At this time of year, I am humbled by those who speak so favorably of our Triduum Services and the spiritual graces they received from them.  I turn my attention to The Lord in thanks for all those who joined me in preparation for the Triduum and in the actual liturgies that the Church gave us during this special time.  These obviously include the ministers on the altar, our ushers, gift bearers and music ministers who put much time and effort before and during our liturgies (which were beautiful and meaningful).  I also want to thank Bill Hurley, Mickey Townsend, and all those who helped with the Holy Thursday dinner and the reception after the Easter Vigil liturgy.  Their efforts to feed us with good food in a hospitable and efficient way, are very much appreciated.  May God bless all of you abundantly in this Easter season for your generosity of time and talent for The Lord and His people.  On a personal note, I want to thank those who remembered me with Easter cards, greetings, and gifts of delicious food.

Easter is truly a time to REJOICE because THE LORD IS RISEN.  He is the king of Kings and Lord of Lords, who calls us to rejoice and then to act each day of our lives in His name, following His way that leads ultimately, to our own resurrectional life.  I give thanks that so many people in this faith-filled parish praise The Lord in worship and live in service to the Gospel.  If you are not one of them, I pray that The Lord will inspire you to step out in new ways to enter into an ever-deepening relationship with Him.  The joy, peace and inspiration of Easter and the Easter season, can be sustained all the time.  Just ask the Spirit of the Risen Lord to work in you and through you, to touch the lives of others. God bless you.

"For the days of His saving Passion and glorious Resurrection are approaching" is a direct quote from the Preface of the Eucharistic prayers for Masses on Monday-Wednesday of Holy Week.  It will truly be a blessing for each one of us who enters the "Great Three Days" with minds and hearts prepared to participate in the commemoration and celebration of the Paschal Mystery.  The insert in the bulletin gives us scheduled opportunities to gather in prayer, worship and reflection during these days.  While I urge you to participate in as many as you can, make it a priority to come to the principal liturgies (listed on the insert in bold print) on these days.  Anything else we come to, should not be a substitute for, but in addition to, these unique and special liturgies.  Look forward to witnessing and supporting the new life that will come into our midst through the baptisms of Chloe Calhoun and Marcia Wilson at the Paschal Vigil (on Saturday night).  Those who choose to observe the Paschal Fast on Good Friday and Holy Saturday will come to the Easter Vigil (8:00 p.m.) hungry and ready to be filled with what God, and God alone, can provide, which will sustain us throughout the upcoming Easter season.  PLEASE COME.