From the Pastor's Desk

We find ourselves in the glow of the Easter Candle for the 50 days after Easter. Lent has ended, perhaps before some even knew it had begun. Our secular society is rushing after whatever will sell next in the stores, but the Catholic Church continues to celebrate the Resurrection of our savior. Christ walked the earth following His resurrection, appearing and strengthening the apostles and disciples for their mission ahead. Within the liturgy of the Catholic Church we relive those events of Jesus’ life. As we celebrated the liturgies of the Triduum, each of those liturgies were a reliving of those most special events of Jesus’ life. Those liturgies use all of our senses to help us experience those events. From the washing of feet, to processions, to incense, music, candles, extra readings, darkness, fire; all the senses were engaged. Some may ask what is the importance of redoing these liturgies each year? Easter is Easter, lets’ go to Church, out to eat and get on with the next thing. We as adults are no different than children. Repetition is an important role in imprinting both our brains and our spirits. The liturgical year is built around the preparation for the birth of Christ, His birth, His life and ministry, including His teachings and miracles, His Passion, Death and Resurrection. All of this is followed by a period of strengthening the early church in the days following the Resurrection, until we return to Ordinary Time when we continue walking with Christ in His ministry period. When we experience a stimulus over and over, the memories become a subconscious part of who we are. Our Catholic Liturgical year is to help us to become fully immersed in Christ’s life and the life of the early church. Symbols and signs connect us to the universal church, through generations and across the world. Our Easter Candle is an essential part of our worship, as it proclaims Christ alive, shining in a world of darkness and sin. The Easter Candle is lite during the Easter Season, during each baptism, and the celebration of a funeral liturgy. During the Easter Season I try to keep fresh flowers in the sanctuary as another symbol of life. I want to thank everyone who helped in the purchasing of our Easter flowers and also for all your Easter Cards.