A Message from the Pastor…………
The EASTER SERVICES are so demanding for us clergy and ministers, and the experience is accordingly deep in rewards. Here at St. Monica there’s a special joy at the excellence of so many people who serve us. As always, our lectoring and music here were extraordinary. It was so easy to celebrate from Palm Sunday through to Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, in large part because the Scriptures were proclaimed with such depth and clarity. Our exceptional music program was in full form this year, with the Adult Choir at the Easter Vigil and the Children’s Choir at 9:30 A.M. Easter Sunday. All this was under Heather Martin Cooper’s direction, after hours of practicing by all, and led by her high level organ playing. I’d stand up our music these days to anywhere, including the cathedral.
You, our congregation, were excellent too. Our crowds were full, especially the 9:30 a.m. which had over 600 people judging by our capacity. The participation and spirit were joyous at each service. I could easily see the legendary liturgical spirit of St. Monica Parish as you observed these demanding days. Our new environment arrangers created a quite beautiful liturgy setting.
I led the Holy Thursday service with a reflection on “This Is My Body.” At the Good Friday Vener- ation, Fr. Tim led us through the Seven Last Words of Christ from the Cross. See if you can piece them together from the Gospels. For the Easter Vigil and Sunday morning I represented St. Ignatius Loyola’s Call of the King, the Risen Lord, who calls us to walk with him and work with him for the Kingdom. You can see each service on our YouTube channel (our website will lead you there).
And M & M’s were once again a take-home token of joy that delighted kids of all ages.
All the disciples in the Easter stories have a special charge to Go and Tell The News that Jesus is risen. So do we.
We go on right away in this 50 day season. We’re fully at work implementing our own Strategic Plan as well as being additionally part of the Archdiocese’s planning process. And next Saturday at noon is our First Communion, a favorite day of mine. I’m very grateful to all of you for a wonderful Easter and a great start to the longest season of the Church year.
Fr Tom Wyrsch