There’s much going on this weekend – not the least of which are all the On Mission announcements.  I’ll try to delve into those in next week’s column.  More important to the life of the Church is the fact that we celebrate – this weekend and next – our second graders receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.  Worthy reception of the Eucharist is absolutely fundamental to our incorporation into the Body of Christ, so I leave you with this reflection on today’s Gospel from Pope Francis:

This week is going to be a very busy, and may I add stressful, time concerning On Mission for the Church Alive! So, even before I outline what will be happening, let me begin with a very sincere and important request.  Please pray every day of this week for our diocese, Bishop Zubik and all the clergy (Deacons and Priests).

I haven’t written much about On Mission for the Church Alive recently, but given that major announcements are going to be made at the end of this month, I figure I probably ought to.  Hopefully this will provide some clarity as to what’s coming.   On Thursday, April 26, all the clergy of the diocese will meet at the seminary for the annual spring clergy convocation.  Normally, these things serve as a chance for some continuing education and spiritual enrichment (and dinner!); this time will be more about praying together and being commissioned for On Mission.  At the convocation, the new parish groupings will be announced and the clergy will receive their new assignments.

Should we be a little easier on Thomas? The last few days have been a whirlwind. On Thursday, a Passover celebration went horribly awry as Jesus was betrayed and taken into custody for unstated crimes. Less than 24 hours later, the simple arrest has turned into a death sentence to be carried out that very afternoon. Most of the disciples fled, including Thomas. He would have heard of the events of Good Friday secondhand, in shock over the death of his Lord and Master. Then Sunday morning arrives with joy from a few disciples - Jesus is risen! But there is no persistent sight of him, only Mary Magdalene’s quick moment in the garden and an empty tomb. Another day passes. The Apostles are gathered that Monday night, but Thomas is absent. He returns to a jubilant report of the risen Lord. Again, Thomas has seen nothing.

Happy Easter!  There are so many different things worth reflecting on today, it’s almost unfair … so I want to focus on something that is probably the most easily missed.  It’s the opening line from the first reading of Easter morning:  Peter proceeded to speak and said…