EASTER 2017: Easter Celebrations at Rockingham Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Year seven student from Kolbe Catholic College, Jordan Smith, Jacob Stent, Alicia Hutchison, Lani Tionisio, Liam Cox, Peter Wickham and Alexander Lanzafame, joined the congregation to passionately present the readings, the Responsorial Psalm and together with Fr Vijay, assisted with the Gospel reading of the Passion. Photo: Supplied
Easter celebrations at Rockingham Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Church held special significance for all its parishioners this year.
Starting Holy week with Palm Sunday and culminating with the Easter vigil, it was a momentous and spiritual week for all involved.
Palm Sunday celebrations commenced with the blessing of the palms in the Star of the Sea school gardens with Father Vijay D’Souza leading everyone in the procession into the Church. Year Seven students from Kolbe Catholic College joined the congregation to passionately present the readings, the Responsorial Psalm and together with Fr Vijay, assisted with the Gospel reading of the Passion.
Fr Vijay washing the feet of parishioners at the start of the Easter Triduum on Maundy Thursday. Photo: Supplied
While the Maundy Thursday service was a symbolic re-enactment of the Washing of the Feet and presenting of the Sacred Oils, the Good Friday Stations of the Cross and Mass saw the Church packed to capacity by parishioners who came to commemorate and reflect on the passion and death of Christ.
During the Maundy Thursday Mass, a jarrah-encased, stained glass panel was unveiled by John Griffin and Alan Kitto, who together skilfully crafted and donated the outstanding piece to the parish.
John Griffin and Alan Kitto unveiling a jarrah-encased, stained glass panel that they crafted and donated to the parish. The panel showcases pictures relating to the Eucharist and the washing of the feet. It will highlight the tabernacle area in the church and bears special relevance to the spiritual journey of the Somascan Order. Photo: Supplied
The panel showcases pictures relating to the Eucharist and the washing of the feet. It will highlight the tabernacle area in the church and bears special relevance to the spiritual journey of the Somascan Order.
A beautiful and spiritual Easter Vigil on Saturday evening commenced in darkness with the lighting of the Easter candle.
The Parish’s Filipino Choir enthusiastically led the congregation with hymns of praise.
In a wonderful visionary spectacle with light and sound effects, the congregation watched in anticipation as the stone was rolled away from a large tomb, revealing the miraculous resurrection of Jesus.
Adding to the joy of this Easter Vigil celebration, catechumens and one candidate receiving their rite of election into the Catholic faith. Photo: Supplied
Adding to the joy of this Easter Vigil celebration, and witnessed by the whole parish community, catechumens, Kim Spence and Kim Geling received Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion, while Kylie Weeks received Confirmation and Eucharist and one candidate, Christopher Paraskevas was welcomed into the Catholic faith.