Dear Parishioners: The angel said to the women, “Then go quickly and tell (Jesus’) disciples. ‘He has been raised from the dead, and He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him.’ Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful, yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to His disciples.” Matthew 28:7-8
Spring will be in full bloom when Easter arrives this year. The awakening of nature provides the perfect backdrop to the amazing good news of Jesus’ victory over death in His glorious Resurrection. This “coming back to life” has inspired me to invite those of you who have been away from the Church for a while to “come back to life spiritually.” Come back to Mass. Come back to the Eucharist. Come back to Jesus Who is the Source and Goal of our lives. We miss you. The Body of Christ misses you. May I be so bold as to say that the Lord Jesus misses you.
The prayer on my heart for you this Easter time: That you will be set free from whatever fears haunt you and experience the peace of Christ – a peace that the world certainly cannot give; a peace that is profoundly rooted in God’s unshakeable love for you.
At this point in time, there are no civil or ecclesial restrictions that would prevent us from a full celebration of the beautiful liturgies of Holy Week. They offer us the privileged opportunity to journey with our Lord Jesus through those last days of His saving drama – His suffering, death, and resurrection. Please make every effort to participate in the commemoration of those events that have changed human history and made life with the Lord forever in heaven possible.
Our obsessive attention over the last two years has focused on our physical wellbeing – understandably. However, we also must contend with our sin-sick souls. The effective medicine for that disease is free – making a good confession.
My people, may you experience the healing touch of the Risen One in your body, mind and soul. May the grace of reconciliation mend any hurting relationships. May the words, “Christ is risen; Indeed, He is truly risen,” penetrate deeply into your hearts and renew you.
The staff of St. Agnes and I extend to you our prayers for a blessed, healthy, and peace-filled Easter and its season.
Msgr. V. Paul Fitzmaurice
Pastor
