The "Church in the Pub" in Toowoomba

He knows that some people might be offended by the idea of celebrating Easter Sunday mass in a pub. But Archdeacon Gary Harch says that it is another way to reach out to the people of Toowoomba during the Australian city's Easterfest celebration.

"I had been thinking for a few years about different things we could do," he told The Chronicle. "Ideas were to have church events in coffee shops. Since I knew the owners of the Irish Club Hotel, we thought it could be a good idea."

The "Church in the Pub" will take place at noon on Easter Sunday in the club's Celtic room and will include holy communion to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. "Rather then us organize a lunch afterwards at the church, friends and family can enjoy a meal and a few drinks in the pub," Archdeacon Harch said.