Faith & Mission - CRC Caroline Springs

Holy Week

As we journey through Holy Week, we celebrate Christ’s paschal mystery - the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each of these holy days are rich in meaning, symbolism and of great significance in the life of the Church.

We began last Sunday with Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem as King which is in strong contrast to what occurs during the Easter Triduum later in the week. Holy Thursday signifies Christ institution of the Eucharist and the new priesthood as Christ becomes the new ‘Passover Lamb.’ We have the beautiful image of Christ washing his disciples feet as he ‘sets us an example that we should do as he has done for us (Jn 13:15).’ In the liturgy all the decorations of the Church are removed or shrouded and all candles are extinguished to represent darkness. The priest strips and washes the feet of 12 people and instead of the final blessing we have adoration of the Eucharist.

On Good Friday we remember Christ’s Crucifixion. The ultimate act of love in which God humbles himself to become man. The tabernacle is empty and the church is again undecorated. We have the silent and solemn procession for the liturgy and we venerate the cross by kneeling before it and kissing it. The Eucharist received is consecrated from the day before.

The week culminates with the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord (Easter) in which we celebrated Christ’s rising from the dead. The Mass begins gathering in the dark symbolizing the darkness of the tomb and our sin. We follow the candle like the Israelites who followed the pillar of fire and we here nine readings and eight Psalms, which tell the story of Salvation that Jesus won for us. During the Gloria, the Church lights come on and we decorate the Church to symbolize Christ’s Resurrection. We also baptize and welcome new people into our church and renew our baptismal promises. The richness of the Liturgies over the coming days enables one to enter into the Paschal Mystery of our Lord.

I strongly encourage you to check your local Parish for Easter Mass times. May the joy of the Risen Lord be with you and your families these Easter holidays.

Holy Week Explained

Catholic Education Week - St Patrick’s Day Mass & Colloquium

On Friday 17 March Mr Tony Zammit and three student representatives travelled to St Patrick’s Cathedral for Mass celebrated by Archbishop Peter A Comensoli. The Mass was attended by Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools around the Archdiocese of Melbourne and provided an opportunity to come together and commemorate the wonderful gift of Catholic Education. Below are some excerpts of the experience of our students who attended the day.

The Saint Patrick's Cathedral Mass was a beautiful time to reflect and reconnect with our faith during the season of Lent. Seeing other schools come together and to be present with God made me have an appreciation for the lives that we lead as Catholics. Seeing Father Rob Galea once again gave me more insight into the type of life I want to live, as I was only in Year 8 when I first heard him speak. Sometimes we truly need to stop for a moment in our lives and listen to what God is trying to tell us.

Maya S (Faith & Social Justice Captain) 10 Lingiari

Attending the St Patrick’s Day Mass was a wonderful and memorable experience. The cathedral was beautiful inside & out, and the choir sounded angelic whilst singing hymns. This event brought me closer to God and strengthened my Christian faith. After the mass we had a short walk to the Catholic Leadership Centre where we listened to Father Rob Galea speak about his life and journey into Christianity. Although the three of us had already listened to him two years ago, his story was still interesting and engaging. His way of speaking was entertaining and appealed to young adults.

Alyssa D (Deputy College Captain) 10 Barak

On the 17th of March, St. Patrick’s Day, I and two other captains, Alyssa and Maya, were fortunate enough to attend the feast day's ceremony at St. Patrick's cathedral, as representatives of the student body. It was a beautiful opportunity, which enabled us to be a part of such a welcoming, faithful mass, consisting of many other Catholic Schools across Melbourne. With a talented choir, an engaging and fruitful mass, and an opportunity to bond, we were able to celebrate unitedly alongside the Archbishop of Melbourne, Peter Comensoli.

With the day drawing to a close, we attended an event involving Fr. Rob Galea, a priest who had visited during our time in eighth grade. It was an amazing (and nostalgic) experience to once again hear his inspirational journey, and an eye-opener into the ways of faith and it's miracles. The messages he taught us will be something that we all can continue to hold onto. 

Zalaika F (College Captain) 10 Murphy Wandin

Friday 8am Mass

Last Friday we had our last 8am Mass for the term. It has been so wonderful to see so many staff, students and their families attend. Friday 8am Mass will continue in Term 2 commencing Friday 28 April. Mass concludes at 8:25am, ensuring that there is more than ample time to get ready for Homeroom. Students can sign up to minister as readers via SEQTA Notices. We look forward to your presence.

FORMED Digital Subscription

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