<p> FROM THE ASHES</p><p>The Church of the Immaculate Conception Ararat, devastated by the fire earlier this year, was re-opened for Mass on Saturday 10th November.</p><p>The congregation gathered in Marian College Hall, where they have been worshipping since the fire, and then proceeded into the church, led by piper James Baxter and a cross made from the charred beams from the church, which was carried by World Youth Day students. This cross will remain in the church until next year when it will journey to Sydney for World Youth Day.</p><p>The marble altar will return to the church in the near future and will be consecrated by the Bishop next year as part of the parish’s 150th anniversary celebrations.</p><p>Prayers were offered for all who supported the Parish after the fire, especially the Holy trinity Anglican community and St Andrew’s Uniting Church community.</p><p>Father Brendan Davey </p>