Today we get to go to real Mass
for Easter!

The car park at Kircubbin
is jam-packed with cars,
with Fr Anthony installed
inside a raised Perspex box,
speakers all around
and a warm welcome
from stewards
on this chilly, Spring day.

Although strangers to this parish
(we get lost twice on the way here!)
we feel at home.

Outdoor Mass begins.
Stone-chats chatting,
robins hopping,
crows cawing
and cold wind blowing.

Then, the highlight of the day –
the body of Christ
brought to us
in our car –
so precious
and so sorely missed
in these recent months.

Mass ends
and we leave.
Smiles again at the gate
and a Faith-Survival kit –
Easter eggs, holy water,
candles and writings to inspire.
We feel spoiled!

Time to trundle home
(picnicking on the way!)
truly filled
with the joy of Easter
and deeply impressed
by a community of faith
and friendliness
that has welcomed us
this morning.

I can’t help feeling
that this is a parish
with an indomitable spirit,
unbowed by Coronavirus
and the mighty challenges
that it brings.

And as we drive home
I give silent thanks
for this wee parish,
this beacon of hope
in dark times.

© Claire Murray, 4th April 2021