He is Risen, indeed!
Rejoice the Lord has conquered death and lives again!
The Octave of Easter ends today with Divine Mercy Sunday. The last 8 days we have celebrated each day as if it were Easter Sunday! Our Easter Season has just begun. On Tuesday of last week, I wished someone a “Happy Easter!” and they responded, “Happy belated Easter!” Being the priest I am, I launched into a short teaching (catechesis) on why the greeting “Happy Easter!” is still quite appropriate and proper! (I don’t think the young woman was too pleased, but maybe something sank in!)
We celebrate Easter Sunday, the Solemnity of the Resurrection of our Lord, for eight consecutive days and this begins our Easter Season which will last for 50 days from the celebration of Easter Sunday until May 23rd! Between now and Pentecost, it is still appropriate for us to greet each other with, “Happy Easter!” or with “Christ is Risen!” My brothers and sisters, Pope St. John Paul said it beautifully, “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!”
Update on Lumen Christi Adoration Chapel Donation Drive
As of Easter Monday, we have raised the entire amount needed to complete the refreshing and refurbishing of our Lumen Christi Adoration Chapel! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! So many people have generously given to this effort to refresh this space of prayer and adoration! I cannot wait until it is completed and we can open it up again for Perpetual Adoration of our Lord Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament! This chapel provides a haven of beauty, peace, life, and joy for all those who avail themselves of it and spend time – no matter how long – in the presence of our Lord. I am filled with gratitude for all who stepped forward to make contributions towards the Chapel renovations!
We have received more than enough donations to cover this project! With the remaining funds, I would like to set up a fund that will be used for liturgical needs for the Chapel, the Church and, the liturgies (mass, baptisms, confessions, weddings, funerals, etc…) we have at St. James. These would include but not limited to the upkeep of the sacred vessels, vestments, altar, statues, sacristy, confessional, etc…. We will report this to the parish in our yearly financial report.
May the Risen Lord Jesus abundantly pour out His blessings upon each of you and your families this 50 day Easter Season!
~ Fr. Daniel Firmin