Dear Friends,
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
A Happy and Blessed Easter to everyone!
What a glorious day to celebrate with one another! We have been “Walking On Holy Ground” together these past six weeks.
It has been personally a sacred and holy journey praying over the sacred texts these Lenten days. Familiar scriptures were a grace to revisit and some texts seem to open for the first time in my heart and soul. Truly, when scriptures are referred to as the “Living Word of God” there is no doubt when you spend time with them that indeed they are as much alive in the present moment as when first proclaimed.
Fasting this Lent brought not just a personal refrain from “giving something up” but taking something on that made me more personally aware of what I could offer from my person to others. It was a reflection of self and where I wanted to be in offering personal Time, Talent and Treasure. It is something that I will not end because Lent is over and Easter has arrived but an intentional choice of ongoing and intentional lifestyle. Who knew when Lent began that among thoughts of almsgiving that Ukraine would be so important to the other choices and decisions made by me. There is so much need here in our midst, in our own nation and certainly throughout the world. This sin against Ukraine pulls at my heart and soul daily. Some people avoid the news because it is so hard and sad. I cannot and think of this horrific situation as my stepping up as best I can walking with my sisters and brothers as I have with Jesus to Calvary. I pray that “Easter” comes swiftly to our Ukrainian family.
I want to thank our Saint Catherine of Siena and Church of the Transfiguration Parish Staffs for all they provided to our faith communities these past several weeks for our spiritual enrichment. I want to thank all those, like Dr. Sister Barbara Moore, Dr. Joe Kelly and our Monday evening Vesper witnesses, who came and shared their insights that led us to a blessed Easter. I want to thank all the parish ministries and parishioners who assisted the Parish Staffs in programing, liturgies and caring for our environments for Lenten Services, Holy Week Services and now our Easter Season. I also want to thank all of you who came and participated in the various offerings from both parishes. Your presence and participation is acknowledged and valued. I thank also all who “come” to church by “live stream”. It has been good for us to have this opportunity. I know it will continue for those homebound and infirmed. I hope that others who have been “Live Streaming” will feel comfortable to return safely with the rest of us who are worshipping in person.
So much to be grateful for and celebrate this Easter.
I am grateful to all who have blessed my “Walk On Holy Ground!” You will continue to be in my heart and prayer throughout these fifty days of Easter! Please keep me in your prayer.
Happy Easter!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Blessings,
Father Rob