We are an Easter People

The Liturgical season of Eastertide spans across the 50 days from Easter Sunday (April 20) to Pentecost (June 8). During this season, both our weekday and weekend readings come largely from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. Acts is the New Testament book that immediately follows the four Gospels. It is written by Luke the evangelist and serves as a continuation of his Gospel, recounting the life of the early Church and the mission of the apostles.

Three days after Jesus is crucified and dies, he rises from the dead and appears to his disciples. Interestingly, at that moment, he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them (John 20:21–22), something we often associate with Pentecost 50 days later. So why does this seem to happen twice? Because while Pentecost, the formal outpouring of the Holy Spirit, occurs 50 days after Easter, the Spirit was already at work from the moment of the Resurrection, empowering the apostles to begin their mission. John gently shows us the quiet and personal gift of the Spirit on Easter evening, while Acts (2:1-4) reveals the powerful and public outpouring at Pentecost. Together, they offer us a fuller picture of how the Holy Spirit moves, both gently in our hearts and boldly in the life of the Church.

This Sunday, we celebrate the great feast of the Ascension of the Lord, when Jesus is taken up into heaven after appearing to many people post-resurrection. Before ascending, he leaves his disciples with a mission: Go out into the world and preach the Good News (Matt 28:19). It is a powerful reminder that the mission does not end with Jesus’ departure, it begins with it. Empowered by the Spirit and emboldened by the Resurrection, the disciples begin their outward movement to evangelise, form communities, and serve.

Isn’t it amazing that over 2000 years later, more than 1.4 billion Catholics in every country and continent continue this mission, thanks to the faithfulness of those first apostles and their followers? Just like the early Church, we gather for fellowship and the breaking of the bread, before going out on mission again.

Last week, we celebrated our Parish Service Day on 25 May, thanking all who currently pray and serve in our Parish, and then encouraging more people to do so. Our dream is to have 70% of parishioners serving in a ministry area by 2028! Can you imagine how vibrant and animated our parish might look if that happened?! You are encouraged to get involved with volunteering in one of six ministry areas: Children & Families, Community Life, Faith & Formation, Service & Outreach, Worship, or Youth and Young Adults.

More information on our website HERE

As a continuation of the early Church, we are the Acts of the Apostles in the 21st century. We are called to be apostles today, people who believe in the risen Christ and share that joy with others. It’s a joy that doesn’t just turn up and leave, but one that builds, transforms, and gives life to the community. As we celebrate Ascension Sunday, may Jesus open your minds and hearts to encounter him anew.

If Jesus is truly risen and ascended, then we need to let our faces reflect that glory! Let’s not leave church looking like we’ve just been to a funeral. As the late Pope Francis once said, Christians shouldn’t walk around with the face of a sourpuss. The joy of the Resurrection and Ascension should shine through us. And as Saint Teresa of Calcutta reminds us, “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” Even the smallest smile can become the greatest act of service.

So, in light of that joy and mission, what might serving the Church look like for you in this parish? Maybe it starts with a smile, and grows into something even greater.

With joyful blessings, Fr Gerard