“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ ”
St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong, isn’t your typical church. The Easter Sunday Mass on Sunday 9 April attracted some 1,000 parishioners, including those who sat outside.
Blessed with a “singing priest”, as parishioner of more than 40 years Paula Azzopardi likes to call Fr Floyd Gatana SM, it is also a church brimming with young Catholics.
“Even my [two] grandchildren, who don’t live in the area, were baptised here,” Paula, from Woodcroft, said. She was joined at the Mass by husband Emmanuel, her two daughters, and grandson.
Parishioner Paula Azzopardi (left) with her husband Emmanuel and daughter Stefanie following Easter Sunday Mass at St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
The abundance of children at Sunday’s Easter mass was not lost on Youth Coordinator, Anna Amos.
“We’ve started to rebuild [so] to see so many young people present is awesome and so touching,” Anna, who turned 21 on Easter Monday, said.
The role of Youth Coordinator provides vision and coordination for the parish’s efforts in ministry to school students and young adults.
“I’m very passionate about serving our young people and giving them the opportunity to encounter Christ,” Anna said.
Parish Youth Coordinator Anna Amos distributes Holy Communion during the Easter Sunday Mass at St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
The leadership team currently consists of nine people, ranging in age from 14 to 22 years.
“Join our youth group,” Anna encouraged. “We have an event every month and programs starting in August.”
During the Easter Sunday homily, Fr Flloyd challenged all his parishioners, young and old, to put their faith in Jesus Christ and leave the tomb of fear.
“Are we still living in the tomb, or are we risen with Jesus Christ?” he asked.
Assistant Priest Fr Floyd Gatana speaks during Easter Sunday Mass at St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“We must not fear. We must not continue to live in our darkness, in our doubts, our anxiety. The risen Lord has already transformed our darkness.
“Let us walk with that light of Christ.”
The Mass was followed by two parish Easter egg hunts for the kids.
Eggs symbolise new life, as Jesus began his new life after his resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Children participate in an Easter egg hunt following Easter Sunday Mass at St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“I think there were more than 50 children [hunting for eggs] — thank God I overbought,” Anna said with a twinkle in her eye.
“Easter to me is a time of hope and a time of joy,” she further remarked. “It really reminds me how loved I am, and it also reminds me to be more loving to the people around me.”
Parishioner Elizabeth Chapman, 34, who has autism, agreed.
“Easter is fun,” she said.
It’s plain to see she holds the keys to a happy heart and that her happiness comes from Jesus.
Her face lit up with excitement, she tells Catholic Outlook that her favourite part of the Mass was the recessional hymn, the aptly chosen ‘Shine Jesus Shine’ which songwriter, Graham Kendrick, once described as “a prayer for revival”.
Elizabeth was not alone in her enthusiasm.
When the singing ended the whole church clapped. Elizabeth sang and clapped the loudest.
View images from the Easter Sunday celebrations at St Andrew the Apostle Parish, Marayong here or below:
