Divine Mercy Sunday

04-12-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

We are now in the heart of the fifty days of Easter, a season of joy in which we celebrate God’s love revealed in and through the Cross and made radiant in the empty tomb at the Altar. This is our great proclamation: Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death and draws each of us into new life.

The Christian life is meant to be lived in Easter joy. We do not deny the reality of sin, weakness, and struggle; rather, we face them with confidence, returning again and again to our Savior. In His mercy, these burdens are not merely removed, they are transformed. Christ is alive, and because He lives, hope is never lost. Alleluia, alleluia!

What a grace-filled Holy Week, Triduum, and Easter celebration we shared! Our church was filled with people drawn to the mystery of God’s love. During this Easter season, we welcomed 27 newly baptized members into the Body of Christ, received 22 into full communion with the Catholic Church, and celebrated Confirmation with them along with 12 additional adult Catholics. In addition, 50 of our children will receive Confirmation and First Holy Communion next weekend at the 11:00 a.m. Mass. This is a powerful witness to the living presence of Christ among us.

At the heart of every sacrament is a simple and profound truth: God acts first. He moves, He calls, He pours out His love before we ever respond. Our response matters, but it is always secondary to His initiative. You may have seen recent national coverage about the growing number of people entering the Catholic Church. While many attempt to explain this in human terms, we recognize something deeper, it is God at work. Rather than trying to confine or define the mystery of conversion, we give thanks and praise, entrusting ourselves to His divine plan.

This Second Sunday of Easter is also Divine Mercy Sunday, a beautiful call to trust more deeply in the love of Christ. At 3:00 p.m., the Hour of Mercy, we will celebrate a special Mass. If you are unable to attend, pause wherever you are and simply pray: “Jesus, I trust in You.” Allow that prayer to shape your heart and your day.

Do not let this season pass by without taking deeper root in your life. Join us for our Easter Gatherings, Keeping the Joy Alive, on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Together, we will reflect on the Gospel accounts of the Risen Jesus encountering His followers, moments that call each of us to ongoing conversion and deeper faith. Come to one session or the entire series and continue the journey with us. Please see the bulletin for details.

I also encourage you to take part in a special parish event during this Easter season. On Sunday, April 26th at 2:00 p.m. in the church, we will welcome Mindaugas Vytis, the artist behind our beautiful mosaics and windows. This is a unique opportunity to hear about his inspiration, techniques, and the faith that informs his work. I often refer to our church as his “Sistine Chapel,” and it will be a blessing to hear directly from the artist whose craftsmanship has enriched our sacred space. I hope you will be part of this inspiring afternoon of art and beauty.

I want to express my deep gratitude to all who extended hospitality during our Easter celebrations. With full parking lots, crowded liturgies, and additional Masses, you welcomed each person with generosity and warmth. In doing so, you lived the Gospel - embracing the stranger, the seeker, and those who may feel far from home. This is what it means to be missionary disciples: we plant the seeds and trust the Lord to bring the growth.

As we continue this Easter season, live these fifty days with the same intentionality and passion as Lent. Do not let the joy fade. Carry it into your daily life, into your conversations, your work, your family, and your witness to others.

He is Risen. Alleluia, alleluia!

Easter love in and through the Cross, to the empty tomb and the Altar.