CHURCHES are prepared for a historic moment this Easter as services are pushed online to meet the Federal Government’s social-distancing regulations.
Places of worship have developed a range of innovative solutions to ensure Easter masses can still be viewed and participated in by the broader community, with live streaming, pre-recorded messages and restricted prayer sessions among the measures.
For Christians, Easter Sunday marks the day when Jesus rose from the dead, symbolising the renewal of faith and providing hope for eternal life.
Anglican Church of Mount Gambier parish priest Father Neil Fernando said although people were unable to attend church, Holy Week services were adaptable and celebration could continue.
Fr Fernando said he did not want anybody feeling like they were missing Easter and he had practical missions for parishioners to complete while at home.
“On Maundy Thursday we celebrate the last supper of Jesus and his 12 disciples,” he said.
“During that, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples and gives the commandment ‘love one another as I have loved you’.
“This year, as we can not come to church, I have requested people to wash each other’s feet while at home.”
Fr Fernando said on this day a paschal meal was consumed.
“On Maundy Thursday we also have the watch where we empty to tabernacle and keep it open to show Jesus is not dead, he is suffering,” he said.
“During this time we are commemorating, praying with Jesus and feeling his agony. In doing that we take away his suffering, illness, worries to God in pray.
“I have encouraged people to pray as a family and spend some time with the Lord while at home.”
Fr Fernando said Good Friday was the only day when the church does not have Eucharist because Christ was dead.
“It is not the funeral of Christ, but instead a celebration,” he said.
“As Christians, Good Friday is one of the most important days for us and is when we can reflect on the death of Jesus.
“I have invited people to reflect on the role involved in the Passion narrative and see what character they may play.
“People should ask themselves whether they are somebody condemning people or helping.”
During the pandemic, Fr Fernando said it was fitting to know there was resurrection.
“There is not only suffering and death, there is resurrection and Jesus Christ is our hope,” he said.
“We commemorate him through lighting the Pascal candle during Holy Week celebrations which represents the resurrection of Christ.
“We encourage people to light a candle at home and renew your baptismal vowels through the creed.
“They can also make a small sepulcher and keep a picture of the resurrected Christ over it.”
With residents unable to attend churches to preach during services, Fr Fernando said pre-recordings of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Day would be available online.
“We have never pre-recorded anything before, because we could preach to the people directly and would not need to,” he said.
“This is a new way of church which we never thought of.
“Pre-recording also allows for people to pray whenever they feel necessary on the day.”
Fr Fernando said people were still able to receive communion, but instead through spiritual faith.
From the past four pre-recorded Sunday services, Fr Fernando said he had received positive feedback.
“We have had comments from people who have said they felt as though they were there with us maybe due to the familiar surroundings, music and faces,” he said.
“It has reached beyond our boundaries and people from Adelaide and Melbourne have contacted me to say they are thankful.
“It actually seems more effective than preaching and having the service for only Mount Gambier residents and might be something we will continue.”
Fr Fernando said he had also given parishioners who do not have access to internet a time so they are able to unite in prayer simultaneously while at home.
During these uncertain times, Fr Fernando said it was important for people not to lose faith.
“Sometimes it can be hard to understand why things happen, but they happen for a reason and God is there through all these happening,” he said.
“Trust in the lord and experience his protection.”
Vist www.anglicanmountgambier.org.au to view pre-recorded services online.
