Dear brothers and sisters,

1.      For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven;” (John 20:23)

2.      What is the Easter Sequence?  A sequence is a hymn sung between the second reading and the gradual (alleluia).  There are a few different sequences.  This sequence has been sung for about 1000 years, and is sung during the Easter Octave – the 8 days including and following Easter Sunday.  It celebrates Jesus’ resurrection.

3. The mass proposed at 7pm on 8 April for the Annunciation has been cancelled!

4. There will be daily mass and confessions but no adoration on 9, 10 and 11 April 2024.

5. Congratulations to our 18 new Christians baptised at the Easter vigil!

6. We are offering the most amazing program in our parish from 29 April.  The Alpha course makes it very easy to meet the Risen Jesus and experience in my heart the love of God for me personally.  We already have a number of people signed up.  If you’re looking for a change in life, be you Christian or non-Christian, join us as we do this together in a warm and welcoming way, via https://stpeter-stjoseph.org.au/alpha/

7. Fire & Hope, a monthly youth group for 18-25s will be starting in the parish on 17 April at 730pm.  Each meet will include a time of praise, formation and prayer.

8. The parish office will be closed 19 and 23 April 2024. 

9. Having consulted the pastoral council, we have decided to build a permanent cave.  The idea is to have a permanent place for our Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter nativities, and another statue as a place of pilgrimage the rest of the year.  We welcome your feedback on where it should go – at the moment, I lean towards not blocking the lawn permanently, and putting it on the yellow stripes to the left of the church entrance – and which statue should be there for devotion in ordinary time. Please tell Father what you think.

10. Following the success of our Exodus group we are starting a Parish Men’s Fraternity.    Members will commit to at least 10 minutes of prayer every day, confession once a month, taking up one service in the parish, and a monthly meeting of a meal/drinks, formation and prayer.  Some guys are already keen to start.  Interested men can contact Fr Josh via [email protected].

11. We have gained 114 new Instagram followers in our first month!  To receive daily parish updates, photos and reels, follow us at @stpeterchanelstjoseph.berala

Yours in Our Lord,

J+