It’s a new world. Little did the disciples know on that Easter morning, that they were waking up into an entirely new world. Mary Magdalene had gone to the tomb early in the morning. She, like everyone else, was trying to make sense of what had happened to Jesus. But she instead discovered a whole new world! No longer was Jesus dead or forgotten. Instead, He had risen from the dead! Sin and death no longer had any power, for He brought something new to all of us. Not only had those who had died before Him experience this promise, but it would now be a promise for all time. The gates of Heaven would be open so that we could see that this life was no longer the end, but we could be with our Lord and all those who had gone before us in faith. It was a life-changing moment for the world and all those who had faith.
Congratulations to our Catechumens and Candidates who came into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Our thoughts and prayers have been with you as all of you have journeyed to this Easter celebration of faith. This practice of Baptizing and bringing people into the Church at Easter has been done for centuries. It is indeed a celebration of faith for those who have now received the Sacraments as well as all of us who see that the Church continues to grow and is still a witness of the Resurrection to the world. I ask all of you to keep our new Catholics in your prayers throughout this Easter season.
I can never say “thank you” too many times to all our volunteers that work so hard behind the scenes during the Lenten Season and Holy Week Masses and liturgies. They decorate our parish church for Lent and Easter, they help with setting up for masses, taking up the collection, lectors, altar servers, Eucharistic Ministers, choir members and musicians and so many other behind the scenes things that many do not see. A special thank you to all of our staff here at St. Catherine that also work so hard to make these special seasons of the Church a great time of prayer and celebration. On that note, our staff will take this Easter Monday off and our offices will be closed. We will re-open on Tuesday.
A special thank you to all our visitors who have joined us for Holy Week and our Easter Masses and liturgies. If you are interested in becoming part of our parish community, please be in touch with our offices to join our parish. This is our 60th anniversary year as a parish and thanks for joining us for Easter.
On behalf of Fr. Joseph, our deacons and our staff, and myself we would like to extend to you and your families a blessed and holy celebration of Easter! Happy Easter!