Dear Parishioners,
With great joy in my heart I announce to you: “Christ is Risen; Yes He is Risen indeed!” This ancient greeting sums up what we celebrate this Easter Sunday, the joy of Christ risen and alive in our midst.
“This is the day the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad” (Psalm 118). This then is the Joyful Good News: Christ by his death and resurrection has conquered sin so we may live.
May our encounter with the risen Lord on our journey of faith touch us deeply and transform us as He did for His Disciples. When we live the new life of the resurrection we become what St Augustine referred to as an “Easter People”, a people transformed into disciples and stewards who commit to give their time, talent and treasure in witness. May we live as people deeply touched by the resurrection and proclaim: Christ is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!
On behalf of Fr. Henry and the staff we wish a very Happy Easter to each and every one of you! May you and your families be blessed as you celebrate the true meaning of Easter.
With prayers and blessings,
Fr. Socorro
Welcome and Congratulations to our Newly Initiated Catholics
This year at the Easter Vigil our community was blessed to be able to welcome new members into our faith and to celebrate their initiation as full members of the Catholic Church. We send our congratulations and welcome to Christine Hainley-Peavley, Evan Peavley, Shawn Durrant, Barbara Lefevre, Susan Franz, Cassandra Barnes and Thomas Ryan Alexander.
Are you Prepared for Merciful Sunday?
Pope John Paul II was instrumental in promoting Divine Mercy Sunday from its very beginning. Even before he became Pope, he is credited with the approval of St. Faustina’s Diary detailing our Lord’s request to spread devotion to his Mercy. He requested that the Sunday after Easter be the Feast of Mercy.
This feast is not only a day in particular for worshipping God in His mystery of mercy, but also a time of grace for all people. The Lord Jesus said:
· “I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners.” (Diary, 699)
· “Souls perish in spite of My Bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation, that is, recourse to My Mercy. If they will not adore My Mercy, they will perish for all eternity.” (Diary, 965,998
Conditions for gaining a plenary indulgence on Divine Mercy Sunday include complete trust in God’s goodness and love of neighbor, being in the state of sanctifying grace—having gone to Confession and worthily receive Holy Communion, and praying a Novena of Chaplets to The Divine Mercy.
Next Sunday, April 3rd, is Divine Mercy Sunday. Many have started their nine day novena to the Divine Mercy beginning on Good Friday. Even if you have not started, you can still take part in the wonderful prayer service that will take place at 3:00 p.m. next Sunday. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be recited with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.
“The primary focus of The Divine Mercy Devotion is the merciful love of God and the desire to let that love and mercy flow through one’s own heart towards those in need of it.”
We all need mercy. Our world needs mercy. Please join us to celebrate the Divine Mercy of our Lord.