Today, Easter Sunday, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. As Holy Week comes to an end, we are reminded that 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 and death. This is the message of His Good News. This is the message of Easter, and Our Holy Father, Pope Francis invites us to embrace this message.
In a recent address, as reported in the media outlet “The Catholic World Report”, Pope Francis stated, “Amid the many hardships we are enduring, let us never forget that we have been healed by the wounds of Christ.” He added, “In the light of the Risen Lord, our sufferings are now transfigured. Where there was death, now there is life. Where there was mourning, now there is consolation. In embracing the cross, Jesus bestowed meaning on our sufferings and now we pray that the benefits of that healing will spread throughout the world.” As Christians, we are challenged to take the words of Our Holy Father to heart.
As the impact of the coronavirus gradually continues to wane, we welcome all to our vibrant Parish community. We especially welcome those who participate in our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) programs, and who have received the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation as appropriate, at our Easter Vigil Mass.
We also welcome all those who do not attend our Church on a regular basis. Now is a good time to prayerfully consider becoming more fully involved in our community of faith, and getting spiritually closer to the Lord. You are always invited to join us as we strive to embrace and truly live the faith we boldly proclaim.
The following prayer from the media outlet, “Faith and Worship” reflects the spirit of this day:
Lord of Life, we pray for all who bring your word of life as a light to those in darkness,
for those who bring Your word of peace,
to those enslaved by fear,
for those who bring Your word of love to those in need of comfort.
Lord of love and Lord of peace, Lord of resurrection life,
As we celebrate this special day, and as we embrace the call to rejoice and be glad, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all who participate in our faith community. On behalf of our priests, deacons, and staff, I wish you and your families a holy, happy, and healthy Easter season.