From the Pastor's Desk: April 19, 2020

 
These first words of Jesus after resurrection fill us with the tremendous joy of Easter. At Easter, peace comes to us as gift from God and invites us into a right relationship with Him, with ourselves, with others and the entire world. Peace that implies well-being, harmony between God and ourselves and the world surrounding us. With this harmony comes security, happiness and profound experience of peace – the first gift of the Risen Lord.

The peace brought by the Risen One is consequently the triumph of Divine Mercy. What is mercy if not the boundless love of God? The message of The Divine Mercy is simple. It is that God loves us — all of us. And He wants us to recognize that His mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to others. Thus, all will come to share His peace and joy.

The message of the Divine Mercy, although not new to the teaching of the church, sparked a great movement, and a strong and significant focus on the mercy of Christ.  St. Faustina Kowalska received from the Lord a message of mercy that she was told to spread throughout the world.

“My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy. (Diary #699)”

This Sunday invites us to spend time and to learn more about the mercy of God, to trust in Jesus, and live our life as merciful to others, as Christ is merciful to us. At 3:00 pm on Sunday, we will pray the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. Please, plan to join us via livestream.

I also want to express my profound words of appreciation to everyone who continues with your financial support. Your generosity allows us to keep our church to serve you just as we would be together. I am grateful to our Missionary Sisters of the Holy Family for their tremendous work with serving the parish in these difficult times, for beautifully decorating the church for Easter and assist us with daily prayers. I want to thank our Music ministry – although limited, nonetheless continue to offer an amazing quality of music and dedication. May the risen Lord bless each and every one of you !!!

The month of April is traditionally dedicated to devotion to Jesus in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. The Catholic Church teaches that the Blessed Sacrament is the real and living presence of Christ—His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—received into our souls with every reception of Holy Communion. Our Eucharistic Lord is the source and summit of our Christian life, the ultimate proof of His infinite love for us. (The Catholic Company)

Please stay safe, healthy and be at peace.

St Faustina – Pray for us!

With prayers,
Fr Andy