Alleluia, The Lord has risen! We are beginning the most joy-filled season of the Church year as we celebrate the reality of the crucified and risen Lord for 50 days. Throughout the season (especially through the sprinkling rite at Mass), we are given a visible reminder of our death in Christ and rising to new life at our baptism. We bask in the risen glow of The Lord, and we let His Spirit lead us to new ways of living our new life in Him.
I have witnessed the risen Lord and His Spirit working in many wonderful ways in this parish in these first ten months that I have been here. Just as the disciples of the risen Lord were excited about their future, so am I excited about the future work of The Lord here. I pray you share that excitement with me.
Starting Easter Monday (April 25), you are invited to join us at 8:45 a.m. on the days we have daily Mass to pray morning prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, the prayer of the Church. Prayer books will be provided which will remain in church after we pray the morning prayer. Let this prayer form come alive in and through you as we begin the Easter season.
I have witnessed the risen Lord and His Spirit working in many wonderful ways in this parish in these first ten months that I have been here. Just as the disciples of the risen Lord were excited about their future, so am I excited about the future work of The Lord here. I pray you share that excitement with me.
Starting Easter Monday (April 25), you are invited to join us at 8:45 a.m. on the days we have daily Mass to pray morning prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, the prayer of the Church. Prayer books will be provided which will remain in church after we pray the morning prayer. Let this prayer form come alive in and through you as we begin the Easter season.
Last week’s continuing education conference for the priests of the diocese offered a presentation on the implementation of the new English translation of the Roman Missal which will take effect on the First Sunday of Advent this year. We were encouraged to see this as a wonderful opportunity for priests, deacons and laity to grow in appreciation of the richness of our liturgical celebrations, especially the Mass. It helps us to look broadly at the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, and see this new translation as one phase of an ongoing renewal which seeks always to be faithful to the richness of our tradition of giving worship and praise to God. Finally, it presents us with a variety of helps to use in the parish to prepare us properly for this new translation. I am excited about the results of this long-term effort by the Church to enhance our liturgical experiences of connecting with God as a community of believers at Mass. Stayed tuned for what we will do to get ready here at Sacred Heart Church.
Our Lenten Reconciliation Service will take place this Thursday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m. exactly one week before we begin the celebration of the Easter Triduum. One of the prefaces of Mass during Lent says that God gives us this great season of grace "to purify our hearts." Whether you regularly receive the sacrament or not, this opportunity to gather as a community to recognize and celebrate our merciful God, and examine our own lives in light of the Gospel, can lead to many blessings, including a purified heart that is truly ready to celebrate the great paschal mystery of Christ's passion, death and resurrection. Please join us and welcome our visiting priests who will be instruments of reconciliation for us who come with humble and contrite hearts.