My dear friends,
What a shock it was to wake up on Easter Monday to the news of Pope Francis’s passing—just a day after he gave his Easter blessing and entered the crowds with generosity. We mourn his loss deeply, praying for the repose of his soul and giving thanks for the witness he gave us, especially in his final days. God allowed him to journey through Lent, Holy Week, and finally to pour himself out in love on Easter Sunday—what a gift to the world.
We will keep his photo displayed in the church for the nine official days of mourning following his funeral Mass (Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Rome time). A book is available nearby for those who wish to write their names, prayers, or messages. Afterward, we plan to send it to the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C. Special thanks to Bennett’s Funeral Home for the beautiful holy cards available at the church entrances.
This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday. Confessions begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Holy Hour at 3:00 p.m. Please be open to the graces the Lord offers us through His Divine Mercy.
I will be in Rome this week, with other clergy helping assist in an archdiocesan pilgrimage for the Jubilee Year that was planned a year ago. I am scheduled to return Tuesday evening. In my absence, Father Thumma will be assisted by Father Ignatius Schweitzer, OP, who will celebrate Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. and 12 noon Masses and hear Confession at 2:00 p.m.
We pray for the men of the Holy Name Society on retreat at the Marian Shrine this weekend.
A heartfelt thank you to all who helped make our Holy Week and Easter so beautiful—especially Fr. Thumma, the St. Veronica Guild, Dr. Laurie Adamo and the music ministry, our liturgical ministers, and seminarian Ian Mendoza.
Next weekend we begin First Holy Communions—please keep our children in prayer. This Wednesday, our HSOR teen program welcomes the 8th graders in hopes they’ll continue with us next year.
Finally, join us this Sunday for Coffee and Donuts, hosted by our Parish Council.
May the Lord console us as we commend Pope Francis to His eternal care.
Parish Calendar of Events
Sunday, April 27
• Parish Council's Coffee and Donuts after all Masses
- 9:00am to 12:00 noon - Parish Library open
- Divine Mercy Sunday with Confessions at 2pm and Holy Hour at 3pm
For more details, please check the parish bulletin or contact the rectory.
Cardinal Dolan answering questions from the Press
after Thursday evening’s Mass.