FROM THE PASTOR’S OFFICE
“God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but to save the world through him.” - John 3:17
April 2023
Dear Parish Family:
Most of us know the bible verse John 3:16. We see it on billboards, professional athletics quote it … “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – Amen!
I can’t believe that the Easter season is upon us. Just a few years ago, we had to hold Easter vigil and Easter Sunday, virtually. Today, we welcome thousands each Sunday to mass at the new St. Charles Borromeo Church along with Holy Family and St. Mary’s. Praise be to GOD!
The sun which rises in the East, bringing light, warmth, and hope. It is a symbol for the Christian of the rising Christ, who is the true Light of the world. The Paschal Candle used during the Easter Vigil is a central symbol of this divine light, which is Christ. It is kept near the ambo throughout Easter Time and lit for all liturgical celebrations.
As Catholics, the Easter Vigil is the "Mother of All Vigils" and Easter Sunday is the greatest of all Sundays. The season of Easter is the most important of all liturgical times, not only for Catholics, but all Christian faiths. We celebrate the Lord's resurrection from the dead, culminating in his Ascension to the Father and sending of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. The octave of Easter comprises the eight days which stretch from the first to the second Sunday. It is a way of prolonging the joy of the initial day. There are 50 days of Easter from the first Sunday to Pentecost. It is characterized, above all, by the joy of glorified life and the victory over death expressed most fully in the great resounding cry of the Christian: Alleluia! All faith flows from faith in the resurrection: "If Christ has not been raised, then empty is our preaching; empty, too, is your faith." (1 Corinthians 15:14)
This Easter, as you join us for Easter Sunday, look upon the beautiful trinity, behind the alter at St. Charles. Feel the Holy Spirit’s presence. For many, Easter and Christmas is the only time set aside to attend mass. Easter being one of the most attended Sundays.
I have three requests …
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Pray with me that those attending Easter Sunday will be open and accepting of the profound presence of the Holy Spirit.
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Encourage your family and friends that don’t attend regularly, to attend. We have a national treasure in our parish, with St Charles Church.
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Please consider making a substantial gift to help us retire the costs of building St. Charles. As we celebrate Easter and prepare for Pentecost, I believe that the Holy Spirit will reveal to you, reading this message, your level of financial participation.
I can’t stress to you enough the importance of your generosity.
As we welcome the Easter season and posture our hearts for all God’s promises, I am praying He will calm your spirit, deepen your Catholic Faith and expand your influence on other Catholics.
I encourage you to walk the stations of the cross, pray the rosary, attend confession, take comfort in God’s everlasting peace, attend mass, and support our parish through your generous financial support and prayers.
In God’s Service
Fr. Alex Chavez
Pastor, Good Shepherd Catholic Church
PS: Please send a generous financial donation TODAY. To let us know you will be paying by check or enrolling in online giving, please click here.
Fr. Alex Chavez
