willing to give their time and use their talents for the glory of God in this way.  I am very grateful to you all.

 Wonderful!

 Flowers for Our Lady . . .

 Just look at the Paschal Candle stand!  A really fitting receptacle for such an important part of this evening's liturgy

 One of two magnificent pedestals either side of the altar

Two of our talented flower arrangers who happened to be available for a photo call this morning.  Well done ladies!

More photos later . . .

Welcome Serena . . .

A very warm welcome to the newest member of our parish family. Serena was baptised and confirmed at the Easter Vigil. Please keep her and her family in your prayers as she continues on her journey of faith.

Surrexit Christus, alleluia!

Here are some photos from last night's Easter Vigil.

The liturgy of the Easter Vigil is always very special but it takes on another dimension when we are blessed to have Baptisms and Receptions in the parish. Last night we welcomed Thomas and Jordan who were baptised and made their First Holy Communion.

Congratulations too to Jenny and Ted and who were received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church after making their public Profession of Faith and receiving the sacrament of Confirmation.

I was delighted to see that we had record crowds on all three days of the Triduum despite all the 'goings on' in the media recently.

Naturally, we finished our celebrations in the parish hall with a glass of wine and an opportunity to chat to the newest members of our parish family.

So much work goes on 'behind the scenes' to make the Easter Triduum run as smoothly as it always does. I would like to thank everyone involved and finally to wish you all a joyful Easter and may the blessings of the Risen Lord be with you and your families and remain with you.

'The Lord has indeed risen, alleluia!'

Easter at St Ann's

It was a delight and a privilege to welcome Stewart and David into Full Communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, along with Melissa and Elio who received the sacrament of Confirmation and Greer who made her First Holy Communion - we were just missing a Baptism!

It's rather long but the slideshow below gives a flavour of our Easter celebrations here at St Ann's this year.

Wishing you Easter Blessings and Joy.