Greetings from Fr. Dave

Happy Easter! This weekend completes the “Octave of Easter”, but we still go all the way until Pentecost (June 9 ^th) with the Easter Season. Here’s the quote I used in my Easter homily:
 

“Despite every appearance, in the end, love does triumph over hatred. Peace does triumph over chaos. Forgiveness does triumph over bitterness. Hope does triumph over cynicism. Virtue does triumph over sin. Life does triumph over death. And, good does triumph over evil, always.”

—Fr. Ron Rolheiser

 
Many, many thanks to all who assisted in so many ways with our Triduum liturgies. It takes a big team and we are so blessed here with exceptional
musicians, lectors, Communion ministers, sacristans, servers, greeters, and decorators. Special thanks to Brett for coordinating the efforts of so many! God bless each of you. And, may each of us continue to be active “First Responders of Hope”, on duty everywhere we are!

Next weekend we have First Communion for our children. Most are second graders and have been preparing all year, first for Reconciliation, and now for Communion. We have well over 100 students spread out over the four Masses next weekend, so expect big crowds once again.

As Brett reminds us each year before Easter, we all need to put on our best hospitality, patience, and kindness when we have so many visitors. I know it is easy to be judgmental when we see folks who obviously don’t “get” proper church etiquette, but please just be grateful they are here! May they find inspiration and get a glimpse at least of the joy we experience when we gather to celebrate our relationship with Jesus.

And, here’s another scam alert. Last weekend, we had some folks begging for money right after Mass again. We have been alerted by the sheriff department that there is an organized group of traveling folks doing this throughout the area. They quickly become belligerent and just plain nasty when asked to leave our property.

I know this is a delicate issue, and I know especially right after leaving Mass we all feel a greater need to assist, but……… please know this isn’t what it looks like, even if they have young children with them! I urge you to always be kind, but to not give money. Our Mass Coordinator is on the lookout each week and knows how to handle this. Please let any of our greeters know if you see someone on our campus begging. God bless each of them!



Blessings to Norah Amadjikpe, Domenic Croce, Christopher Ferris, and Hezekiah Vuoche, who were baptized this weekend!

Congratulations to Leah Burcham and Nick Wilson, who were married here on April 27 ^th. Blessings to you both, and to all our married and engaged couples!
 

Last week, funeral services were held for Mary Beilstein. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace.