On this Second Sunday of Easter, or Divine Mercy Sunday, we have the Gospel from St. John where Jesus invites Thomas, who was unbelieving, to probe his wounded hands and side and believe.

Jesus chose to keep the marks of His Crucifixion for a reason—because they are a sign of His triumph and not of His defeat. Jesus proudly bears the marks of the Crucifixion because it was the means by which He accomplished His mission and manifested the love of God to the world on Calvary. In doing so, Jesus made God known. The wounds of His Crucifixion are the trophies our Lord bears in eternity that show all the powers of heaven and earth how great God’s love is for humanity. Lastly, Jesus bears the marks of the Crucifixion as a reminder of the great price He paid 

for our sin as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (see Jn 1:29). Jesus bears His wounds as a reminder and invitation to us that we might turn away from sin and choose life (Salvation) by believing and being drawn to in the Crucified One who was lifted up (see Jn 3:14, 8:28, 12:32).

Please join us at 3 pm this Sunday, for a special singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, a special prayer for Divine Mercy Sunday. Our Lord, in a vision, instructed St. Faustina of his wish that this Second Sunday of Easter be especially dedicated to his mercy. Mercy is a mixture of forgiveness and love. Mercy is one of God’s greatest attributes and is something we and the world stand is such great need. Mercy flows to us from the wounded side of Christ and is there for the those who ask for it and wish to receive it. Three o’clock is the hour of Mercy because it is the hour Our Lord died on the cross.

We have concluded this year’s Lenten fundraising drive for those in need in Malawi, Africa. The total donation amount is currently at $18,202.50 but there are a few donations that came in this week still to count - we will update everyone when that final amount has been sent and received. This is well over our initial goal of $10,000 for finishing the Administrative building for the Catholic girl’s school. The remaining $8,000+ will go to provide hunger relief to the village and parish where the school is located. I keep in communication with Hannah at the school and she is thrilled to hear how people have come to support so generously. I want to thank everyone for their generosity in making this effort such a great success. I would also like to thank all those who purchased the crosses I made in which all the proceeds have gone to our Malawi Fund; we were able to sell all of them, with some going for even more than expected. Thank you everyone!

Lastly, we are happy to welcome Matt Cobb to our parish staff. Matt will be providing janitorial and maintenance services for both St. Mary’s and Holy Ghost. Matt, of course, is a long-time parishioner and we are glad he has decided to be of service to our parishes in this way.