Happy Easter!
Alleluia! He is risen! I wish you, your family and your friends a joyful Easter Day and Easter season. It’s time to celebrate our Risen Lord!
Many thanks to our staff and volunteers for all they did to plan, prepare and do the many, complicated liturgies of Holy Week and Triduum. Thanks as well to everyone who worshiped with us during these days. We’re glad you’re here!
Acts of the Apostles and Us
Now that we’re in the Easter season, we’re going to hear significant readings from the Acts of the Apostles.
My framework for understanding my Catholic religion is the through line from Acts to today, with special reference to Vatican II. There’s a consistent emphasis on “the church” as everyone, not just the hierarchy. Everyone’s important. The Holy Spirit works through everyone. We should listen to everyone.
Accordingly, we’re all called to engage with our faith community. We often say we’re a volunteer parish, and I think that’s a great thing. Our many volunteers minister in many ways.
At the same time, volunteerism challenges the strong emphasis on consumerism in American society. By definition, volunteers aren’t paid. They’re contributing, not consuming.
I don’t believe the Bible or Vatican II have much to say about modern consumerism. They do have a lot to say about caring for the poor, about ministry, and about listening to everyone. That’s why we also say we’re a Vatican II parish.
Continued thanks to Fr. Thomas Kommers for his continued ministry to us, as he substitutes for Fr. Steve.
Have a great week!
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