Dear Friends,
Today is Easter Sunday!
I hope that you have a happy Easter and a restful weekend.
A Message for Easter
The distinctive feature of the Christian faith is our belief in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our whole house of faith is built on that belief. That is why today is the feast of the Church’s year. The very truth of Jesus’ own claims about himself during his lifetime stands on the Resurrection. There is simply no room for hedging here – it is all or nothing. The Resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate source of our hope. It is the answer to the question of the very meaning of our lives. I think of the words of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux as she lay dying of tuberculosis at the age of twenty-four: If I did not believe in Jesus Christ and the Resurrection I would have committed suicide long ago.
It is best to understand the appearances of the Risen Jesus not as visions but as encounters. Notice that all the initiative lies with Jesus. These experiences are deeply personal. Heart speaks to heart. These encounters involve the dimension of conversion. Thomas is led to recognize his unbelief. The eyes of Paul are opened on the road to Damascus. Meetings with the Risen Jesus conveyed to the disciples a profound sense of being sent on mission.
Fr. Brendan
Bl. JOHN SULLIVAN MONTHLY MASS
The next monthly Mass is scheduled for Saturday, May 17th.
CANONISATION OF CARLO ACUTIS
To celebrate the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, Bishop Paul Dempsey will celebrate Mass in City Quay Church, Dublin, at3pm on Sunday, April 27. All are welcome to come along and celebrate this special moment in the life of the Church!
LAST WEEK COLLECTION
Church: €942
Share collection: € 166
Card reader:€ 339
Thanks for your generous contributions to St. Francis Xavier’s Church.
Easter Dues envelopes available at the back of the Church