Brothers and sisters,

Happy Easter!

For those who may not yet know the story: as the Easter Vigil Mass in 2024 was wrapping up and I was offering some thank-yous, parishioners overheard one woman say, “Michael, wrap it up.” Later we realized it was my grandmother. My siblings are more than happy to remind me of my grandmother’s wisdom.

So, in the interest of not earning the same critique again—and mindful that at this year’s Easter Vigil, 24 people received the sacraments—I have saved much of my appreciation until now. The Octave of Easter is celebrated, after all, as if each day were the Day of the Resurrection itself. Notice how the Gospel begins on the evening of that first day (Sunday, the day of the Resurrection) and then continues to tell us about the week that followed, when Thomas was with the apostles.

My deep gratitude to all who help us enter into worship and liturgy with hearts and minds raised to the Lord. Thank you to all who help decorate our Church, care for the flowers and plants, keep it clean (it takes much more effort after Palm Sunday with the many palm fragments), and serve as sacristans for our most sacred liturgies. Thank you to our mass coordinators and mass ministers, including altar servers, lectors, communion ministers, ministers of hospitality, musicians, cantors, and choirs (both adult and children’s). Gratitude extends to those who help with our campus, including those who adopt a bed (including Chuck and Sue, who have led this ministry for many years and are stepping down from leadership), our Scouts who assisted with campus cleanup, as well as those who set up the Easter Vigil fire. Thanks to our dedicated AV Team, who go above and beyond to enhance our in-person worship and make our celebrations accessible to parishioners at home via the livestream.

Gratitude to all those who continue to foster a culture of adoration in our parish, from committed adorers for Eucharistic Adoration to those who help plan and carry out our Eucharistic celebrations, festivals of praise, and processions. I am grateful for our many partners and groups who encourage growth as disciples, dedicated service, and heartfelt worship, including our Knights who assist with the procession on Holy Thursday and our Legion of Mary. As the Easter season comes to a close this year, we will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of our Good Shepherd Chapel, dedicated to praying for vocations. I invite all parishioners to add Eucharistic Adoration to the rhythm of your week, especially as committed adorers.

Thanks are due to our wonderful parish staff. This year has been filled with many graces and blessings, often supported and enhanced by a faith-filled and professional team. As you are well aware, we have staff who have been committed for many years, making sacrifices to serve the Lord, as well as those who have joined us more recently. We have embraced Archbishop Lori’s vision of Confirmation being offered to children as young as 9 years old and have accompanied many of our children and youth this year. We hope to partner with parents as we form another wonderful group of young disciples in their elementary, middle, and high school years. Stay alert for more information about this coming year, including a creative and vibrant Vacation Bible School for the whole family this June. My thanks also extend to Fr. George, who joined us this year from Ghana, as well as to Deacons Mike, Roch, and Dave; your commitment greatly enriches our liturgies.

I would also like to recognize the many parishioners who continue to discover new ministries and ways to serve. We are grateful to those who have supported our staff by volunteering as receptionists in our parish offices; they have helped ensure your access to our team and parish services. I am continually impressed by those who serve so diligently to ensure our parish goes beyond itself and lives out the calling of Jesus, including through our SALT and Outreach Ministries.

In addition to those who generously give of their time and talents, thank you to our benefactors who support our offertory and special collections. Whether you give through our EFT online system or regularly donate through envelopes, you enable so much of what we are able to do. I encourage parishioners to be consistent in their giving, even as I realize some are going through challenging times. Our annual offertory is currently falling short of last year’s.

Thank you! May the Lord continue to pour out his abundant graces upon our parish, parishioners, and neighbors!