He is Risen, He is not here.

Dear Parishioners,

A Blessed Easter to you all!  It is on this day in the East you will hear cries of, "Christ is risen!"  With others calling back, "He is risen indeed!"  It is on the Easter Vigil, that holy night, the Church keeps watch, celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting his return in glory.  It is the turning point of the Triduum, the Passover of the new covenant, which marks Christ's passage from death to life.  Further, it is with great exultation that the Church welcomes around the world our many candidates and catechumens into the Catholic Faith.  This Easter Vigil our parishes have the great joy of bringing Heidi Meinen into full communion with the Catholic Church.  It has been a great joy to walk with her as she has grown her personal relationship with Christ and His bride the Church.  

As we begin these eight days of celebration, the Easter Octave, the Church continues to exult in Christ's victory over sin and death.  May we continue to rejoice in our daily lives as we recount the words of the liturgy, “O God, who gladden us year by year with the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection, graciously grant, that, by celebrating these present festivities, we may merit through them to reach eternal joys.”

May God grant you all a blessed Easter!

In Christ,

Fr. Luke Fleck

Pastor of St. Joseph Colon and St. Mary Cedar Bluff