Saint Maria Faustina received many visions and messages from our Lord over a long period of time. The following excerpt is one such message right from her diary, entry 699, which explains why Saint Pope John Paul II instated the second Sunday of Easter as Sunday of Divine Mercy:

“My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and a shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy…

“On that day are opened all the divine floodgates through which graces flow. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity.

“The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My mercy.”

As children can oftentimes take for granted a parent’s love for them, so we too are prone to doing the same with the Lord’s love for us. His Blood and Water, pouring out from the wound in His side, is to remind us that He continuously gives of Himself to us that we may have life and have it abundantly.

Thus, this “inconceivable mercy” was one borne out of a Heavenly Love, made possible through Saint Faustina who was entrusted to share it with the rest of the world. God Himself wants us to remember why He would become flesh and undergo His Passion (suffering and death), and the importance of the Resurrection (destroying death): to break us free from the bonds of sin that has it’s hold over all humanity since the Fall so that we may be able to abide in His bliss for eternity!

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, with Your Divine Mercy, shelter us from the throes of the enemy and from our own sinfulness. May we never fear or be ashamed of the love you have for us but have the courage to respond to it and help others experience it as well.

O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!

Continue to have a blessed and happy Easter!

-Fr Peter 

Have you been looking for an opportunity to grow in your relationship with Jesus and your neighbors? Our small groups are being carefully crafted to do just that, & we would love for you to join us. Simply click below to see the opportunities that the Lord is opening up to you!

Josephine (Casserly) Albu died on January 16, 2024 in Alexandria, MN at the age of 85. Joann was born June 18, 1938 in St. Paul, MN to George and Anna Leopold. She is survived by husband Verle Albu; children Debra Casserly, Diane (Dennis) Coan, and Joe (Kari) Casserly. Her Celebration of Life luncheon will be held in Kenney Hall on Sunday, April 7, from 1-3pm.

There will be a Presentation Men's Club meeting on April 11th from 6:30-8pm at 2010 Sherwood Ave. behind home in the garage (closed & heated for cold weather). Please bring your cares, concerns, and ideas on how we can help the church, school, and its ministries. Food and beverage are provided. There is also friendly social interaction before, during, and after the meeting with some card playing afterwards. If you can't attend and have cares, concerns, and ideas for the meeting, please contact: Tim Kleiter at 651-428-1172.

Please note that there will be a special Mass time on Saturday, April 13 so everyone can celebrate the Gala! Mass will be at 4pm, and Reconciliation will begin at 3pm. Please reach out to anyone you know who is a usual Saturday Evening Mass-goer who may not see the message!

Come to the next 55 Club Luncheon! It will be held on Tuesday, April 16 at 12:30pm at Blessed Sacrament. The meal will be pizza, salad, and sheet cake. Judie Steenberg will be presenting on Islands of the South Pacific. The cost is $13. Make reservations by calling Teri Garrity at 651-303-2145.

Please pray for our students receiving First Eucharist next Sunday, April 7:

We are currently in need of additional Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, Sacristans, and Livestream helpers for our weekend Masses. Training is provided. To learn more about these ministries, and to let us know you’re interested, head over to presentationofmary.org/liturgy-prayer/liturgical-ministries/, follow the QR code, or contact Kay Mottaz at 651-842-6022 or by email at kmottaz@presentationofmary.org.

The Panther Pride Gala is fast approaching! As a reminder, it is Saturday, April 13, in the school. Get your tickets online now by clicking below. Today, April 6th, is the very last day to purchase your ticket! You can also view items available at the auction at this site, as well. You won’t want to miss out! Note also that we will have a special 4pm Mass that Saturday evening.

Presentation of Mary School is hiring a principal to begin next school year. The job is officially posted on the Archdiocese website. If you or someone you know is interested in the position, click bleow. Feel free to contact the parish office with questions.

Middle School Math, Science, and STEM Teacher positions: full or part-time available. Contact Sue Lovegreen at slovegreen@presentationofmary.org or 651-842-6032 for more information.

Do you know someone in need of prayers? Contact Kay at the Parish Office at 651-842-6022 so they can be added to our Prayer Line.

You can also contact her if you are interested in joining the Prayer Line!

Protection of Youth: All employees, and volunteers who interact with minors, are required to complete and maintain safe environment credentials (E3) through the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. To ensure successful completion of these requirements or if you have any questions regarding our safe environment practices or would like more information on what is needed to volunteer, please contact our Safe Environment Coordinator: Kay Mottaz @ 651-842-6022 or email kmottaz@presentationofmary.org.

To learn more about reporting suspected abuse, please also visit: www.safe-environment.archspm.org/report-abuse/Report.