It's still Easter!

We are a Resurrection people!

Happy Easter on this Thursday of the Octave of Easter! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

This year we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and we experience sorrow at the loss of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who passed into eternity the day following Easter Sunday. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

We rejoice with those who have received sacraments in our parish at the Easter Vigil. Eleven were baptized into the faith, including four adults. A total of thirty-two people received at least one of the Sacraments of Initiation. To God be the glory!

Years ago, I would often say that Catholics were so focused on the suffering of Christ (Good Friday) that they downplayed His Resurrection and glory. The truth is that we are a Resurrection people. Easter is not just one Sunday, but eight days of celebrating Easter—the Octave of Easter. And what follows is Eastertide, taking us all the way to Pentecost. Christ is risen! Alleluia!