Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People

He is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!!!
Happy Easter to all and praise be to our Lord and Savior for the salvation won for us!  Last year our Easter joy was stifled due to covid lockdowns, and I was frustrated that I was forced to celebrate Mass in front of a camera since we could not celebrate together.  This year, even though we are not back to normal, we are glad that more can safely be in attendance to offer true worship to God. 
You will notice at the 4:30 and 11:30 Masses we are returning to our pre-covid chanting of all the Mass parts.  It makes sense at Easter to make this adjustment as we celebrate Easter joy, our voices want to sing!  The guideline in effect is that singing can be done as long as folks are wearing masks, and the total time singing does not exceed a half hour. 

Thank you to servers, musicians, ushers, lectors, decorators, and volunteers for the Liturgies this past week.  A few things were simplified due to covid regulations, but still very beautiful, and I hope they continue to bear spiritual fruit for our parish. 

It just hit me recently that I have been pastor here for seven years!  Please know of my love for you and this parish.  It has been an interesting time for sure; many unique challenges - especially recently - and also wonderful graces.  God works in and through and even in spite of us.  My hope is covid will soon be behind us even while its effects may remain for a while. My hope is we emerge from this time stronger and more faithful.  My hope is we continue to carry on our mission in ever new ways.  My hope is this Easter joy will continue to lead us forth through challenges always guided by God’s grace. 

For Those at Home
Even with things looking better regarding covid and people returning to Mass, there are those that are still homebound due to Covid concerns or for other health reasons.  Watching Mass livestream can be helpful but it is not nearly enough!  If you or someone you know desires to receive Holy Communion or still needs to make their yearly confession, please, please call me! I will come to you!  Especially in this Easter season, I will make time for pastoral visits.  If you are a new parishioner or just moved into the area, and need your house blessed, please call the rectory. 

Adult Faith Formation Returns!
With more people getting vaccinated and some restrictions being lifted, we feel it is prudent to reinstate Adult Faith Formation.  Of course, due to the new Mass Schedule the timing will need to change.  We are going to try Saturday evenings following the Vigil Mass at 5:45. We will also be recording the sessions and posting them to our YouTube channel.  Currently I’m planning on the sessions to be 30-45 minutes long.

Our Spring/Summer Schedule will be a “Spirituality 101” theme.  We constantly need reminded of the fundamentals so here are the upcoming topics. 

April 10 - It Starts With Baptism!
Since we have just begun the Easter Season it is fitting to start at the beginning of the spiritual life - our baptism.  We will reflect on the theology of the sacrament as well as examine aspects of the ritual of Baptism in both the contemporary and traditional forms.  This will help us to appreciate the continuing effect this sacrament has in our life.

April 24 - Spiritual Wimp or Warrior?
Warfare is not merely a reality in the natural world.  Due to Satan and the fallen angels, there is spiritual warfare as well.  Even though we are not angels, demonic activity effects us.  God gives us a role to play to advance His Kingdom.  Are we responding to that call?  We will examine how to fight this war with the spiritual weapons God gives to us especially in light of the sacrament of Confirmation.

May 8 - How to Participate at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.           
This month as some of our young people receive their first Holy Communion, it is good for us to reflect on our appreciation of the Eucharist.  Actually, participating or assisting at Mass is fundamental to our growing in holiness.  Just showing up is not enough.  How do I prepare?  What if I get distracted or feel bored or confused?  What should I do after Mass is over?  We will examine some best practices that will help whether I attend one form of the Mass or both.

May 22 - Our Spiritual Mother
In this month of May dedicated to our Mother, on this Pentecost Weekend, we will reflect upon Mary as Spouse of the Holy Spirit.  In a time when masculinity and femininity are attacked by evil cultural forces, we look to the perfect woman to guide us on how to be the men and women God calls us to be.

I am open to suggestions for other topics to cover, so feel free to call the rectory with your idea.  God bless!

Happy Easter! Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr