Fr. Mike's Communication for the April. 11, 2021

2nd Sunday of Easter | 11 April 2021

“With great power the apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.”

– Acts 4:33

Brothers & Sisters,

Happy Easter!

Regularly proclaimed during the Easter season, the Acts of the Apostles detail the beginnings and rapid growth of the early Church. The apostles and fledgling disciples proclaim the joys of following Jesus, their Savior raised from the dead! In addition to these mighty testimonies, the community’s witness is evident by many miracles and how they lived with incredible generosity by sharing their goods.

As with the early Church, our personal stories of faith made witness by giving generously are tangible acts of compassion and mercy and meaningful tools of evangelization. I want to thank you for your continued unselfish sharing with our parish so that together we can help each other and our neighbors. Your generosity through offertory giving, gifts of time, and sharing talents are proof of our community’s faith. I am thankful to serve this parish of love as your pastor.

This Sunday carries a few official names, “Sunday of the Octave of Easter,” “2nd Sunday of Easter,” and “Divine Mercy Sunday.” As the Octave of Easter, the Church celebrates the first eight days of the season in the same spirit as the very day of Christ’s Resurrection. Nine days after Good Friday, Divine Mercy Sunday completes the Novena associated with the Mercy of Christ. St. Faustina, a Sister of Our Lady of Mercy during the 20th Century, received a vision of Jesus, in which two rays flowed forth from His heart, signifying the water and blood of Christ. The image reminds us that Jesus is the only source of true mercy and grace. Her devotion and witness have encouraged countless faithful to turn with trust to Jesus, knowing His death on the cross continues to unleash countless graces upon those who call upon his name.

As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, may we draw from these words from the diary of St. Faustina, “Speak to the world about My mercy; let all mankind recognize my unfathomable mercy. It is a sign for the end times; after it will come the day of justice. While there is still time, let them have recourse to the fount of my mercy; let them profit from the blood and water which gushed forth for them”

St. Joseph, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Rev. Michael S. Triplett

Some of the key considerations for this week.

▪ Please reserve your seat here for the 3rd Sunday of Easter.

▪ Our Confirmation candidates formally begin their preparations today. While it’s been a long road, with unexpected delays, we are excited to finally get started! Please keep our young people in your prayers. The Sacrament of Confirmation is scheduled in the Fall and Schoolers, young adults, or adults, who have not received this Sacrament are invited to reach out to me, so that we may make preparations for this life-changing sacrament.

▪ April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Thank you for your cooperation and help in ensuring our parish campus remains a safe space for all people, especially our children and youth. Check out these tips on protecting children and offering outreach to victims and survivors of abuse. May the Lord of mercy bring them lasting healing and hope!

▪ Check out Fr. Collin Poston’s wonderful poem, “The Fourth Nail,” published in the Catholic Review. The poem is told from the perspective of the man who crafted the nails used to crucify Jesus. While not a historical account, this is a beautiful reflection regarding unintentional consequences. As you might imagine, as the man witnesses his nails used for such an atrocious act of violence, he also notices the “fourth nail,” by which the sign, “The King of the Jews” is hung While in grief, he hears the wonderful news, “He’s alive” and as the poem concludes, “And a new death to my fears.”