Dear Parishioners,Blessed Easter! Christ is risen from the dead! Alleluia! Alleluia!
All during the season of Lent we’ve been preparing ourselves for this time. Now it is upon us. But what does that mean? You might ask, what significance is that for me? Well, simply put, it means that there is an opportunity for heaven for you and for me. It means that we can be forgiven of our sins. It means that Jesus broke the barrier of death so that we can live forever. It is the fulfillment of the law and prophets. It means that death is not the end. It means that the Eucharist is more than just receiving Jesus, it is a foretaste of heaven.
Easter means that we have many new Catholics in our midst. On Easter Vigil Saturday, we baptized 9 people, submersing them in the waters of forgiveness. Sixteen were further confirmed and given their first Holy Communion. It was a joyous time. This year’s class of new Catholics were a real inspiration to me and our whole team. From day one, our RCIA team knew that this would be a special year. As we gathered for our first class, it became obvious that we could not fit in the room. There were simply too many people. What a delightful problem. So, we simply moved to a larger room for the year. What transpired was amazing, mysterious, and joy-filled. I want to especially thank Jessica Bubien, our Pastoral Associate, as this was her first year directing our RCIA. I want to thank the many persons on her team. Without them, we couldn’t have offered our RCIA well. Thank you all!
So now that Easter has arrived, I pray that you and your family will have a time of peace and joy. The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. These are God’s ways of showing us how much he loves us. But even then, they pale in comparison to Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross and Resurrection from the dead. So, let them always remind you of this cost of true love.
May you all have a blessed Easter!
Blessings,
Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor