A Pillar of Fire

Carmel Bulletin, 8 May 2022 Service of Light at the Easter Vigil Mass, 2022 The Easter Vigil each year begins in darkness.  From this darkness, the evocative symbol of fire emerges, providing the flame that lights our new paschal candle. This celebration of the resurrection – our ‘night of nights’ – and the power of … Continue reading A Pillar of Fire

Waters of Rebirth

Carmel Bulletin, 24 April 2022 For the past two years, we’ve had very limited access to blessed water, and our baptismal font has remained dry (except when needed, of course, for the Sacrament of Baptism).  You may have noticed, however, that since Easter, our font is filled once again; a constant reminder of our baptism. … Continue reading Waters of Rebirth

Light in Darkness

Carmel Bulletin, 12 April 2021 At the inauguration of US President Joe Biden in January, poet Amanda Gorman's recitation began with a question: When day comes we ask ourselves,where can we find light in this never-ending shade? Throughout our human existence, the struggle between light and darkness, between good and evil, has been constant.  While … Continue reading Light in Darkness

Changes to our Ash Wednesday Ritual

Carmel Bulletin, 14 February 2021 We are all used to the Ash Wednesday ritual. With a thumb dipped in ashes, a cross is marked on our foreheads, with the call: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel”, or the blunt reminder: “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return”. This Wednesday, we will again … Continue reading Changes to our Ash Wednesday Ritual

The Advent Wreath

Carmel Bulletin, 16 December 2018 A short liturgical season such as Advent can be easily lost in Australia amidst the pre-Christmas hype and end-of-year rush to the summer holidays. As such, its symbols, prayers and music can help us to hold on to this time of joyful expectation. For many people, there is nothing more … Continue reading The Advent Wreath