Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Easter Faith Formation This Weekend - Sun. April 21, 9:15-10:15
The Topic for this month is: “Happy Easter! … Well Now What?: How To Grow in the Life of Grace.” 
While most Christians use the word “grace,” our Catholic teaching on grace is unique, beautifully enriching, and eminently practical.  What is grace? Do we need grace?  What does a grace-filled life look like? How can I grow in grace? These are the questions we will examine. Join us as we unpack the graces God is bestowing on us in this Easter season.

Sacrament of Confirmation
This Tuesday at St. Francis de Sales the bishop will be celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation for a number of young people from our cluster, including some of our own parishioners.  Congratulations to Leah Monsour, Maria Solomon, Evans Yomoah, and Angel Catala.
Please keep these and all the confirmandi in prayer.  It is not a bad idea to ask God to renew the graces we received at our own confirmations, perhaps to call upon our confirmation saint, and to fulfill our mission as confirmed Catholics. 

Empty Tomb and Tough Times of Prayer
I have received much positive feedback on the empty tomb decorations in our Narthex.  It really turned out well, but our decor is not merely for decoration’s sake.  My hope is it offers a visual reminder and can be a helpful focus for devotional prayer.
As much as we focus on the joy of Easter, the tomb is still a reality we all will face.  The death of loved ones as well as our own death are ever-present and, if we are not attentive to the spiritual life, can lead us to apathy, cynicism, or even despair. The empty tomb, like the cross, does not deny suffering and death, but shows how God brings good even from evil. All things are under Christ’s dominion, even death.  New hope and trust in the supernatural life of grace result from our faith in Christ as the Son of God Who brings life through death. 
You will notice that for the rest of the Easter Season, next to the tomb will be a kneeler and book of intentions.  Please take time to pray and then write prayers of intention or thanksgiving in the book.



Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr