The time of celebration began at the Easter Vigil when we sang the alleluias for the first time in over 40 days.  Another word for alleluia is REJOICE.  We have now begun the season of rejoicing.  We rejoice that the Lord has risen from the dead, lives among us, and lives forever.  We rejoice that there is now new life in Christ's Body through the Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion of the Elect (who are now called neophytes).  We rejoice that we, too, have died with Christ (through our Baptism) and live with the power of the Resurrection ready to inspire our thoughts, words and actions, and help us to live hope-filled lives.

I encourage you to come to Mass during the Octave days of Easter (Easter Monday through the second Sunday of Easter), and be strengthened in the kinowledge that Jesus Christ crucified is risen and is eager for more and more people to come to know Him and know the power of His redeeming love and mercy.  The stronger we are in the Lord, the more we can be daily witnesses to Jesus and bring others to Him and to His Church.  These 50 days of the Easter Season are special days of recognizing the power of the Holy Spirit in our midst as we prepare to celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles at Pentecost (which the Church celebrates this year on May 15).

PLEASE consider coming to the four-night (once a week) seminar by Father Mike Hinken on spirituality starting Wednesday, April 6.  Father Mike's presentations will speak to us on how we can continually satisfy the hunger which we all have for God, and lead others to know the power of God of His Spirit of love, mercy and peace that is available to all.  HAVE A BLESSED AND SPIRIT-FILLED EASTER SEASON!