Youth ministers tie the knot

Published: 12 September 2010
By: Selina Venier

A day of celebration: Eloise Giraud and Steven Bird married on August 14

STEVEN Bird and Eloise Giraud have much more in common these days.

Both ministering on the youth scene in Brisbane South Deanery, the couple now share the same surname, having married on August 14 in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sunnybank.

Eloise spoke of her nuptial Mass highlights.

"Besides saying the vows the most memorable part was the consecration as we knelt together in front of the altar," she said.

"Being able to see the Eucharist with the crucifix behind it really made real what was happening and how important our faith is in our lives individually and especially together."

Steven smiled broadly when recalling Eloise's "big, loud 'Yes'" response to the question posed by celebrant Fr Adrian Sharp of "lovingly accepting children from God".

The couple also spoke of celebrating the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) before their wedding day, Eloise saying it was "amazing" while Steven said his wife-to-be came out of the confessional "glowing".

Both agreed "an overwhelming peace" permeated the lead-up and the wedding day itself.

"It was a peace like no other that kept me so calm so that I could enjoy every moment," Eloise said.

The newly-married Birds will continue to minister as the youth and young adults co-ordinators in Sunnybank parish and see it as enhancing their lives rather than "taking time away" from it.

Steven and Eloise met last year at the monthly Faith on Tap young adults initiative in Brisbane.