in Broken Bay at Easter Vigil

Families and young adults were among close to 100 people welcomed into the Catholic Church across the Diocese of Broken Bay during the Easter weekend in April.

Baptism is an important part of the Easter Vigil celebration, with the new Catholics (neophytes) rising and being reborn, just as Christ rose on the third day.

While baptism is one way people are received into the Church at Easter, there are many ways in which people are welcomed.

People of other denominations who have received valid baptism may receive the Sacrament of Confirmation while those who were baptised or confirmed Catholic, but since strayed and may not have received the Eucharist, may be welcomed in at this time.

The Easter period is a time of renewal within the Church, with the new catechumens adding energy and zeal to their parishes.

The number of young adults and families who were received into the Church this Easter was a particular sign of strength for the Diocese.

Pymble Parish had two catechumens baptised and three confirmed/received into the Church during the Easter Vigil, including several young adults.

20-year-old university student Joshua Knox was confirmed at the Easter Vigil at Pymble Parish. Raised in the Anglican church, he said his reception into the Catholic Church has renewed his relationship with God.

“[Growing up], I rarely prayed and read my Bible outside of church, and even then, my primary focus at church was to socialize with my peers, with my devotion to God merely incidental,” he said.

“My Confirmation this year at the Easter Vigil was one of the most joyful moments of my life, and now that I am a Catholic, my relationship with God has greatly flourished. My prayer life has become enriched by the great treasury of prayers and devotions, including the Liturgy of the Hours, the Holy Rosary, and the Chaplet of Divine

Mercy; I have finally finished reading the New Testament, and am about half-way through the Old Testament; and all I desire is to worship God through the sacrifice of the Mass.”

Eugenie MacFarlane was also confirmed at Pymble Parish during the Easter Vigil and said the experience had been transformative.

“Being part of the RCIA program at Sacred Heart Pymble Parish has been truly life changing,” she said.

“Overall, my experience of receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation has been powerful and transformative. It has given me a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to God and the rich tradition and teachings of the Catholic faith.”

Eugenie chose Gianna for her confirmation name, saying Saint Gianna Beretta Molla had been a particular inspiration to her on her journey.

“As I reflect on the life of Saint Gianna, I am in awe of her unwavering commitment to love and serve others, even in the face of great suffering and sacrifice,” she said.

“Her example challenges me to live with greater courage and selflessness, and to always put the needs of others before my own. I recognize that this is not always easy, but I am confident that with the help of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of Saint Gianna, I can continue to grow in faith and service.”

Lower North Shore Parish welcomed eight new people into the Church: five adults and three children, including the Kawanishi family.

“We decided to become Catholic because we have been so impressed with the values of Catholic faith and education through St Philip Neri School, and we though we can contribute to the society through Catholic faith,” they said.

“It was a wonderful experience. We have had a sense of gradually becoming a part of the community. We enjoyed the meetings which made us understand the Catholic faith, [there’s] still a lot to learn in front of us, but it was a big first step.”

Manly Freshwater also welcomed eight people into the Church, including the Mellis family: a husband, wife and three children.

Chatswood Parish welcomed the most people into the Church within the Diocese, with 25 neophytes entering at the Easter Vigil, including many families.

French’s Forest, Gosford, Hornsby, Lindfield-Killara, Pittwater, The Entrance, Warnervale and Woy Woy were among the parishes who also received new Catholics into the Church.

All together, the Diocese has nearly 100 people renewed in their faith through the sacraments of baptism and confirmation over the Easter weekend.

The number is credit to the dedicated RCIA formators, who dedicate the best part of a year to catechising, praying and guiding people into the life of the Church.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining or rejoining the Catholic Church, they can get in touch with their local parish or the Diocese of Broken Bay to inquire about enrolling in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program.

For Diocesan inquiries about RCIA, contact Pina Bernard Team Leader Parish Renewal and Discipleship on 0432 682 239 or pina.bernard@bbcatholic.org.au

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