This Sunday is Easter Sunday, and, on this day, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. Through His Resurrection, Jesus has conquered sin and death. This is the message of His Good News. This is the message of Easter, and Pope Francis invites us to embrace this message.
Our Holy Father supplemented this message as reported in the media outlet “Vatican News” stating, “May Christ, who has already defeated death and opened for us the way to eternal salvation, dispel the darkness of our suffering humanity and lead us into the light of His glorious day. A day that knows no end.”
As we know, we are living in difficult and uncertain times due primarily to the sustained impact of the COVID-19 virus. Our Holy Father, commenting on the virus, stated, “This disease has not only deprived us of human closeness but also of the possibility of receiving in-person the consolation that flows from the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation. But the Lord has not left us alone. United in our prayer, we are convinced that He has laid His hand upon us.”
As we reflect on these words of Our Holy Father, we know that many of our parishioners and friends cannot come together at this time to worship with us due to health and other concerns. However, we still welcome all to our vibrant Parish community. We especially welcome those who completed the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) programs. It is a thorough period of inquiry, education, and catechesis. They will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation or the Eucharist for the first time at the Easter vigil.
We also welcome all those who do not attend our Church on a regular basis. We hope that you will choose to become more fully involved in our community of faith and get spiritually closer to the Lord and trust in Him.
The following prayer called “A PRAYER FOR EASTER EYES” invites us to focus on our Risen Lord during this holy season:
My Lord, Jesus,
You have risen to new life!
Give me new eyes with which to recognize your presence in the world around me.
Sharpen my vision so that I see beyond the ordinary events of each day and into the extraordinary reality of your grace.
Brighten my view of the world with renewed hope in the coming of your Kingdom.
Soften my gaze so that I view others with the kind of tenderness and compassion you showed to so many.
May each day of this Easter season provide glimpses of your glory.
In your sacred name, I pray. Amen.
As we celebrate this special day, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all who serve and support our faith community. On behalf of our priests, deacons and staff, I wish you and your families a holy, happy and healthy Easter season.