Oratory Newsletter

Easter blessings to all our Oratory parishioners and friends. We are very thankful that we’ve just been able to celebrate the Sacred Triduum together. Holy Week was an anxious time since we were sent into another snap lockdown on the Monday, but – thanks be to God – the lockdown was lifted on Holy Thursday and we were able to proceed with public ceremonies. We had our largest crowd ever on Good Friday, and because of the COVID-necessitated booking system and knowing how many people intended being present, we transferred the Extraordinary Form Passion Liturgy to the “outside” location of our Saint Elizabeth’s Primary School, since the church would not have accommodated the crowd, and to better observe social-distancing requirements and the like. Many will remember the afternoon because of the sun, and the birds that made cameo appearances on the “sanctuary”, however we were just glad that we were able to gather with those who wanted to be there and to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy, especially after missing out last year. A special part of the Easter Vigil Mass was the completion of the initiation of two of the men who have been preparing to become Catholics through our Catholic Enquiry Group.  The Fathers and Brothers are most grateful to the many people who assisted with the preparation and celebration of the Liturgies of Holy Week.

In the week prior to Holy Week we were able to hold two musical events in the church. The first of these was an organ and violin concert with our own Father Scot on viola/violin, and Christopher Trikilis, Director of Music at St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane, on the organ. This was followed on the Saturday evening with our Lenten Oratorio during which Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater was performed, featuring Brisbane Oratory musicians and visiting artists. The presentation was stunning and a most fitting preparation for the beginning of Holy Week. Donations received on both nights will go towards supporting the Brisbane Oratory music programme.

After having to cancel last year, we are looking forward to having the Vallicella Dinner, our annual major fundraising event, on Saturday 31 July at Events on Oxlade, New Farm. Until April 18 you may take advantage of a special price of $1,650 if you purchase a full table for ten people. Please go to www.trybooking.com/BPTDE to book tickets, and also to see sponsorship opportunities that are available. Tickets to the annual raffle can also be purchased at the trybooking site. We are grateful to our event sponsor, the Norman Hotel – Brisbane’s Worst Vegetarian Restaurant, and our supporting sponsors: Trinity Wealth Services, Abe Hewitt Electrical, and Advanced Developments Aus. All enquiries about the dinner to: vallicelladinner@gmail.com. 

Fr Adrian Sharp
Moderator

There are many ways for the laity to be involved in our Oratory community. More information is available on our website.