April 9, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

Today we begin the week called Holy. Our dramatic liturgy recalls the road of suffering and death Jesus walked, which led to Easter and the celebration of new life and glory. As we remember the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and anticipate the events of his Passion, death and Resurrection, we once again get in touch with the essence of our faith. These last few days of Lent reaffirm the meaning of our faith and purpose of our lives.

As Holy Week unfolds, we are reminded of our own call to faithfulness and obedience to God’s will. As followers of Jesus, we can expect to face suffering and persecution in our own lives, as we often struggle with sinfulness and hardships, injustice and pain. However, when we suffer for Christ and are true to his teachings, we know that God will not fail us. God will not abandon us. On the contrary, God gives us the strength and grace to persevere!

As Christ said, Yes, and remained obedient to the will of the Father, we, too, are to say, Yes, knowing full well that in and through our suffering and fidelity we, too, can reach holiness and righteousness in the sight of our forgiving God. Anticipating Christ’s victory over death on Easter, let us remember and be grateful that the darkness of sin can be swallowed up by the light of his Resurrection. And so, like the people of Jerusalem, because of Jesus and our belief in him, we, too, can shout today with confidence and joy, Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!

During this special time of Holy Week, the people of God (the Church), prepare ourselves to renew our own Baptismal promises and renew our profession of faith at Easter. In our midst we are happy to have 5 catechumens; Linsday Calabrese, Eric Haage, Jeffrey Hooks, Celine Razon, Michelle Trometter and 5 Candidates; Liadan Meckler, John Musser, Molly Musser, John Strain, Amanda Zapata. A catechumen is a non-Baptized person who is journeying toward the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist); whereas a candidate is a Baptized person of another Christian faith who wishes to come into full communion with the Church (Confirmation and Eucharist). These wonderful people have been meeting weekly with our RCIA team to prepare them for this sacramental event in their lives.

I ask you to remember our catechumens and candidates in your prayers as they continue their journey to become a fully initiated Roman Catholic on April 19 at our Easter Vigil

God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly