On Easter Monday, the whole world was shocked by the news of the death of Pope Francis. Because of that, social media was overflowing with memories about the pontiff. What struck me was a picture of Francis with the caption: “Smile even in the midst of pain and suffering.” Pope Francis frequently emphasized the importance of finding joy and hope even in the face of pain and suffering. He encouraged individuals to embrace vulnerability and see suffering as an opportunity for growth and encounter with God. He suggests that a smile, even in the midst of difficult times, can be a powerful way to find meaning and connection. Yes, we mourn the loss of such a good servant of God. But the message of Easter reminds us that God is with us. Christ is risen from the dead. The tomb is empty and as I have said in my Easter homily, this a powerful reminder that the risen Lord’s presence is not tied to a physical body, but in His spirit and His friendship with us. This weekend, we hear the story of the disciples being locked in the upper room. But as soon as Christ breathed the Spirit upon them, they went out to boldly proclaim Easter in their lives and in love. I believe Pope Francis was also thinking of that event every time he invited us to go into the peripheries to bring Christ’s mercy and love. Perhaps that is how we can honor Francis to continue to build a church that is inclusive, embracing and welcoming everyone as brothers and sisters in Christ. In other words, Pope Francis challenged us to live as Jesus lived! Let us join the whole Church in praying for the repose of Pope Francis’s soul and in giving thanks for the gift of his life and faithful ministry. Let us also ask the Holy Spirit to guide the Church in this time of prayer and discernment in choosing the next successor of Peter. And let us entrust the Church to the maternal care of Mary, the Mother of the Risen Christ and the Mother of the Church.

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Holy Spirit: Allow Fr. Robert and I to be the first to greet all of you with a Joyful Easter! I welcome everyone visiting with us during this holy season. We are very grateful you have chosen Holy Spirit as your place of worship.

The Eucharist is at the heart of our faith... for the Eucharist to shape our lives fully, we must enter into the mystery with intention and awareness of what is taking place in the rituals in which we participate. Click here to read more.

A week ago, I listened to Fr. Paul Soukup’s presentation on “At the Cross.” Fr. Paul invited all the listeners to enter into an imaginative prayer, seeing ourselves as standing at the foot of the cross. What struck me was when he referred to all of us as the “beloved disciple.” I have always thought “the beloved disciple” was John the Evangelist because that is what I learned in the seminary. Although Fr. Paul is not refuting that claim; he was inviting us to see ourselves as “THE” beloved disciple. We can begin to appreciate what we are about to celebrate.

I can’t believe it is the Fifth Sunday of Lent. I love this Sunday in Cycle C because we hear the story of the Woman Caught in Adultery in the gospel of John. Biblical scholars say that this might be a later interpolation because the end of chapter 7 does not seem to flow with the story. But whether it is an original part of the manuscript or not, it says a lot about who God is – clearly, He is a God of compassion, mercy, forgiveness and unconditional love. I believe it is fitting that we hear this story as we prepare to enter Holy Week next weekend. The story reminds us of the underlying meaning of Holy Week, and that is love.

Please note the adjusted reconciliation times for the remainder of Lent. We have an upcoming parish lenten service on April 9, 2025. Reconciliation is always available by appointment.