Dear St. Thomas the Apostle Parish,
Happy Easter! Today, after the forty days of Lent, we rejoice in the Resurrection of the Lord! Recall what we heard in the Gospel today from the angel speaking to the two Marys:
Throughout the Triduum, I've been preaching on the power of the invitation:
Holy Thursday: The invitation to serve with humility and love, reflecting Jesus' action of washing the feet of the disciples, and the invitation to receive the Body and Blood of Christ at the altar.
Good Friday: The cross was unavoidable in Jesus' life, it is unavoidable in our lives as well. The invitation is to share in the suffering of Christ and understand that we never walk alone through it.
Holy Saturday: As we celebrated the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist with several members of the parish community, the invitation is to form a relationship with Jesus Christ through Scripture, prayer, Mass, and frequent reception of the Sacraments.
And Easter Sunday: Although it can feel like Jesus is a million miles away at times, the Resurrection proves that he never abandons us! The open invitation is to continually become more like him in humble service, more like him in joyful suffering, and more like him in reverent prayer, and share his love and the truth of his resurrection.
Please allow me to offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks:
Several announcements:
Peace to you, Happy Easter, Alleluia!
Happy Easter! Today, after the forty days of Lent, we rejoice in the Resurrection of the Lord! Recall what we heard in the Gospel today from the angel speaking to the two Marys:
“Do not be afraid!
I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.
He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples,
‘He has been raised from the dead...'"
I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.
He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples,
‘He has been raised from the dead...'"
Holy Thursday: The invitation to serve with humility and love, reflecting Jesus' action of washing the feet of the disciples, and the invitation to receive the Body and Blood of Christ at the altar.
Good Friday: The cross was unavoidable in Jesus' life, it is unavoidable in our lives as well. The invitation is to share in the suffering of Christ and understand that we never walk alone through it.
Holy Saturday: As we celebrated the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist with several members of the parish community, the invitation is to form a relationship with Jesus Christ through Scripture, prayer, Mass, and frequent reception of the Sacraments.
And Easter Sunday: Although it can feel like Jesus is a million miles away at times, the Resurrection proves that he never abandons us! The open invitation is to continually become more like him in humble service, more like him in joyful suffering, and more like him in reverent prayer, and share his love and the truth of his resurrection.
Please allow me to offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks:
- To the parish staff and trustees: your dedication and witness is essential to the successful operation of the parish, thank you!
- To the school faculty, staff, and administration: your example is seen by our students each day, thank you for living out your vocation here in this school!
- To the liturgical ministers who put in a whole lot of overtime, thank you! The lectors, altar servers, Eucharistic ministers, ushers who managed the very large crowds, livestreamers, photographers, choir and instrumentalists...please know of my deep gratitude for each of you!
- To the OCIA team who taught and prayed with those who were baptized and confirmed this weekend: thank you for your dedication and faith!
- To the Gather for Grace leaders and participants: thank you for dedicating your time to this effort during Lent. More info to come about that next week.
- To the ministries and musicians who led our prayer for the Stations of the Cross throughout the season of Lent, thank you!
- To all who assisted in setting up and decorating the church for the liturgies, thank you! What a group we had on Saturday morning...a whole crew of folks to complete the many tasks, I'm very grateful!
- And to all who came through the doors of St. Thomas at some point throughout the week, whether as a regular parishioner or a visitor, thank you for being here in prayer!
Several announcements:
- The office is closed tomorrow, Monday, April 6, however we will still have Mass at 7:30am.
- Confessions on Tuesday, April 7 are cancelled. I have a funeral service at the funeral home just before the 12:15pm Mass.
- Remember the Easter Egg hunt after the 10:30am Mass next Sunday, April 12.
- We'll pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet after the 10:30am Mass next Sunday as well.
- A family has also offered to host hospitality following the 7:30am Mass next Sunday, thank you!
- We heard about a delay in the envelope mailing from our mailing house. Envelopes are available on the Welcome Desk for you to use for the next week or so.
- Thinking about school for next year? There are several PreK and middle school openings for classes. Please call to check and schedule a tour: www.stthomas-school.org
Peace to you, Happy Easter, Alleluia!
Fr. Matthew Duclos
Pastor
Pastor
Photos from the Triduum
Many thanks to our photographers!
