As we celebrate the Easter Season and the joy of the Resurrection, we want to remember all of our loved ones who have died during this past year. We will be having a special Sunday Mass of Remembrance for all of our loved ones on Sunday, April 25th at 5:00 pm in the church.

I know that many of us have lost family members or friends this past year. And many of us have not been able to attend funeral services or even have a funeral for our loved ones because of COVID and social distancing requirements. This can complicate the grief that we feel because we have been unable to mourn our loved ones in the way we are accustomed.

That’s why we are having this special Mass of Remembrance. We encourage you to bring pictures of your loved ones to the Mass to be placed on a table in front of the altar. You will also be invited to come forward and write the name of your loved ones in our Book of Remembrance and to light a candle in their honor. It is my hope that you will find a measure of peace and comfort knowing that we have prayed together for your family members and friends who have passed away.  

The Easter Season is the perfect time to remember those who have died. For Jesus himself promised us, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” (John 11:25) And again he tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.” (John 14:1-6)

So let us find comfort in knowing that our loved ones are already experiencing the joy of the Resurrection that we celebrate this Easter. They have been raised to new life with God, with our Lord Jesus Christ, our Blessed Mother and all the saints. And they are at peace in our Father’s house! Let us come together to celebrate and remember their lives and to give thanks to God for the gift of his son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who has taken away our sins and has conquered over the grave.

May the Peace of the Risen Christ be with you,

Father Francis

Calling All Married Couples!

St. Josaphat Parish is inviting all married couples to a Marriage Course where a “host” couple will guide us through each evening on a certain topic pertaining to marriage. During these 7 weeks, couples will experience time together privately as a couple watching a video or working on private couples sharing exercises as directed. As time allows, we will also invite you to participate in some “getting to know you” activities to help build our own sense of community. All sessions will take place on zoom on Thursdays from 8-9:30 (after kids are in bed!) We begin on May 6th. Invest in your most important relationship, your marriage!  Email Mary Jane for more info at maryjane@stjosaphatparish.org It’s free! Sign Up today!

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