The Lord has risen from the dead, as he had foretold. Let there be happiness and rejoicing, for he is our King forever, alleluia.

Joy is never lacking during any part of the liturgical year, because the entire cycle is related in one way or another with the Easter solemnity. It is in these days, though, that this joy is particularly made manifest. By the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ we have been saved from sin, from the power of the devil and from eternal death. Easter reminds us of our supernatural birth at our baptism, when we were made children of God, and it is the guarantee of our own resurrection. St. Paul tells us that God has made us alive through Christ, and raised us up with him. Christ, the first-born of men, has become the true exemplar for us and the beginning of our future glorification.

Happy Easter
The Liturgical Committee

Easter week - During this week, we continue our rejoicing over the resurrection of our Lord and his victory over sin and death.

Easter season - Fifty days of Easter joy will bring us to the feast of Pentecost. God’s gift of life is complete in the sending of the Holy Spirit. The Easter season is a time when Christians reflect on what it means to be God’s Church, his people established in this place, witnesses to his resurrection. The new life and joy of those baptized at the Easter vigil is shared by all and we remember that it is through baptism that Jesus has made us God’s holy people.

At long last, we celebrate Easter. It is a time of glory and jubilation about the fact that salvation is possible, and that Lent is over and we can make a joyful noise. We sing the Alleluia and the Gloria again, and they seem like old friends returning from an arduous voyage. We search for hidden eggs, and fill our baskets with the bounty of Easter – with milk chocolate, and also in a spiritual sense. We gather with friends and family. We share our hearts. We break bread together. We rejoice.

For followers of Christ, Easter is the high point of the liturgical year. We commemorate Jesus’ resurrection at the same time that we breathe deeply of the seasonal new life that comes with spring. We also are grateful that through Christ’s sacrifice, we are a forgiven people.

In fact, Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection are re-enacted every time we attend Mass. In a sense, we never leave Holy Week. We live it every day of the year and during every Mass. Every time we share in the breaking of the Eucharistic bread, the true gifts of Easter – forgiveness, redemption, and a fresh start – inspire our hearts and shape our lives.

As we allow Easter to permeate our souls today, our faith is awakened and called forth from the darkness of the tomb. We gather with family and friends to share the dawning light and love of Easter Sunday. Perhaps the faith of our family members or friends does not extend beyond chocolate bunnies. They may not subscribe to the creed of a benevolent savior. Even so, we can pray that the fresh spring air cleanses our hearts of old resentments. We can take a clear-eyed look at those relationships that need some spring-cleaning. And we can practice forgiveness. I believe these things can change the world.

In this week’s bulletin, you will find the final segment of the story of Medjugorje. In addition, at the back of the church, there is a sign-up sheet for those interested in spending an evening with Father Daryl Kennedy from St. Patrick’s Basilica in Ottawa who will describe his experiences in visiting Medjugorje. Father Kennedy has visited Medjugorje 25 times and will be leading another pilgrimage in June. He will certainly have some very interesting insights to share with us. It is important that, prior to inviting Fr. Kennedy to visit us, we are sure there is sufficient interest from our parishioners.

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