Consider this …
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
Welcome to all who have joined us for our Easter Celebration! No matter if you are a regular attendee, a visitor, someone coming back after a long void, or a first timer — please know that you are always welcome here to experience the hope and love Jesus offers us, especially on this Easter Sunday. Please come back regularly and be a part of our faith community. If you ever need anything to assist your faith journey, please do not hesitate to reach out to our parish office or one of the priests.
On this Easter Sunday we celebrate the fact that Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Easter changes everything and I hope you are experiencing the joy and hope that Easter gives to us! Our Lenten journey has led us to this wonderful time of Resurrection. We are an Easter people and that means we have hope because death has no power over us.
Jesus was faithful to God’s plan and as a result conquered sin and death so that we can enjoy Heaven. It is important for us to realize that while the resurrection does not allow death to have power over us, we have to be committed to Jesus and have faith in his resurrection to experience that hope. God never forces His Will upon us, but asks us to respond to his constant invitation to join him. God gives us the freedom to choose the life afforded to us through the resurrection, but he also gives us the freedom to choose death. How we live our lives is evidence as to the choice we are making.
The joy and hope of the resurrection are not a free pass through our earthly life, or a guarantee of Heaven when we die. Just as Jesus committed to humanity and did everything he had to do so that we could enjoy Heaven, we too have to commit to Jesus and his life to follow after him. So, what are we doing as an Easter People? How are we committing to the life God has planned for us? Are we coming to church and sharing in the Word of Life, the Eucharist and praying together? Are we living Jesus’ example of love by loving and caring for our neighbor?
Easter is a time to celebrate in more ways than chocolate and Easter bunnies! Easter is a time to recommit to all the good Jesus has led us to, because of his commitment to us! The Risen Jesus is alive and among us today! We are part of Jesus’ Team of Disciples who are called to spread that good news to the world!
Happy Easter and many thanks to all who have made our Holy Week Celebrations so special and meaningful. Special thanks to our music ministry, environment committees, ministers, and to all who had a hand in making sure Our Parish Celebrations were great! Thank you!
God bless and Keep Smiling :)
Fr. Bryan
Based on Fr. Bryan’s letter from the bulletin of April 9, 2023.
