Pastor’s Letter: April 7th, 2024

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Second Sunday of Easter is traditionally known as Divine Mercy Sunday.  This Sunday also marks the end of the Octave of Easter.  The reason for this celebration is for us to bask in the glory of what God not only has done for us but what has been given to us.  Divine Mercy Sunday was added to our liturgical calendar by St John Paul II to celebrate the overwhelming mercy of Jesus.  In a series of  revelations to St Maria Faustina Kowalska in the 1930s, our Lord called for a special feast day to be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter.  Divine Mercy Sunday invites us to unfold the mercy of God’s love for us.

In the Gospel reading we hear the account of Jesus appearing to his disciples.  The words “Peace be with you” speaks volumes of God’s unconditional love.  It is important to note that Jesus did not condemn his disciples for abandoning Him but rather used his invitation of peace to draw them closer to Him.  The reading also mentions that Thomas was not present when Jesus appeared to them the first time.  Instead of focusing on Thomas’ doubt, we should instead focus on the humility of Jesus inviting us to come to Him and place our trust in Him.

This weekend, we celebrate with our Second Graders at Mary Our Queen their First Holy Communion.  Congratulations are in order.  We would like to thank all our teachers and catechists for guiding them to this day. Our Second Graders at St John Vianney will celebrate their First Holy Communion on Sunday, April 21st.  Please keep them all in your prayers.

Fr Tom Bauwens’s brother, Daniel Bauwens, passed away on the weekend before Easter.  Fr Tom left last weekend to be with his family in St Louis.  Daniel’s funeral was on April 2nd.  Please keep Fr Tom and his family in your prayers.

A Blessed Divine Mercy Sunday to all of you.

Fr Marc