Mass is pivotal in uniting members of the Church during the Easter period. But the behind-the-scenes work of organising Masses is what allows these large community gatherings to run smoothly.
Nancy Eberhaut (pictured) has been a pastoral associate at St Bernadette’s Parish in Castle Hill, NSW, for eight years. Her job consists of a range of preparation and coordination activities. This includes coordinating with acolytes, lectors and extraordinary ministers of Communion for rehearsals and readings.
‘I love every minute of it. No two days are ever the same’, Nancy says. Nancy finds joy in witnessing the local community unite to celebrate the Resurrection and Good News of Jesus. ‘I love that all our [Easter] liturgies are so well attended. The Church is often bursting at the seams. If only it could be like that every other week,’ she says.
HEAVY MASS SCHEDULE
In the Eastertide period, Nancy ensures St Bernadette’s Parish holds a consistent Mass schedule, including nine weekday Masses and five Vigil/Sunday Masses. Nancy particularly appreciates the help of volunteers to coordinate the four Masses held every Easter Sunday.
She says that the ‘big Mass is the Easter Vigil, which can only happen with the help of lots of dedicated volunteers’. These volunteers include videographers, photographers, acolytes, musicians, lectors and extraordinary ministers of communion.
The Easter Mass is significant for members participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). ‘The RCIA candidates are welcomed into the Catholic Church, so the RCIA team also play a big part in the Easter Vigil Mass’, Nancy says. It takes commitment by Nancy and the church volunteers to ensure the behind-the-scenes work is successfully completed. ‘It takes time to prepare everyone, but it all comes together beautifully on the day. It makes it worthwhile’, Nancy says.
In addition to supporting the community in preparing St Bernadette’s for the Eastertide Masses, Nancy supports the parish’s priests. This is important for making sure they can effectively manage the preparation happening behind the scenes.
‘They are all different and some of them like a bit of quiet time; some practise their singing in the office, which can be uplifting’.
LENTEN PROGRAM
Nancy notes that during the Easter period the priests run a Lenten program. This provides an opportunity for parishioners and priests to reflect on the meaning of Easter during the busy season.
The Easter Season is a pivotal opportunity for the community to celebrate the death and Resurrection of Jesus. Through this, the Church activities and Masses grow in popularity. However, Nancy ensures that local parish members are not forgotten during the busy period. She also makes certain they continue to have additional opportunities to enrich their faith. ‘Here at St Bernadette’s we have extra confession times available.’
Nancy’s role also includes sourcing prayers for Masses. In particular, she has the role of finding people to participate in the Pentecost Masses.
‘For Pentecost, the Prayers of the Faithful are read out in different languages, so I source parishioners of different cultures to translate and read each prayer.’
A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER
As a pastoral associate, Nancy hopes for the community to strengthen their relationship and appreciation through the Eastertide Eucharist celebrations. ‘I hope that they connect well with their faith and continue to be a part of this parish community each week.’
Nancy feels a special joy when she sees the community enjoy the Masses organised by her and the St Bernadette’s pastoral team. The communal celebration in Jesus’ Resurrection is a highlight for Nancy.
‘It is always beautiful to see families coming together at this time. Seeing everyone leave the church with a smile on their face reinforces a job well done’, she says.
Nancy’s role as pastoral associate ensures that the community enjoys their liturgical celebration. She envisions the pastoral community of St Bernadette’s continuing to strengthen their faith both within the Eastertide period and beyond.
‘Hopefully they are inspired to follow Jesus’ example and offer up their talents and time to help us to continue to grow in our mission.’
Luciana Romanski is a member of the Australian Catholics young writers community.
ST BERNADETTE’S
St Bernadette’s parish was initially founded by convicts and descendants of free settlers in 1849. The Church in Castle Hill, NSW, was eventually built in 1947. St Bernadette’s Primary School was opened in 1956 by the Sisters of Mercy within a building that belonged to the church. It is a part of the Catholic Community of the Diocese of Paramatta and is currently served by Bishop Vincent Long. The parish community continues to grow, with more than 13,000 Catholics.
WHAT IS THE RCIA?
RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It may also be referred to as ‘the Catechumenate’. It is a process of Christian formation offered to those who seek to become Catholic.
The initiation of new members is a gradual process allowing inquirers time to grow in faith and become full participants of the Catholic community. The catechumenal journey or RCIA process is marked by three major liturgical rites: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, Election or enrolment of names, and finally the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. – Source: Catechumenate Office, Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney
PARISH LIFE NEWSLETTER
Jesuit Communications, publisher of Australian Catholics, also publishes a free weekly e-newsletter Parish Life. Parish Life has articles of interest to parishes and the wider Church community, as well as weekly scripture reflections, homily notes by Fr Brendan Byrne SJ, and prayers of intercession. Sign up at www.australiancatholics.com.au/signup-parish-life.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Eastertide events and symbols – questions and activities
Support students to understand the Easter season, the role of Jesus and the Spirit, how the season relates to the sacrament of Confirmation and how it is celebrated in the Parish.