Pastoral Messages
Do We Have Passion?
Fr. Daniel Groody, from the University of Notre Dame, wrote “God became a human being. He entered a world where human beings have the passion to become God. But God’s passion was to become a human being.”
As we enter into the Triduum this week, reflect upon your passion for Christ. Do we have the passion to become like God, a compassionate, merciful God, loving and serving others? Bring your questions, your challenges with you as we enter Holy Week. See how God’s passion for us unfolds over Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Perhaps your faith will be reinvigorated with a renewed passion to live our faith to the fullest!
Blessings this week,
Deacon Jim
Scripture
An Introduction to Sunday's Scripture Readings - March 31, 2024
Easter Sunday - The Resurrection of the Lord
“Do Not Be Amazed! He Has Been Raised; He Is Not Here.”
We have come to the climactic conclusion of our roller coaster Holy Week. First, Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, then the loving example of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples at the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday ("As I have done, so you also must do.") Then on Good Friday, the abject sorrow of Jesus' passion and death on the cross and burial. And now, the incalculable joy as we learn that “He has been raised . . . He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you."
There are two distinct liturgies for our Easter celebration, each with its own selection of scripture readings. Please click the link below to read the full reflection for each Mass.
On this glorious Easter Day, may we reflect on the words of Pope Saint John Paul II (Angelus - 1986): "We do not pretend that life is all beauty. We are aware of darkness and sin, of poverty and pain. But we know Jesus has conquered sin and passed through his own pain to the glory of the Resurrection. And we live in the light of his Paschal Mystery - the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. 'We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!'"
God, grant that we may sing Alleluia with our lives all year long.
Read and reflect on the readings for Easter Vigil, Saturday, March 30 at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033024.cfm
Read and reflect on the readings for Easter Sunday, March 31 at: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/033124.cfm
Upcoming Events
- Women Enjoying Rediscovering Our Catholicism - Tuesdays at 9:00 am
- Living Stations of the Cross - Thursday, March 28 at 1 pm
- Prayer Shawl Ministry - Tuesday, April 2 at 10:30 am in Room 1
- Breakfast at St. Rita - Sunday, April 7 from 8:30-10:30 am
- Boy Scout Pasta Dinner - Saturday, April 13
- Spring Square Dance - Saturday, April 27 from 6-8 pm
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- Vacation Bible School - July 29-August 2; registration opens May 1
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What's Happening This Week
Faith at Home
- 3 Minute Retreat - from Loyola Press; take a short prayer break right at your computer by spending some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage
- The Family Zone - a weekly Family Zone Newsletter, provided by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Diocese of Rochester
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