A Great Easter!

04-28-2019From Fr. Antony's DeskFr. John Barbella

I had an absolutely wonderful Easter – and hope that you did, too. First and foremost, I was happy to celebrate Easter Mass with so many of you. The Easter Vigil and my Mass on Easter morning were the very heart of my Easter celebration. Concelebrating with Fr. Leo – who offered such a beautiful Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday – was another highlight of this Holy Week.

For many years, I have had a special place in my heart for the Solemn Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion at 3 PM on Good Friday. This year – as always – I was deeply moved during that Liturgy. Watching so many people come forward to venerate the Cross was truly inspiring. I especially enjoyed watching so many parents, grandparents, and even big brothers and sisters showing little ones how to kiss the Cross. This is how we pass on our Faith – and I’m glad that so many of you do so!

After the Easter Masses I went to the homes of both of my sisters! As I told you last week, Natalie was having an open house due to her children’s schedules (having to get back to college, etc.). I went to her home for lunch (a very big lunch!) Then I went to my sister Christine’s home near the shore, and had dinner with her family and in-laws. While it was a bit crazy, it was good to be able to see nearly all of my nieces and nephews, my mom, both of my sisters and brothers-in-law – and some good friends, too!

I’m happy to see that so many families are signing up to take one of the Our Lady of Guadalupe kits home for a week. During the month of May – which is dedicated to Our Blessed Mother – we will present those kits to families during the 9 AM Mass. My hope is that doing so will remind all of us to spend some time honoring and praying to our Blessed Mother during her special month.

Our parish will celebrate First Holy Communion on the next two Saturday mornings. Please pray for the children and their families. First Communion is always one of my favorite days of the year, and I am really looking forward to it!

As part of our celebration of Mary’s Month of May, we will have a May Crowning in Church on Sunday, May 12th, at the 11:00 AM Mass. All of our First Communicants are invited to attend and take part. I hope that many of you will be there that morning as we honor the Mother of God – who is the Mother of All Christians – on Mother’s Day morning.

Please say a Hail Mary for me today – and every day. I always keep you in my prayers. The help God grants in answer to our prayers helps us truly become the people He wants us to be.

Have a great week!

Fr. John

BACK TO LIST