Happy Easter to you and your loved ones! Though I had hoped to send this greeting sooner, I feel a bit better knowing that this season is so great that it goes on for 50 days. It's a time in which we can reflect on the mystery of the newness of life and the chance one day to enjoy eternal life because of Jesus the Christ's death and Resurrection. As St. Augustine puts it, "If what we are still hoping for fills us with such tremendous joy, what will it be like when we actually possess it? Just look how these days, when 'Alleluia' is ringing in our ears, our spirits soar!"

This time of year also means the approach of Vocations Awareness Week at St. Augustine Parish. It's an opportunity, once again, to focus on and pray for all vocations, especially for an increase of those to religious life and the priesthood. Given that this is the 5th year that this week will be celebrated in the parish, we have invited Cardinal Seán to join us for a special Prayer Service on Wednesday, 28 April at 7pm in St. Augustine Church. This will include the Cardinal sharing his own vocation story and light refreshments to follow in the Parish Center. I truly hope that as many of you as possible will make the effort to be there, highlighting the role we Knights play in supporting vocations. Earlier in the week, on Sunday, 25 April, which also marks the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the Knights will be participating in the 11am Mass and hosting a light reception in our Council Home afterwards. And on Sunday, 2 May, Fr. Dan Hennessey, son of the parish and Archdiocesan Vocations Director, will be speaking at several of the Masses.

Finally, thank you to all those who made our Founder's Day Mass and celebration on Sunday, 21 March so nice! Many of the Fr. McGivney cards were taken by parishioners as they pray for his canonization. He reminds us of the goodness and positive qualities of the vocation of the priest - and calls every one to generous service of our neighbors in need. Appreciation in advance too for the volunteers that will assist with parking at the 1st Communions in May.

Once again, a Blessed Easter Season!
Peace,
Fr. Joe