Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Happy Easter to one and all! Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of our own resurrection. Jesus showed us the way to resurrection runs through the cross. The motto of the Congregations of Holy Cross is Spes Unica! Our only hope is in the suffering of the cross which leads us to resurrection and life forever with God. Alleluia!
Our first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles gives us a quick summary of the life of Jesus and tells us that Jesus commissioned the Church to spread his good news. Through the media many of us experienced the burning of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris as well as the burning of the three African American Churches is Louisiana. These were a horrible events and great losses to all. However, the video of Parisians singing and praying in the streets was a great reminder that the people are the Church. We are the Church and have been told by Jesus to spread his Good News to all.
In our second reading, St. Paul reminds the Colossians and us that through baptism we have died and risen with Christ. “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Today’s Gospel from St. John, tells us of the resurrection of Jesus. Mary of Magdala is the first to the tomb and finds it empty. She runs to Simon Peter to tell him. Peter and the other disciple run to the tomb to see for themselves. The younger one arrives first but they both go in. The body of Jesus was gone but there was still confusion. “For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.” But they believed. Throughout the Easter season we will read more scriptural accounts of his resurrection and his appearances to his followers. This is the good news of resurrection. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Easter is so important in our liturgical year, we will celebrate it for 8 Sundays ending with Pentecost Sunday. All this week we will celebrate the Octave of Easter. Jesus has risen from the dead and promised us that if we live close to him in this life, we will live forever with him in heaven when we die.
At our last Parochial Council Meeting, we discussed at length the make up of the Council. The Council meets once a month after the 10:30 AM Mass to discuss what’s going on in the parish. The Council advises me, the pastor, on what is happening and on things we might try. The meetings usually last from 12:15 – 1:45 PM. Sometimes they don’t even last that long. We are looking for some new members. If you are interested, please talk to a Council member about this. The list is on the front of the Bulletin. If enough people show interest, we will probably have some new appointments to the Council and maybe even an election later in the year. Remember any
parishioner can attend any Council meeting.
As mentioned above, Bill Dillon, who has been doing our books for years has taken ill. I need someone to go into training to help him with our finances. This would also include our Finance Committee. If you think you can help, please contact me.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Father Tolton Prayer:Father in Heaven, Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.