I want to take an opportunity to wish all of our mom’s a happy Mother’s Day. Especially my mom, Sue, and my beautiful wife Alaina. One of the great blessings of my life is watching Alaina with our amazing girls. Alaina pours everything into her children, and truly leans on her faith to get through this crazy life. I am only able to do what I do as a Deacon, because of Alaina’s abilities as a mother and wife. She is strong, independent, and more intelligent than I could ever pray to be. I am blessed beyond words. I would like to acknowledge our Blessed Mother as well. May is a month dedicated to our Lady, and I invite all of you this week to dedicate a rosary to her. She has been a mother to all of us, and I owe her everything. She has taught me more about her Son, our Lord, than anything I will ever read or study. She continues to take me to school. I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ, sends His love and joy down upon all of our mothers, today and always.

Next, Happy Easter! Yes, we are still in the Easter Season, and it’s a time of rebirth in our Lord. This is the time after His resurrection that He was preparing His followers to begin the biggest movement in human history. His church was about to take over the hearts of the world. The Easter Season is the time for strength and courage in our faith. Christ gives us His Church to go out, and make the nations one in His heart! We must stand tall for His Glory! We must rise up in these times of fear! “Be not afraid!!!” Are you ready to answer Him? Is your heart prepared to hear His call??! Stop listening to flawed human beings who promise you power and money, and give you nothing but empty promises and empty hearts. Stop allowing fear to scare you from living the life God has blessed you with! Stop allowing yourself to fall short of your passions. Give everything you have and are back to the Almighty Father. Then watch out for how He will move in your life. “Do not be afraid!”

Lastly, I want to say congratulations to our 2nd graders for making their first communion on May 1st, and our 8th graders for receiving the sacrament of confirmation on April 26th with Bishop Bonnar. We have such an amazing parish here at Saint Paul’s, and watching these young people receive their sacraments is so very uplifting! My prayer for them is that when times get tough they look back on the memories of when they received their sacraments, and it sparks a fire in them to grab hold of their faith. The world is crazy, but our Lord has already told us He has conquered the world! How can we make the world around us a better place? What way is Jesus calling you right now? Are you able to open your heart to accept this calling?

This Easter Season, let us silence our minds and open our hearts to allow the Holy Spirit to light that fire in our souls! Let us walk together on our journey to Heaven! Have an amazing week!!!