April 9, 2023

Dear Parish Family: 

Today we celebrate the most important day of our entire year: Easter Sunday—the day our Lord has made, and we are glad in it!  A Blessed, Holy, and Happy Easter to all of us!

One of my favorite Easter hymns is “At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing.” One of the verses of this great song says: “Easter triumph, Easter joy—sin alone can these destroy!” May we fill this Easter Day and Easter Season with true joy, letting nothing destroy it. As we gather with family, friends, and loved ones may the happiness of new life, of victory over sin and death, and the fulfillment of Christ’s promises permeate us. Hang on to the new life that this Easter brings to us! Don’t let anything or anybody take it away from you!

Each of us faces challenges—some are known by others and some are known only to ourselves. Some of us are dealing with heartaches and hardships this Easter—and that Easter joy may be a little harder to embrace. Just as we stood with Christ in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection, let us remember that He stands with us in ours and that we need to stand with each other. May we share our joy, faith, hope, and love with them. Let us be comforted that after Good Friday comes Easter Sunday. Be at peace this day! Trust! Hope! Believe!

I extend a very special welcome to our guests and visitors. Good Shepherd Parish is grateful that you have come to our church for Easter. Maybe you are a Catholic who has not been to Mass for a long time. Maybe you are new to the area and need to find a parish. Maybe in your search for God, you are looking for a Church that you can call home. Whatever your story, we are happy that you are here! 

We are all on a journey and have different stories of faith to share. Whatever our history, Jesus loves us more than we could ever imagine. Don’t be afraid to explore the possibility of living life as a member of God’s family, the Church. Stop by, call, or email us to find out how. Our contact information is on the front page of this bulletin. Please be in touch!  We look forward to seeing you again! 

To everyone who forms this incredible community of faith, be assured of my Easter prayers. Each day I am grateful to be your pastor and your brother in Christ Jesus. Please extend my warm and heartfelt Easter greetings to your loved ones. Always remember that I am grateful to and for you! I love you! You bring new life to me!  Thank you!

Love and prayers,  

Father Neil Sullivan