From the Pastor's Pen - Easter Sunday

WELCOME to all Easter worshippers at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne: to our faithful parishioners, family and friends, and visitors joining us for this special feast. As I write this, it’s worked again: it’s a glorious day. The date of Easter is tied each year to the maximum time of the earth’s Springtime rebirth: near the Spring Equinox, the moon and sun bringing out life dormant through winter. Trees are budding, grass greening, perennial flowers coming out into bloom. With this glorious backdrop, we again announce the joyful news announced for centuries: Jesus Christ is Risen from the dead! And with the church of believers throughout the world, we look for what it means for us.

At our parish, signs of hope and joy abound. Little babies give us the joy and promise of new life. Our youth in a vibrant school, and nearby schools and homes; and high school youth, show enthusiasm for their faith. Our Senior parishioners lead the way with faith and strength. Parish leaders of all ages are moving us into new ministry areas, within the parish community and beyond it. We’ve been partnering with a city parish for reflection and fellowship around justice and community. Our website invites people to look at the parish in new, fresh ways. We’re being renewed from inside, in the always-strong prayer life of the parish, by joyful liturgies, attending retreats, and a Eucharistic Chapel. We’re welcoming a good stream of new members each month, and adding new ones through the sacraments. Our finances over all this are showing surprising strength, reflecting generosity and confidence in the community’s life.

Of course, there are times with any of us that we don’t feel this joy and hope. That’s OK; neither did the first apostles, even when they’d seen the Lord. An Easter theme for me this year is that we have to believe in the abundant strength and blessings God gives us in Jesus, to handle anything. Then the signs of the Resurrection will become clearer.

We’ll celebrate this special peace and joy for 50 days! Fr. Steve and I appreciate your support and cooperation, and wish you this Easter peace throughout this season.