Dear Parishioners:
We continue to celebrate the Easter Season with faith and joy. We give thanks for the Risen Christ and his victory over sin and death! Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI states: "Faith in the Resurrection of Jesus says that there is a future for every human being; the cry for unending life which is a part of the person is indeed answered.” This faith was evident and alive on Easter Sunday. We had over 3,000 people who viewed our live stream Easter Sunday Mass! Even though our Churches were empty, our faith was alive! We rejoice that so many isolated continue to strive to pray and live their Catholic Faith at home!!
I am most grateful to our OLM Music Director and Organist, Henri St. Louis, for the music he provided all of Holy Week and Easter Week. His beautiful music contributed greatly to the solemnity and joy of this unique celebration of Holy Week and Easter.
We also must thank Erik Carlson who served as our Altar Server for Holy Week and Easter Week. I am grateful for his dedication to OLM and to serving God at His Holy Altar. Erik does an outstanding job serving our community especially in this most unique of times. He does this great work whilst studying Physics at URI!!
In the name of Fr. Barrow, Fr. Connors, Bishop Evans and our good sisters, Sister Lourdes, Sister Emma and Sister Jeanne, I also thank the many parishioners who were so generous to us at Easter. So many cards with well wishes and gifts and so many provided delicious food to celebrate Easter! We thank you all for your generosity!
I also thank the many parishioners who continue to support the parish financially during this time of hardship. So many have continued to send in their budget envelopes by mail or by depositing them in the safe in the vestibule and we are grateful. I urge all parishioners to consider giving directly online at Parish Giving. The link is located on our parish website. It is a safe, easy and efficient way to support the parish.
In the name of Doug Green, our OLM Outreach Director, I also thank the many parishioners who have been so generous in donating food, paper goods and financial assistance. There is a growing need of food and paper goods in our community as well as increased financial hardship for so many.. Your support is a great witness to the charity alive at OLM.
Throughout Eastertide—starting on Easter Sunday and ending on the Seventh Sunday after Easter, Pentecost Sunday—the Regina Caeli is the Marian antiphon for the Night Prayer of the Church’s Liturgy of the Hours. In Holy Week, Mary was at the foot of the Cross, her heart pierced by a sword of sorrow as Simeon had foretold at the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. In the Stations of the Cross, she met Jesus on the way to Calvary, and each Station, with verses from the Stabat Mater, reminded us of His suffering and hers, seeing Him suffer. Now Our Lady rejoices as the Alleluia has returned!
Let us pray the Regina Caeli prayer each day: “Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia. For He, whom thou was worthy to bear. Alleluia. Has risen as He said. Alleluia. Pray for us to God. Alleluia. V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia. R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.”
Be well. Do Good! Stay safe! God Bless. Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us!