As we begin our annual Easter celebration today, we hope that you are renewed in the faith, hope and joy that the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death and the promise of resurrection helps to dispel the fear and darkness of loneliness and despair that may be surrounding you at this time. Easter celebrates the central mystery of our faith – not only the promise of life eternal with Christ in the Kingdom of Heaven — but also the promise that in the midst of the suffering we endure under the crosses we bear in this life; we can rely on His power to be able to carry them and overcome them. Each year, on this day, as I hear the gospel account of the disciples at the empty tomb, I think of the remarkable faith they possessed to look into the darkness and see hope and joy. May we all have the faith to see the light and hope of the risen Jesus in the midst of the dark times of our life.
I would like to thank all of the people who helped to make our celebrations of the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter) such a beautiful expression of our faith – those who decorated the worship sites, those who ministered as ushers, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, altar servers and music ministers. So many people play a role in our worship and liturgies throughout the year, but especially during the seasons of Advent and Christmas and Lent and Easter. Thank you for all you do for our Cattaraugus Creek Catholic Community! On behalf of all of us, may the blessing of the Risen Christ be with you today, throughout the Easter Season and forever!
Happy Easter!
Based on the bulletin of April 20, 2025.
