Easter is our spiritual springtime of glorious celebration. Hopefully, this is as evident in our lives as it is in our liturgies which are beautiful, prayerful connections with the living God and the paschal mystery that is at the core of our faith.

As we celebrate the great Easter mystery in this Jubilee Year of Mercy, I am reminded more forcefully than ever that Easter Sunday only makes sense in the light of Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Another word we know for Easter is Passover. It’s the word the Jews use for that memorable time in their Faith history when Moses led them from slavery in Egypt, through the Red Sea, to freedom.

The Resurrection of Jesus is the central event that gives rise to our faith. St Paul was overcome with joy and wonder when he wrote that, if Christ is not risen, then our faith is in vain.

I am always excited by Easter as I reflect again on its basic lessons for my life – and yours.

More than three thousand young Australians are this year expected to join Pope Francis when he travels to Krakow, Poland to participate at the 31st World Youth Day from 25 to 31 July 2016.

Around 1,000 people from varied faith and social justice backgrounds gathered for the Palm Sunday Walk for Justice for Refugees on 20 March, with a strong Catholic contingent reflecting on the need to show compassion to people seeking asylum.

Perth-born photographer and communications professional, Jamie O’Brien, has this year entered the Easter Art Exhibition, to be held at St Mary’s Cathedral on 27 March and 3 April.

For Willetton parishioner, Holly Bentley, the decision to convert to the Catholic faith was inspired by her encounter with some of its Sacraments, including Marriage and Baptism.

After a life dedicated to education, Brother Pat Kelly will be remembered as a man who connected with people and involved them – whether in the community or in his work as principal of several schools in Perth and country WA.