Dear Parishioners, Blessed Easter! Jesus is risen from the dead - and the promise of eternal life is God's gift to us. What an amazing thing God has done for us. This celebration is the most important one in our Church. Just like Christmas, Easter Sunday is celebrated for 8 days (an octave), and the Easter Season goes for 50 days, 10 more than Lent! So, there is much to reflect upon and discover in these inspiring, joyous stories of our Lord's resurrection. The Friars and all 4 parish staffs join me in wishing you a Blessed Easter. I'm taking advantage of bigger Easter crowds to get this message to as many folks as possible: As you are aware, our parishes of Beaver, Freedom, New Brighton and Rochester are in
Dear Parishioners, Holy Week is the most special time of our church year as we walk with Jesus into Jerusalem and into all that would happen there to Him, and to us. These days, the whole week is to be holy. So, read the scripture accounts of Jesus' passion, and reflect on the Stations of the Cross or just do one of these. Find extra time for quiet prayer. Make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. Fast a little more. Whatever will best help you to recall the sacredness of these days is a good thing. On Holy Thursday, there is one Mass at 7:00 p.m. at Saints Peter and Paul. All 4 churches will be open for prayer until midnight, symbolizing our "staying awake" with Jesus while He agonized in the garden. On Good Friday, the Liturgies are spread throughout the afternoon: Noon at St. Cecilia, 1:30 p.m. at Holy Family and 3:00 p.m. at St. Felix. For those who might work, there will be Stations of the Cross at 7:00 p.m. at Saints Peter and Paul. Holy Saturday, there will be Blessings of the Easter Foods: 11:30 a.m. at Holy Family and 12 noon at St. Cecilia, St. Felix and Saints Peter and Paul. There are two Easter Vigils: 8:30 p.m. at St. Cecilia where the Paschal Candle for St. Felix will also be lit. The candle for Saints Peter and Paul and Holy Family will be lit at 8:30 p.m. Easter Sunday: 8:00 & 11:00 a.m. at St. Felix; 7:30 & 9:15 a.m. at St. Cecilia; 9:00 & 11 a.m. at Holy Family; 7:30 & 10:00 a.m. and 12 noon at Saints Peter and Paul. Fr. Paul, Fr. Mark and all the parish staffs join me in praying for you this week and hoping that the outpouring of Jesus' love for the human race evidenced in His passion, will fill you with wonder and peace. God Bless You. Fr. Bob
Dear Parishioners, All the information for Holy Week and Easter is in the bulletin. Please don't forget "The Light is on for You" this Wednesday, April 10, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at all four churches. Since we are having a unified celebration of Holy Thursday's Mass of the Lord's Supper, all the Liturgical Ministries are being divided by folks from each Parish: servers, choir, readers, Eucharistic ministers, foot washing volunteers, etc. are all joining together. Similarly, for Confirmation on Monday, April 29, choirs and volunteers will be coming together for that liturgy, too. Blessing of the Easter Food will take place on Holy Saturday, April 20, at all four of our churches as follows: St. Cecilia at 12:00 noon; St. Felix at 12
Dear Parishioners, Several weeks back, Fr. Paul and I attended a presentation on safety for churches. While the information was very good, it presents some unique challenges for Catholic churches and how we gather to worship God. We are wondering if there is anyone who shares these safety concerns and might be willing to help develop some strategies and procedures for all four of our churches. Call me, if interested.