Congregation Spotlight

Last Week at CCC

APRIL 19, 2026

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

We are many members, yet one body in Christ. Somos muchos miembros, pero un solo cuerpo en Cristo.

Today, on the Third Sunday of Easter, our 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. liturgical celebrations were presided over by our Interim Dean, the Very Rev. Harlon Dalton. In his preaching, he exhorted us not to become discouraged or overly burdened by our limited attempts to fully understand the mystery of Christ’s Resurrection. He reminded us that God knows our weaknesses, and for that reason, He continually renews in us the message of hope—echoed by the prophet Isaiah, who, in speaking of the Suffering Servant, foreshadowed the extraordinary reality of the empty tomb.

He also invited us to see ourselves in the wayfarers on the road to Emmaus, recognizing that we, too, walk a path where the experience of the Resurrection becomes real whenever we become aware of God’s purpose in our lives. This awareness enriches and gives meaning to our existence, awakening in us a deep and authentic joy that overcomes the suffering born of despair.

At 11:00 a.m., we shared a time of hospitality, joyfully celebrating the birthdays of those born in the month of April.

At 12:30 p.m., we gathered for the Eucharistic celebration in Spanish, presided over by the Rev. Ramón García, Canon for the Cathedral’s Latino Ministry. In his homily, he reminded us that through Christ’s Resurrection, humanity has been rescued from a life without meaning and restored to a living relationship with God as Father, a relationship that fills us with the hope of sharing in His glory.

Reflecting again on the story of the wayfarers of Emmaus, he highlighted how it mirrors the confusion and frustrations we often face when we fail to see life through God’s perspective. He emphasized that to avoid the Cross is, in essence, to renounce the Resurrection. Yet, through the Word of God and the sacraments, the fog of our understanding is lifted, enabling us to experience the victory of Christ in a continuous and life-giving way.

This victory becomes evident in how we manage our emotions, how we relate to others, and how we commit ourselves daily to the ongoing formation of our Christian character.

Photos courtesy of: Samuel Hernandez, The Rev Canon Antonio Garcia.

CHURCH BY THE POND

April 18, 2026

 A lovely but bittersweet day in Bushnell Park this Saturday as our friend Father Taylor Albright of Trinity Episcopal Church of Tariffville is retiring and taking some deserved time off. Throughout his current ministry, Father Taylor has been an enthusiastic and engaged participant in Church Street Eats treating all equally with an engaging personality and lively sense of humor - something our congregants truly appreciate. Thirty-four said congregants were present to hear Father Taylor preach on the Gospel of Luke when two disciples walk and talk with the resurrected Christ and only recognize him after an extended visit; after he blessed and broke the bread. This Gospel is particularly meaningful to me as it demonstrates the blessed requisite of treating the stranger with love and respect. As Hebrews 13:2 states, "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers for in doing so some people have entertained Angels without knowing it." After the service, angels from Grace Episcopal Church in Windsor demonstrated hospitality by serving hearty lunches to 30 guests and an unknown number of angels 

Submitted by Lay leader Andrew May

Church's Latino Ministries hosts Spanish language vigil



Episcopalians gathered virtually April 21 for an evening prayer vigil hosted by The Episcopal Church’s Office of Latino Ministries to support and stand in solidarity with Latino communities and immigrants. 



Western Massachusetts Bishop-elect Miguelina Howell co-led the Spanish-language service with other Latino church leaders and Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe. In her sermon, Howell described the gathering as an “act of spiritual resistance.”

“Let’s remember that our [Latino] identity is not defined by documents, politics or public opinions. Our identity is rooted in a God who calls us with our names. He recognizes us as dignified beings,” Howell told the 187 participants.

Click here to watch the vigil.