ST. JOHN’S BIBLE AT ST. JOSEPH PARISH!

On Thursday April 22, 7:30 p.m., St. Joseph’s Parish will host an evening with one of the most remarkable religious treasures of 21st century. Fr. Gilles Mongeau, S.J. from Regis College will reflect on the topic “Scripture and Contemplative Prayer: Cathedral and the Book” as he turns the pages of the Prophets volume of the rare Heritage Edition of the St. John’s Bible, the first complete edition of the Bible to be hand scribed and hand illuminated in over 500 years. See the same monumental book that led His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to remark recently: “This is a work of art.. a great work of art…a work for eternity.” For a preview of the St. John’s Bible, see www.saintjohnsbible.org (Please note correction to the website address. It was incorrect in last week’s bulletin)

Christ is risen, Alleluia Alleluia!

With great joy we celebrate the Feast of Easter! The Easter Proclamation reminds us that this Holy Night, which sees Christ rising from the Dead, leads believers to new life! “The power of this Holy Night, dispels all evil, washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy; it casts out hatred, bring us peace, and humbles earthly pride.” In a world, which is more and more divided, the promise of Easter is deeply needed!

The Gospel we have heard on this Easter weekend tells of a group of women who witness to the resurrection. After finding the tomb empty, they encounter the Risen Lord and run back to share the good news. From one generation to the next simple yet courageous witnesses have shared the good news of the Resurrection of the Lord.

It is the faith of our parents and grandparents that brought us to Baptism. It is our own witness to the power of the Resurrection in our lives that invites others to share in the Good News that because of this Holy Night, “Heaven is wedded to earth!” and the way to Heaven is open to those who believe. Baptism in the death and resurrection of the Lord is promise of a new relationship with God.

Our new baptismal font wishes to pay tribute to the witness of generations of Christian men and women who, like Mary Magdalene and her companions, shared with others the Good News of the Resurrection. Cast in bronze and sculpted by a local artist, it features a brass bowl that is supported by three persons. It wishes to remind us that others bring us to this new life and invites us to be thankful for those who have shared the faith with us! It also reminds us of the challenge we face in bringing others to the waters of new life, of being witnesses to the Resurrection in this day and age.

May the Celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord, the victory of life over death, be a source of joy for you. May it make us bold to share the Good News with a world so desperately in need of it.

Happy and Holy Easter!

Fr. Marc-André