Happy Easter

My dear Friends in Christ,

Easter is the oldest Christian holiday and the most important feast of the Ecclesiastical Year. In fact, the dates and celebrations of the Liturgical Year (including all the Christian movable feasts) are arranged around the central Christian feast of Easter. The Roman Catholic Church always marks Easter on the first Sunday that follows the first full moon of the Spring Equinox. The date therefore changes each year and falls on any day between March 22 and April 25. Easter Sunday starts the Easter season, marks the end of Lent and is the last day of Holy Week which is also known as the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday). The significance of our lives is that Easter celebrates Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Christ is Risen! He is truly risen! Jesus is alive in our midst and He welcomes us in a new life with Him. Easter then is the symbolic reminder for all Catholics that Jesus has overcome death and sin. It marks the victory of good over evil. On this greatest day of the year, all fasting and somber thoughts are banished. As Saint John Chrysostom announces in this famous Easter sermon, all are invited to the feast: “Let all then enter the joy of Our Lord! Christ is risen, and the tomb is emptied of the dead. For Christ, having risen from the dead, has become the first-fruits for those who sleep. To Him be the glory and power forever and ever!”

On behalf of the Clergy and Staff here at Corpus Christi, may you all have a joyous, blessed, and Happy Easter!

May God bless you all,

Father John