Holy Week at the Catholic Parish of Lower North Shore

During the holiest week of the Liturgical Year, from the Triumphant Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem, through His Passion, and culminating in the joy of His Resurrection, the faithful parishioners and visitors of the Catholic Parish of Lower North Shore gathered in great numbers across it's three churches: St Philip Neri’s Church (Northbridge), St Leonard’s Church (Naremburn), and St Thomas’ Church (Willoughby). It was truly a joyous and uplifting sight to see the churches filled with the faithful.

On Palm Sunday, parishioners gathered outside each church to hear the Gospel and have their palms blessed, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, as the crowd proclaimed, “Hosanna in the highest.” The faithful then processed into the church to continue the celebration of the Passion of the Lord.

On Holy Tuesday, the Chrism Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in Waitara, during which the sacred oils (the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Sacred Chrism) were blessed by Archbishop Anthony Randazzo. More than 70 priests and over 10 deacons from the Diocese of Broken Bay and the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Southern Cross were present, renewing their priestly promises in a powerful witness of unity and service. Our Parish’ Clergy Fr Vincent, Fr Roger, Fr Stephen, Fr Peter, and Fr Geoff and a number of parishioners attended this special Mass.

On Holy Wednesday, many parishioners gathered at St Thomas’ Church for the Second Rite of Reconciliation, led by Fr Vincent Nguyen, with additional priests assisting in hearing individual confessions. It was a grace-filled opportunity for spiritual renewal in preparation for Easter.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday marked the beginning of the Paschal Triduum. Parishioners filled each church as we commemorated the Lord’s washing of the feet and the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. A large number of hosts were consecrated to sustain the faithful until the Easter Vigil. At the conclusion of the Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was reverently transferred to the Altar of Repose, and the main altar was left bare. The churches remained open until midnight, allowing time for silent prayer and adoration.

On Good Friday, no Mass is celebrated throughout the Church. Instead, the faithful gathered for the Stations of the Cross in the morning, reflecting on Christ’s journey to Calvary, accompanied by the solemn singing of “Were You There…”.

At 3:00pm on the same day, parishioners returned for the Liturgy of the Passion of the Lord, consisting of the Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion. The faithful reverenced the Cross—through a kiss or a bow—honouring the instrument of our salvation. The choir’s music deepened the solemnity of this sacred liturgy.

On the morning of Holy Saturday, Morning Prayer (Lauds), part of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office), was held at St Leonard’s Church and led by Fr Roger. It was a time of quiet reflection and waiting, centred on the mystery of Christ resting in the tomb. Afterwards, Fr Vincent presented the Oil of Catechumens to the six individuals preparing for Baptism at the Easter Vigil. This anointing signifies spiritual strengthening, helping them turn from sin and prepare to receive the gift of faith.

The Easter Vigil, the most solemn liturgy of the Church, was celebrated at St Leonard’s Church by the Parish Priest, Fr Vincent Nguyen, together with Fr Roger, Fr Stephen, and Fr Peter. The faithful gathered outside as the new fire was blessed and the Paschal Candle lit, symbolising Christ’s victory over death. The congregation then entered the darkened church, each lighting their candle from the Paschal Candle, a powerful and moving sign as the church gradually filled with light.

The Exsultet (Easter Proclamation) was beautifully sung by Fr Roger, followed by the Liturgy of the Word. The assembly listened to readings from Salvation History (Genesis, Exodus, and Isaiah) along with the Epistle to the Romans and the Gospel of Matthew. Psalms were prayerfully sung between each reading, leading into the proclamation of the Gospel by Fr Stephen and the homily given by Fr Vincent.

The Baptismal Liturgy then began. Six catechumens Yuka, Marcus, Kyutaek “Danny,” Sophia, Jun, and Jasper were called forward. The Litany of Saints was beautifully sung by two cantors, invoking the saints chosen by the catechumens for Confirmation. Following the blessing of the baptismal water, the congregation renewed their baptismal promises, and the newly blessed water was sprinkled among the faithful.

The catechumens were then baptised and clothed in white garments, symbolising their new life in Christ. Each received a baptismal candle, lit from the Paschal Candle, representing the light of Christ now within them.

Following this, six candidates Lachlan, Linda, Rob, Michelle, Valencia, and Lilly were received into full communion with the Catholic Church. Together with the newly baptised, they received the Sacrament of Confirmation through the anointing with Sacred Chrism, and later shared in their First Holy Communion. It was a moment of profound joy for our parish and the wider Church.

Sincere thanks to the RCIA team and sponsors who faithfully accompanied, supported, and prayed for these new members throughout their journey.

The evening concluded with a joyful celebration shared among the newly initiated, their families, and friends, with food and fellowship marking this special occasion.

Last but certainly not least, sincere gratitude to the Clergy and all the volunteers who generously gave their time and talents, whether during the celebrations or behind the scenes. Your dedication and service make our Liturgies truly special, and without your help, these celebrations would not be the same.

Thank you for being a living witness to our parish community's faith and generosity.

Indeed, it was a truly blessed and grace-filled Holy Week at the Catholic Parish of Lower North Shore.