Pastor’s Letter: April 14, 2024

Pastor’s Letter: April 14, 2024

12 Apr 2024 | Posted by: chadmin

Dear friend,

This Tuesday Bishop Lou will come to St. Philomena to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for our 8^th grade students. This is always one of the true blessings of the year. I am always thrilled for the kids to experience the presence of the Bishop and receive the fullness of the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Years of education and prayer lead to the celebration of the Sacrament. The St. Philomena Family is blessed with a truly gifted and loving faculty who guide our children over the many years of growth at St. Philomena. The education in the ways of faith are critical to the next generation living holiness in the world. We are always in need of great leaders in every walk of life. Our hope at St. Philomena is that we are preparing our children follow the Will of God in whatever they choose to do in life. May the Gift of the Holy Spirit bestowed on them at Confirmation continue to aid our children in being faithful Christians who follow the example of our Saints.

As we continue our celebration of Easter this weekend, the Church continues to invite us to reflect on the forgiveness of sins that comes through the Paschal Mystery, the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. The Gospel passage this weekend ends with Jesus telling His Apostles that they are “witnesses of these things.” They were witnesses to Jesus fulfilling the Old Testament Law and the Prophets. They were witnesses to God fulfilling all His promises. The Old Testament is filled with promises from God to forgive His people. To bring them fulfillment in this life and the next. The Resurrection of Jesus, the empty tomb, is proof of life after death. Jesus let the Apostles experience this proof when He appeared to them post-Resurrection. Jesus let Thomas touch His wounds and Jesus ate in their presence. Jesus wanted them to have clear and undeniable proof that He was who He said He was. They were witnesses of these things. The witness of the Apostles carries its most meaning for us in that they all willingly became Martyrs themselves. They preach the Death and Resurrection of Jesus and the fulfillment of the Old Testament, even though it meant threats to their lives. No one, no matter the day or age, risks their life for anything that one is not completely convinced of its truth. While the empty tomb does inspire all Christians, the response and conviction of the Apostles and early Christians further provides the witness we all need to give our daily “yes” to Jesus and His Will for our lives. May the Lord continue to call us to know His Truth and proclaim it with the way we live as Christians. Have a great week.

God bless,

Father David