- by Rev. Pat O'Dea -

“The Lord of life has risen with power, bringing with him love and justice, respect, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The One who from nothingness had called the world into existence, only he could break the seals of the tomb, only he could become the source of New Life.” (Easter Vigil Homily, from Pope John Paul II, 1996)

Easter calls us to rejoice because Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and his resurrection foreshadows our own. This will forever be the greatest good news that the world has ever received. In raising Jesus from the dead, God invites us to contemplate his great love for us and to know of his plan and desire to also raise us up to eternal life. In our baptism, renewed at Easter, we are reminded of our destiny in Christ. In and through Jesus, God reminds that his love for us never dies. That same love which raised Jesus from the dead will raise us up, too.

I would like to thank all who assisted in helping to plan or assist with our Palm Sunday and Holy Week liturgies. In particular, I thank the choirs, the Liturgy Committee, the RCIA Team, the Taize ministry group, all liturgical ministers, the pastoral staff, our Jesuit friends, and the young men and women of the Campus Ministry Team. May God bless all in our community at Easter and in the year to come. Easter greetings to all!

 

THANKS AND APPRECIATION

I would be remiss if I did not express my sincere thanks and appreciation for all efforts which helped the community to reflect more prayerfully on the theme, “God is Love”, during our Lenten season. The Retreat with Fr. Tim Gallagher and the Penitential Service with Fr. Marcos Ramos were particularly moving and I am so grateful so many people attended. My thanks to all who were involved in the planning of the liturgies for Lent and to those who helped to create the prayerful and meditative environment within our chapel. This past Lent we also shared in a special liturgy and dinner of appreciation for all who serve in our outreach ministries. Special thanks to Peter Baltutis for his fine work as coordinator of outreach ministries. I am also grateful to John Humphries for his work with Development and Peace and for hosting a ThinkFast at Newman. The pastoral visit of Bishop Greco, our regional bishop, was also a highlight of our Lenten experience. Finally, the Spring-Dinner & Dance, held March 17th, drew over 200 people. This provided a great opportunity for people from the Morning and Evening communities to come together to enjoy an evening of music, fellowship and a great meal. I wish to thank Colleen Coyne and Lisa Santos, who coordinated the dinner event this year; as well, I thank the McGee Family, Fernando Alegria, Joan Hogan, Maureen Rocchi, Margret Hovanec, Karen D’Aoust, and Matthew Otto for their assistance to Colleen and Lisa. Newman is truly blessed. So much happens here. Yet, all is done in such a prayerful and thoughtful way, and with such enthusiasm and energy. We are blessed in so many ways and I wish to convey my sincere thanks and appreciation to all.

 

Fr. Pat

 

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