I WAS once asked by a Grade 3 student during one of our classroom chats at St Brigid’s School, “Why did Jesus die for people who didn’t care? Wasn’t it a waste?” As wasteful as it may seem, the death and resurrection of Jesus remain the most meaningful and inspiring act of love the world has ever known. His sacrifice offers us a powerful example of selfless love and gives hope to all humanity.
In a world filled with uncertainty, we are called to bring assurance and reassurance. In a world burdened by hopelessness, we are invited to become bearers of hope. Where there is unforgiveness, retaliation, and selfishness, we are challenged to show understanding, tolerance, and selflessness.
In places where hardship, hunger and destitution exist, we are encouraged to share generously and act with genuine compassion. And in a world longing for peace, we are called to be instruments of peace and sources of joy.
The celebration of Easter – the Resurrection of Christ – invites us to rejoice in the new life won for us through his suffering, death and resurrection. It calls us to be light in the darkness and hope for one another. Happy Easter to you all.
Father Anthony Onyirioha,
parish priest,
St Peter’s Catholic Church, New Norfolk
Easter church services in the
valley and highlands
CATHOLIC
Holy Thursday, April 2: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, St Peter’s Church, New Norfolk, 7pm.
Good Friday, April 3: St Andrew’s Church, Bothwell, 10am; and 3pm at St Peter’s, New Norfolk.
Saturday Easter Vigil, April 4: St Peter’s Church, New Norfolk, 6pm.
Easter Sunday, April 5: St Andrew’s Church, Bothwell, 9.30am; and 11.30am at St Colman’s Church, Ellendale. No Mass at New Norfolk.
ANGLICAN
Palm Sunday, March 29: “Jesus enters Jerusalem” service at St Matthew’s, New Norfolk, 8am.
Maundy Thursday, April 2: Meal in the St Matthew’s Church hall, New Norfolk, followed by Holy Communion around the table. No charge but bookings are essential: Call 0408 399 209.
Good Friday, April 3: 9am service of Tenebrae at St Matthew’s, New Norfolk, followed by morning tea; and 10am service at St John the Baptist Church, Ouse (Upper Derwent Valley Anglican Church).
Easter Sunday, April 5: 8am service at St Matthew’s, New Norfolk, and 10am at St John the Baptist Church, Ouse.
OTHER CHURCHES
Derwent Valley Christian Fellowship: Service at 5pm on Easter Sunday, at 231 Back River Rd, New Norfolk.
Salvation Army: Services at 9.30am on Good Friday and 10am on Easter Sunday, at 79 Hamilton Rd, New Norfolk.
Seventh-Day Adventist: Service at 11am on Easter Saturday (April 4). Afternoon Easter program at 3.30pm. Corner of Montagu and Officer streets, New Norfolk.
River City Church: Service 4pm on Easter Sunday, at 79 Hamilton Rd, New Norfolk (Salvation Army HQ).
CHRISTIAN BROADCAST
TYGA FM: An Easter message from Celia Hooker on community radio station, 98.9 Tyga FM, 9am on Easter Sunday.
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