On April 27, 2014, in Rome, Pope Francis presided over the Canonization of Pope John Paul II along with Pope John XXIII. Since then we have referred to these popes as Saint John Paul II and Saint John XXIII. Many recall that when Pope John Paul II died in 2005, after over twenty six years as pope, countless faithful asked for his immediate canonization. Already during his lifetime, he was widely recognized for his heroic sanctity. When Cardinal Karol Wojtyla was elected pope and the announcement was made from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. He took the name John Paul II. His first words were that of Jesus Christ: “Do not be afraid!” These are the words of the Risen Christ.

The Lord Jesus has fulfilled His promise. We have nothing to fear because of His definitive victory over the death of sin and the death of the body. Through His passion and death on the cross and His glorious Resurrection the Gates of Heaven are now open to all those of good will, who by faith and by grace follow in His footsteps. In union with Christians throughout the world we are filled with joy. We shout out for all to hear: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He has risen, as He said”.

Parish offices will be closed Easter Monday April 22nd.

With Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday) we solemnly begin the celebration of the core events of our faith. Jesus entered Jerusalem to suffer, die, and rise. In fervent prayer we follow the Lord as we hope to enter more fully into His Suffering, His Death, and His Resurrection. The Church calls out to all her faithful children to take notice of these sacred days.

There is no after-Mass hospitality in the Discovery Room today on Palm Sunday, or next week on Easter, but it is still open for you to come in and take a look at all the wonderful books, DVD’s, and CD’s we have available. Come on in and borrow something!

Several years ago I was called out to administer the last rites of the Church to a dying woman. The husband and the entire family were at her bedside. Their faces were pale; somber; sad; full of worry. After administering the sacraments and saying the litany for the dying the husband turned to me and said: “Is it always this hard, Father?” I fumbled a moment and then said: “Yes, it is.”......