Msgr. Tom’s Weekly Update – April 20, 2023

In the weeks leading up to Easter, we focused on many wonderful ways to celebrate Lent. Now, as I reflect, I can only say “What a special Lenten season it has been”. For this to happen it has involved members of our parish staff and many, many members of our parish community. Reflect on what we did: the planning and implementation of our Small Group series; our Music Ministry’s work throughout the Season and at the Triduum, including the cantors, choir and Hummingbirds; our worship ministries, including our Altar Servers, Sacristans, Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Media and Hospitality ministries as well as those who work tirelessly behind the scenes caring for and setting up our linens.

Many thanks to the young parishioners in our Youth Ministry Program who presented the Passion play on Palm Sunday. Thank you to those who decorated the church for each individual celebration during the Triduum. Thank you to our Catholic Families Connect who coordinated the Easter Egg Hunt with approximately 300 attendees. Finally, thank you to those who served at the Soup Kitchen on Easter Sunday. Know how very grateful I am for all you and your ministry!

Holy Thursday was particularly special this year as the Archdiocese rescinded all COVID restrictions and we were able to restore the practice of offering the Blood of Christ during the celebration of Masses. Moving forward, the cup will be offered at all our Masses on Sundays and weekdays.

This weekend is the Second Sunday of Easter, or Sunday in the Octave of Easter, a day which focuses our attention on the gift of mercy and love given through Christ’s passion, death and resurrection. As Pope John Paul II stated, “Divine Mercy reaches human beings through the heart of Christ crucified.” The image of the Divine Mercy is a depiction of Jesus Christ raising his right hand in blessing and pointing with his left hand to the Sacred Heart from which flow forth two rays: one red and one pale, denoting blood and water respectively.

As the Responsorial Psalm this weekend proclaims, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.” And “His mercy endures forever”!

God bless,

Msgr. Tom

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