It was very early in the morning when Mary Magdalene went among the graves to find Jesus: 'it was still dark'. It must have been unnerving to find an empty space where a stone and a body should have been. The resurrection took everybody by surprise, even those who had heard Jesus say, 'Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up' (Jn 2:19).

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

The discovery of the empty tomb – although so simply told – is an astounding event that completes the Paschal Mystery: the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Whilst Christ’s willingness to go to his death on the cross was an extraordinary statement of God’s love for humankind, it is his rising again from death that offers all Christian people hope. It is the second disciple – the one whom Jesus loved – who is the first to grasp the meaning of what has happened inside the tomb. 

The gospel tells us that upon entering the tomb and seeing Jesus’ burial cloths lying there, ‘he saw and he believed’. 

Unlike the later encounters with the risen Lord, this disciple recognised the truth and significance of what he saw in the empty tomb. He didn’t need to see the risen Lord to believe. 

Perhaps it is he that we can best identify with. Not in a position to physically encounter the risen Christ, we are capable of seeing the signs of his resurrection and continuing presence in the world and choose to believe. (Greg Sunter)

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross is a form of prayer used traditionally in Lent. Each of the 14 Stations retells part of Jesus’ Passion (his suffering and death) through images and words. The Stations of the Cross is a meaningful way to introduce children to Jesus’ Passion, breaking it down into stages that they can reflect upon and remember. The Stations are more than the retelling of a story: they are a prayerful participation in the event that lies at the heart of Christianity – Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

Today, our Year 6 students and their teachers shared with us a very dramatic presentation of the Stations of the Cross. We thank them for the time and preparation of this most powerful prayer. 

 Catholic Voice

The Easter edition of the Catholic Voice will feature a story on the St Bernard’s Mini Vinnies team. Thank you to Ava G, Levi T and Molly M who were interviewed for the article.

Project Compassion - Caritas during Lent

Mini Vinnies students held a Coin Line this morning in the lean To. The Coin Line was in support of the 2024  Project Compassion Appeal.

The team have learnt about the needs of families and children living in the Philippines, Samoa and Malawi. The total amount raised this morning will go towards helping these communities.

First Reconciliation

Please remember the following children and families in your prayers as they continue to work together in preparation for the sacrament of Reconciliation - Charlie O, Emily G-B, Natalie N, Alice M-M, Elsie W, Grace R, Indie F, Zaden F, Johann D, Mason L and Raph C.

Reconciliation will be held on the 11 April at 5pm in St.Bernard’s church.May the mystery of Easter bring joy, happiness and hope to your family.

Blessings

Sharon Beashel

Religious Education Coordinator