Fr. Simon's Letter - March 31, 2024

Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! Happy Easter! Thank you for your presence and prayers as we celebrate this special feast. I especially extend a warm welcome to all those who are visiting us from other places or faith backgrounds. As we gather today, we celebrate the beautiful gift of life that God has blessed each of us with. 

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has conquered death and everything that diminishes the Divine life in us and among us. His resurrection from the dead is not simply a fact of history to be retold at Easter. It is a mystery to be lived everyday. As Christians, we are just as inspired by the presence of Jesus among us as those who first saw the empty tomb.

Like them, we know that Jesus is not found among the dead. He lives among us in the community gathered to celebrate the Eucharist. He lives in the Gospel proclaimed by word and deed. Through the sacraments of the Church, he gathers disciples, heals the sick, reconciles sinners and calls us to service. In the Church’s outreach, it is the hand of Jesus that lifts up the poor, feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless and visits the confined. In these ways, and many others, we give witness to the mystery of Jesus living among us. Indeed, we become the Body of Christ for the world.

This great Easter mystery cannot be lived in isolation. It requires the bonds of community to support us and to challenge us. Every Sunday, the Church gathers as the Body of Christ at the table of God’s Word and celebrates the Eucharist, the source and summit of our life in Christ. We gather every Sunday here in this basilica as active participants in the life of our Resurrected Lord. 

At the Easter Vigil we warmly welcome six new Catholics into our parish family: Mario Correa, William Correa, Matthew Correa, Yoon-Jin Han, Boliana Jaqman and Reny Jaqman. If you or a loved one would ever like more information about becoming Catholic, please feel free to call us. We look forward to walking with you on this journey of faith.

I pray that you and your loved ones have a blessed Easter! When you come before the Lord, please pray for me, for the other priests who serve our parish and for our staff. Know that we will pray for you, your loved ones and your intentions. We may not see each other each day but we may meet each day in our prayers. Happy Easter.

Blessings!!