I feel I should say…WELCOME BACK …or…WELCOME HOME. We continue to have several parishioners tell me…I’ve had my shots, so I’m back, after one year!

Of course all our parishioners are dear to me, but many of you know good ol’ Fred Rottnek, our friendly, costumed door greeter at our 8:30am Mass over the years. Fred was back last weekend, proudly so after one year. I asked… how is life at Delmar Gardens Villas? He said..”It’s fine, but there’s MORE LIFE here.” Well said, Fred!

The Sacrament of Confirmation is offered each year at the New Cathedral for adults who have missed this Sacrament for whatever reason. This year Adult Confirmation will be held on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2021, at 2:30pm at the Cathedral Basilica. If you or someone you know would like to be confirmed, please contact me.

The 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal launches this weekend. So many people turn to the Church for help. Because of your response to this appeal, the Catholic Church of St. Louis can respond by sharing Christ’s love with those in need. You can give at our parish with your ACA, or you can learn more about the Appeal or give online at aca.archstl.org. Your ACA cards will be available in the church foyer this weekend, or let me know and I’ll mail it to you. Again, giving on line is quick and easy. Thank you, in advance, for helping our parish in our mission to be part of the larger Church.

The Communications Office of the Archdiocese sent this information out to Pastors: 

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Go to: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

This Sunday’s Gospel begins…”The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.”

Hopefully, you remember the beautiful story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Totally discouraged after Jesus was crucified, they are leaving Jerusalem…on the road “to nowhere.” Jesus appears and walks with them, though they don’t recognize him. He asks what they are talking about. They respond…”Are you the only one who doesn’t know what’s happened these last few days!” Jesus responds, maybe with a little humor, trying to cheer them up…”What things?” So they pour out their hearts full of dashed hopes and dreams. When Jesus starts to leave, they say…stay with us…he does and breaks bread with them….AND WITH THAT!…their eyes are opened and they recognize Him in the breaking of the bread. May our eyes be opened at each Mass and recognize the REAL PRESENCE of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

Easter Blessings!