Most of us know this parable:

"What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray." (Mt 18:12-13)

It speaks of the importance of finding what is lost. This parable is fitted neatly between two discourses on sin and its dangers and is followed by the parable of the unforgiving servant. The relationship is to the need for repentance and the joy in heaven that comes with it.

Memorial Day began under the name “Decoration Day” in 1868 — three years after the Civil War ended — and was declared a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers and otherwise honor those who died while serving in the United States military, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It is one of 11 permanent federal holidays observed in the U.S.

The 10 other federal holidays observed annually are: New Year’s Day on January 1, Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday in January Washington’s Birthday, or Presidents Day, on the third Monday in February, Juneteenth on June 19, Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, on July 4, Labor Day on the first Monday in September, Indigenous Peoples Day, or Columbus Day, on the second Monday in October, Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November, Christmas on Dec. 25 Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday in May.

Dear Parish Family,

Joy is at the heart of the Command to Love One Another—They will know of our joy through our love.

The Resurrection accounts have been fast hitting as of late, as we move as a Church through the Easter Season, and readings that go along with it… Jesus has collectively sought to bring about more enlightenment and conversion amongst His disciples. Conversion is painful because it constantly moves us to better align ourselves with Christ. If we are not struggling, we are not growing.

Readings this week focus on the growth of the early Church and Jesus’ command to love one another. These readings highlight the importance of faith, community, and the promise of a new heaven and earth.

Paul and Barnabas are spreading the good news, which shows us the importance of sharing our faith with others. They encourage believers to remain true to the faith despite hardships. This reminds us to stay strong in our faith through difficulties.

Dear Parish Family,

Our journey continues toward Pentecost, as we move through these days of transformation and renewal. We are now at a crossroads, still celebrating these 50 Days of Easter. We must stop and ponder the Easter message that continues to burn within us, as our hearts have been set aflame stirred by the scriptures. We remain within this season of light, that brings our faith into focus and practice.

The Easter Season is an amazing time that calls to mind the accounts of Jesus appearing to His disciples in His resurrected state, and yet with each encounter, the disciples including Mary Magdalene are caught off guard at least for a moment and do not recognize Him. It is in the familiar that suddenly they realize it is their beloved Jesus the Lord.

This Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday because it focuses on Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He cares for His sheep, calls them by name, and leads them to safety.

Jesus reminds us that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. This shows the close connection between Jesus and those who believe in Him.

Jesus also speaks about eternal life—living forever with God in heaven. He promises this to those who follow Him.

The Third Sunday of Easter is full of lessons for our faith. Take time to reflect on the readings and what they mean for your life. The readings call us to follow Jesus with joy, love, and dedication. They remind us to obey God, worship Jesus, and show love through our actions. They help us to grow in faith and live out our call as Christians.

The apostles show courage and trust by obeying God rather than men, even when facing suffering. Their example encourages us to put God first, no matter the challenges. This obedience shows our commitment to Him.

Dear Parish Family,

These past few weeks have been blessed as we have celebrated Holy Week, the Sacred Triduum, Divine Mercy Sunday, and now we are already at the third week of Easter. We have made a good Easter practice with each of those events. We now mourn our Holy Father Pope Francis, and we have offered him two requiem Masses while we wait for the coming conclave beginning May 7.