Today we celebrate Easter Sunday.  We celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus.  Once again we welcome all to our vibrant Parish community.  We especially welcome all those who have completed a thorough period of inquiry, education and catechesis and will have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, or the Eucharist for the first time.  They have freely chosen to embrace the Catholic faith.  They will be invited to go forth and preach the Good News of Jesus by word and example.  We also welcome those who do not attend our Church on a regular basis.  We invite you to become part of our community of faith, to take a risk and step out of your comfort zones.  You will be welcomed.  But you will also be challenged to be a better person, challenged to be a better Christian, challenged to be a better disciple, challenged to truly get closer spiritually to the Lord and trust in Him.

Today we proclaim the glory of the Resurrection.  The suffering of the cross gives way to the glory of the Resurrection.  Just as we share in the suffering of Christ in this life, we hope to one day share in His glory.  Through his Resurrection, Jesus has conquered sin. He has conquered death.  This is the message of his Good News.  This is the message of Easter, and Our Holy Father invites us to embrace this message.

Today we can take to heart the following words of Pope Francis spoken in an Easter address, “Let the Risen Jesus enter your life.   Welcome him as a friend, with trust.   He is life.  If, up to now, you have kept him at a distance, step forward.  You will not be disappointed.  If following him seems difficult, do not be afraid.  Trust him, be confident that he is close to you and he will give you the peace you are looking for and the strength to live as he would have you do.”

Today we are challenged to take these words to heart.  In a world growing more and more secular and anti-Christian, we are challenged to live for Christ, to love for Christ, to take risks for Christ, and to witness for Christ.  We can show by our witness and our actions that we are truly the body of Christ, the community of hope, and the Easter people of faith.

As we celebrate this day, I thank you for all that you do to enhance the spiritual vitality of this wonderful Parish.  I wish you and your families a holy, happy and healthy Easter season.

God bless you.
Fr. Neil Herlihy