Fr. Simon's Letter - April 24, 2022 - Queen of All Saints

Most of us are aware of the term ‘Monday morning quarterback’ or have played that role over a cup of coffee or some beverage. The Easter season is somewhat similar for the disciples and for us. The shocking turn of events of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection surprised them and altered their expectations and their life’s path. They began to recall the words and works of Christ in the light of his resurrection. This strengthened their faith in the ‘one they called lord and master.’

The Church in her wisdom asks us to keep the feast of Easter for fifty days. It does this so that the glorious message that Christ conquered sin, darkness and death might sink deep into our hearts. It is because Christ is risen that we are alive, not only to live our lives here on earth, but to experience eternity in all its glory. Easter gives us hope that the longing deep inside every human person for our ordinary lives to be transformed is possible because of Christ’s resurrection. Through this Easter season let us, like the apostles continue to be surprised and may we be willing to learn and see the hope of the resurrection through the pain of the cross.

It gives me great joy to have welcomed so many familiar and new faces to our Holy Week celebrations. The liturgies of these most sacred days in the Church are beautiful expressions of our faith, rich in symbolism and meaning that continue to awaken in us a new appreciation of all that we believe. It takes extra effort and attention to detail to preside at these liturgies and I am deeply grateful to all of the priests who prepared and celebrated these days with the dignity, devotion and diligence they deserve.

Music during these days sets the mood, raises our spirits and lifts up our celebration to the heavenly realms. I want to thank our music director, Dr. Ken Sotak and our cantors, John, Julie, Lisa and Paul for their preparation, attention to detail and dedication to help us raise our prayers and praise in song. Your efforts have been worth it!

I want to thank our army of ushers for the gift of their time, cheerful demeanor and patience as they assisted parishioners and visitors who came to the basilica services. I also want to thank all who step forward and offer their time to see to the details of these days, including our group of “basilica helpers,” who diligently clean the basilica on Saturday mornings, our sacristans, lectors, eucharistic ministers, those who help livestream our events, all whose efforts help to enhance and enrich our participation in these liturgies.

A special word of thanks to Paul Scavone who spends countless hours making sure that the lectors, eucharistic ministers and presiders are informed, rehearsed and prepared for these days, that the basilica is visually set and all is in place for each day. Most of all, Paul makes certain that the liturgies of the Triduum are truly for the faithful, not just a well-organized celebration, but an experience of the mysteries of our faith.

Every year after the Christmas and Easter seasons, Mary Asnis and Gia DiCarlo are always looking at new ways to enhance the beauty of the basilica sanctuary and surroundings. They spend countless hours throughout the year planning, carrying around plants and hauling full containers of water, long after everyone else has gone home. On behalf of the entire parish, I express my gratitude to them and their band of helpers for creating an inviting and serenely beautiful worship space for the Easter season.

During the Easter season, we celebrate our community through the UPP. It is a time to be grateful for the past, mindful of the present and hopeful for the future. The UPP is our one and only fundraiser with a goal to raise 275,000 dollars to support the many ministries of the parish.

The Raffle helps us raise a third of our goal. To achieve this goal, we need to sell 3,500 tickets. If we sell 3500 tickets, another prize of $2,500 will be added and if we do better and sell 110% of our goal a fifth prize of $2,500 dollars will be added. With so many opportunities to win, it is hard to resist buying your tickets now! Each ticket costs just thirty dollars. If you buy a block of ten tickets, you will be entered for a special prize of one thousand dollars. In addition, we have two more early bird drawings for five hundred dollars each. Our next early bird drawing is Friday April 29th. Tickets can be purchased online at https://qasparish.org/upp-2022 or you can pick them up in the vestibule of the basilica or at the rectory during the office hours.

Another way for us to celebrate our community and raise funds is through our UPP gala event on Friday May 13, 2022, at Chateau Ritz in Niles. Please send in your RSVP as soon as you are able to help with our planning for this important parish celebration. You can also support the UPP through sponsorships, ads, donating items to the auction and wine for the wine-pull. You will find many other ways to support the UPP on our parish website. Let’s get ready for Lights, Camera, Auction!!

Blessings!!