Brothers and Sisters,

May this Easter season fill you with joy as we celebrate Jesus’ victory over sin and death!

He is risen! Truly, he is risen!

After being with Jesus at his crucifixion and burial, Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” come to his tomb and encounter an angel who instructs the women to go and tell the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee. Why Galilee? What’s the significance of this planned encounter? Galilee is a place where many of Jesus’ ministry firsts happened. In Galilee, Jesus called His disciples to follow him, and there, Jesus first revealed His mission through miracles. What can we, our Lord’s present-day disciples, learn from these truths?

Count on miracles! 

After being with Jesus at his crucifixion and burial, Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” come to his tomb and encounter an angel who instructs the women to go and tell the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee. Why Galilee? What’s the significance of this planned encounter? Galilee is a place where many of Jesus’ ministry firsts happened. In Galilee, Jesus called His disciples to follow him, and there, Jesus first revealed His mission through miracles. What can we, our Lord’s present-day disciples, learn from these truths?

Don’t get discouraged if a challenge or particular suffering leaves you feeling like you are staring into an empty tomb— don’t give up! Instead, call to mind the first time the Lord revealed himself to you or any little miracles Jesus has worked in your life. Then, with these on your heart, pray and ask Him to use those moments to strengthen your confidence in Christ’s victory and salvation. Please stay connected with family, friends, and allies who support your faith journey and return their encouragement.

As Bishop Bruce taught our recently confirmed teens, when the Lord looks at us, he isn’t weighing where we are lacking. No, our Lord is excited about what we can accomplish with His aide – hear Him say,

“We are a perfect team, you and I. Rely on my grace, and we’ll do the miraculous!” 

I’m grateful to be a Parish priest who witnesses the miraculous daily because many of you at OLPH walk with the Lord and share your life and resources to build his kingdom. I see and am thankful for Fr. Anthony’s work, his ministry at our parish, the sick at Howard County Hospital, and Deacons Mike and Roch. When I say we are all eager to continue celebrating the sacraments and preaching God’s Word, I speak for us all that we hope each of you may encounter the Lord personally. And to our incredible staff, who are dedicated to forming, teaching, communicating, providing care, and prayers with and for you, all so you can deepen your faith while ensuring the health and vibrancy of our parish community and campus. And thanks to you, our incredible parishioners, who, day in and day out, lend a hand and answer God’s call to be engaged and get involved. It’s inspiring to witness Jesus nourishing your faith through His Eucharist and sacraments and your commitment to prayer, which visibly radiates through your service and generosity to others—thank you! Also, accept my appreciation for the prayers and preparation that many of you have offered so that we’d be ready to celebrate Easter with joy, from the careful cleaning and beautiful decorating of the Church to our phenomenal music ministry, and engaged liturgical ministers, adorers, and parishioners who keep our parish in prayer before the Lord day and night. Not to mention those who worked hard to welcome and feed us at our Soup Suppers and Parish Family Dinner Night, our Scouts who assisted with the Easter fire at the Easter Vigil, The Knights who hosted an Easter egg hunt, and the countless unnamed and sometimes unnoticed among us who do small deeds with great love. Count on my prayers of gratitude and blessings to you and your families this Easter!