We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him.
HAPPY EASTER! We celebrate today as a parish family and with all our guests, the very simple and yet awesomely profound truth that death had no power over Jesus. So we, too, live in hope that death may have no power over we who profess our faith in the resurrection. No matter what the “death” experience may be, we through faith celebrate that new life is always possible.
Throughout this past year, each of us has had many “death” experiences. The loss of a job, the breakup of a marriage, devastating illness, addiction relapses and, of course, the sorrow that comes with the physical death of a loved one. A common response to these death occurrences is the thought that we must “move on.” While it is true that life continues and we must continue with the routine that provides for our livelihood, what we celebrate today is that we more than “move on” when death occurs. By the grace of God, we hope to live a resurrected life. The resurrected body of Jesus still has scars, the wounds are always there, but the unbelievable has happened to those fatal wounds. They are healed, and the resurrected body eats, speaks, moves and lives. We celebrate today that this new life is possible for us, too. We celebrate that there is a gift of eternal life awaiting us. And we celebrate that potential for resurrection from the sorrows that we experience. We rejoice because He is risen and so then can we arise with him.
WELCOME – The joyful celebration of Easter is one of those times of year that we reflect upon the magnitude of faith expressed by many. All who join us today are welcome, and I hope you all feel that way. God has called each person today here for a reason, and we hope that in sharing Easter joy with us, you may know His love for you. We hope that His love for each of us as individuals and families may be a source of encouragement to all of us who seek to belong more deeply to Christ and His church. We also express joy and welcome to those who enter the church this season through the Easter sacraments.
THANK YOU – Lastly, gratitude and thanks to the Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers, Ushers, Altar Servers, Musicians, Vocalists, Sacristans and Parish Staff who have helped us to celebrate the liturgies of Holy Week reverently and joyfully.
EASTER WEEK OF ADORATION – Throughout this first week of Easter, also called the Octave of Easter, our parish will be participating in a special week of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Beginning Monday, April 6 through Friday, April 10 from 8:00 am -8:00 pm, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will take place in the Chapel of the Fr. Graham Center. Please try to stop in to pray and spend time with the resurrected Lord. We are still in need of volunteers to assure that Blessed Sacrament is never left unattended. Please email Tom Griffin to sign up for an hour time slot ThomasG@srolchurch.org.
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY – Next Sunday we celebrate the Lord’s mercy which flows from his sacred and resurrected heart. Please join us at 3:00 pm on Sunday, April 16 for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Please see the ad elsewhere in today’s bulletin for more information about this feast day.
LECTOR AND EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER OF THE HOLY EUCHARISTIC TRAINING – Please see the full-page information sheet in today’s bulletin detailing the upcoming training sessions. Our parish is very much in need of new liturgical ministers. Your availability to serve in these ministries will be considered. Please consider assisting our growing parish community and its celebration of Holy Mass.
BISHOP WILLIAM MURPHY – As you are aware, the diocese of Rockville Centre mourns the passing of our 4th diocesan bishop. Bishop Murphy led our diocese from September of 2001 until January of 2017. Although he did not ordain me, Bishop William Murphy was my bishop for more than half my priesthood. And, therefore, is the bishop who has had the greatest impact on my priestly ministry.
He appointed me as chaplain of Holy Trinity High School and then assigned me to my first pastorate. In addition, I was privileged to serve on his presbyteral council and education commission. He also appointed me to chair the diocesan evangelization committee and serve as the diocesan scouting chaplain. Most important was the encouragement he gave me and the priests of my generation. May the Lord reward this good and faithful shepherd. Funeral arrangements can be found in today’s bulletin.
Peace!
