Fourth Sunday of Easter

My Dear Friends in Christ,

We welcome Fr. Melwin D’Souza who arrived from India on Friday, the tenth of May. He will be staying with us while he waits for his official appointment from Bishop Thomas. We extend a warm welcome to him!

This has been a busy time at Epiphany 0f the Lord with several baptisms and weddings in this Easter season. We share the joy of the families of Landon Thomas Swanson and Kataleena Flores who were both baptized this past Sunday. We pray for God’s blessings on them as they receive the Holy Spirit and that they grow in grace throughout their lives. This weekend, David Marsh and Angela Pirolli were united in marriage. May their love and union be a blessing to both their families and bring them ever closer to the Lord.

Last weekend the Flea Market drew to a very successful close. I thank everyone who helped with this monumental undertaking: all who donated their unused treasures, those who organized the items and worked at the sale, and those who came and shopped, giving new life to these treasures. This is the most effective recycling we can do and it benefits the parish as well. This weekend is Mother’s Day, a day we celebrate all the women, mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and spiritual mothers in our lives. Many women whose kindness, care, and loving support have guided us and provided a strong example of faith. May God continue to bless them all.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me. I will give them eternal life and they shall never perish.” In the reading from Revelation, John describes his vision of heaven: “a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue.” “The Lamb will shepherd them and lead them to springs of Life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” This week, pray that all people will hear His voice and follow Jesus.

This Sunday is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Please make a special effort to pray for young men and women to be open to the call of the Lord in their lives. The need is great for shepherds to care for the flock as priests, deacons, and consecrated brothers and sisters.

Next Sunday, May 19, we will be celebrating First Holy Communion at all Masses on Sunday. We have several children at each Mass who will be participating in the Eucharist for the first time. I take great joy in their excitement and compliment them for the wonderful job they have done preparing to receive Jesus.

Together let us allow the spirit of the Risen Christ to continue to guide us.

Rev. Gilbert Mascarenhas SAC