The Easter Story shared with every prisoner in NI
The ‘Galilee Gazette’, an imaginary newspaper being printed and circulated this Easter in Magheralin Parish, has also gone out to every prisoner in Northern Ireland’s jails.
Around 1500 copies have been delivered to the prisons in Northern Ireland for circulation among staff and inmates.
It’s been written in contemporary language as if the crucifixion and resurrection were happening today.
“We wanted a form of outreach that people might read over and keep and read again and so we’ve produced a tabloid newspaper to go into every home in our villages,” said the rector of Magheralin, Revd Simon Genoe. “We are particularly excited it will be given to every prisoner in Northern Ireland, bringing hope to people Jesus loves and cares about very much.
“It will also be available as a PDF to be downloaded, and in Holy Week if you follow the hashtags #jesusisalive and #galileegazette you’ll get more ‘in the moment’ tweets and posts,’ he added. “It’s a mission–focussed attempt to bring the Gospel into our homes this Easter.”
The paper has been written using the Bible as the basis of the Easter Story, and by also using a little creative license, in having the opinion of less credited witnesses like the donkey owner on Palm Sunday, a temple money changer and a retired innkeeper who recalls when Christ’s parents, Mary and Joseph, arrived looking for somewhere to sleep!
“It’s a great, informative and often entertaining read and we really hope it resonates with our community and beyond this Easter,” said Simon. “Don’t forget, ‘He is risen’.”
The paper will be distributed and be available online from Palm Sunday at www.magheralin.org and on the parish Facebook page.
Other parishes wishing to use the material should please contact Magheralin Parish Office (028) 92619569