Did You Know?

The Sacred Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday – and the crown of the Year, the celebration of the Resurrection – are especially beautiful and actually have the power to ‘evangelize’, that is to convey in word, music and actions the Good News! The Church at worship is itself a Sacramental Sign of the Lord’s Presence! Your Priests, Deacons, Choirs, Lay Ecclesial Ministers and Servers, of course, carry the “liturgical weight’, but those who decorate, welcome and usher, run the sound system, clean up and prepare for the next liturgy, those who assist our Maintenance Crew. . .there are so many who step up to assure the most beautiful and reverent celebration of the Sacred Mysteries! We are so grateful! To Gerry Gable and his OCIA Team and to Genevieve Rivera and her Catechists, and the Sponsors of our newly Received, a very special thank you for your many months of ministry in preparing those who have entered the Church through the Easter Sacraments! This largest and most joyful group that any of us can remember are among the incredible numbers (being reported worldwide) who are entering the fullness of life in Christ – the Holy Spirit is obviously moving many hearts! Please pray for their ‘continuing conversion’ and perseverance in the Faith! Your very generous response to the special Lenten call to Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving, have been astounding. Participation in public Prayer/liturgies this Lent has been amazing. Expressions of fasting and becoming more intentional in your discipleship – clearly seen in the large number of those coming to Confession this Lent – and the outpouring of generosity (Almsgiving) in your over-and-above support of the Annual Catholic Appeal, speak eloquently without words of your great love for our Lord JESUS Christ and for His Church! You are a People alive in the Spirit and growing in your love for the Lord and it is such a privilege to be with you as your Servant/Leaders! The Week following Easter Sunday is called “Bright Week” in the Orthodox Church – a beautiful designation for these days when we bask in the glow of the Resurrection. Make it a Bright Week of quiet reflection and thanks for all that you have received and experienced in our Lenten Journey together and find your own time to be with the Risen Lord in the Garden (your heart) where He awaits you! “We are an Alleluia People, from head to foot!” – St. Augustine