He Is Risen!

Christ is risen! Thank you for your presence and prayers as we celebrate Easter. I especially extend a warm welcome to anyone who is visiting with us from other places or faith backgrounds. If you are with us today but do not worship with our church family on a regular basis, I welcome you home to the Catholic Church and extend an invitation to visit with one of our clergy or staff members to answer any questions you may have about our faith. We are here to serve you and to accompany you in a life-changing encounter with Jesus!

On this glorious Easter, we once again sing Alleluia, for Christ is indeed risen from the dead. Don’t let today slip through your fingers like any day; try not to be preoccupied with baskets and eggs and lunch plans. Stop for a moment and let it sink in: The God who came to dwell with us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth conquered death itself and now lives eternally with us. The tomb is empty and our hearts are full!

This is good news of great joy for all people - especially if you are alone or struggling or in despair, because the message is made for you. Our late Holy Father Pope Francis, in his final Easter message (which was the day before he died on April 21) said this: “Sisters and brothers, especially those of you experiencing pain and sorrow, your silent cry has been heard and your tears have been counted; not one of them has been lost! In the passion and death of Jesus, God has taken upon himself all the evil in this world and in his infinite mercy has defeated it. He has uprooted the diabolical pride that poisons the human heart and wreaks violence and corruption on every side. The Lamb of God is victorious! That is why, today, we can joyfully cry out: ‘Christ, my hope, has risen!’ (Easter Sequence).”

Christ is our hope, our joy, and our salvation. He is the way to happiness – not a superficial happiness, but the deep happiness that comes from recognizing His presence in our lives and embracing his model of love, mercy, and compassion.

At our Easter Vigil, Mary, Queen of Peace welcomed 52 people into the fullness of the faith – through Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. These people have found the way to happiness through life in Christ. At Easter, we also renew our Baptismal promises, a reminder that we are to live what we say we believe as Christians. If you or a loved one would like more information about becoming Catholic, please feel free to reach out to a member of our clergy or staff members. Christian Initiation is an ongoing process in our community. We look forward to walking with you on this journey of faith.

This Easter, join me in rejoicing and in recommitting ourselves to a life of discipleship, following the way of Jesus, who has overcome death and offers a new horizon of hope. Know that I continue to pray for you, your loved ones and your intentions. He is risen! Alleluia!