THERE will no doubt be a few unfamiliar faces filling the pews in Bathurst churches this morning as many once or twice-a-year parishioners take their place among the congregations.
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Easter Sunday, the day Jesus triumphed over death, is the most significant day on the Christian calendar, the day that confirms Christians' faith in eternal life.
But even as overall church attendances continue to fall in this country and as migrants bring their own faiths to our shores, we do not see Easter becoming less significant in our society.
Like Christmas, though, the holiday's importance is evolving beyond one centred only on religion.
The growing sectarian significance of Easter is the chance to take time out and enjoy a rare long weekend with family.
We are all getting busier every year and it gets harder every year to devote time to the things that really matter.
A four-day break at Easter is the perfect antidote to that creeping busyness. It is a time to stop, reset and reconnect with loved ones.
Millions of Christians will continue to honour the ecumenical origins of the holiday while millions more will mark a secular holiday and break from work.
And both forms of celebration are perfectly valid in a modern Australia.
Whatever your faith, whatever your beliefs, please have a happy Easter.
