Happy Holy Week! I cannot help but reflect on how far we have all come from those days of uncertainty in March of 2020. Like the disciples who were uncertain of the events over 2000 years ago – they were scared, locked away, and worried about what the future would hold. However, we know that Easter Sunday came, and the light of the resurrection shined! This week in every Catholic church across the world, we all have an opportunity to reflect, pray, thank the Lord, and rejoice in his tender care and Love. Along with Cardinal Dolan and our wonderful pastors and priests, I invite you to join us in prayer over the next week. Please consult the parish bulletin or website for the schedule of services. If you are one of our families who worship in another faith tradition or perhaps celebrate Holy Week or Easter a week from now, we invite you to unite with us in prayer.
At the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, we remember the institution of the feast of the Eucharist. I encourage you to share memories of your first communion with your child. On Good Friday, we recall that the Lord laid down his life in his goodness, giving us eternal life. On Holy Saturday during the Easter vigil, we light the Easter Candle reminding us that no matter how dark life can be at times, the light of Christ illuminates the darkness! We also welcome those who have journeyed through RCIA this past year and are prepared to join our Church in the sacraments of Initiation. We renew our baptismal promises on Easter Sunday, rejoicing by declaring He is Risen…He is Truly Risen!
As you celebrate and gather with your family and friends in the coming weeks, I hope this time will strengthen these bonds and fill your hearts with joy. Please click here to see this Easter Message from me, recorded with some of the wonderful students at St. Brendan School in the Bronx.
In preparation for returning from this much-needed vacation, please have your child use the COVID test provided by your child’s school to test the morning they return. If you need a test, you may order four free tests at https://www.covid.gov/tests. All health insurances cover the cost of rapid tests. Please contact your insurer for details on how to obtain one.
With warm wishes for a Joyful Easter!
Sincerely,
Michael J. Deegan Superintendent of Schools Archdiocese of New York