HAPPY EASTER! This week the Church celebrates Resurrected life and the joy of Easter!
We come together, at this moment in history, to share with one another, our longing, our belief, our conviction in Resurrection. God has done and continues to do wonderful and amazing things in our world, in our lives, in our hearts, as God's people.
May our celebration of Easter Mass affirm within our awareness the need to come together in community, to come together in thanksgiving, to come together to be nourished, and to be sent forth into our world to live, share, and proclaim Resurrection life in Jesus Christ.
I want to let you know of a very exciting and important project that we are undertaking as a parish. We have a proud 144 year history of being Church in east Lake Forest. One hundred forty-four years of believers sacrificing, supporting, and giving of the blessings received from God so that believers would have a beautiful, majestic church to call people together to worship and honor God.
Over the past year, discussions have been held with the Parish Council, the Parish Finance Council, and the Parish Staff regarding the east stairways and the east entrance to the Church. For those who regularly use the entrance and stairways you are aware of the deterioration and need for improvements for the well-being and safety of all who come to St. Mary's!
With any construction project there are planning stages that take place to make sure the project can move forward with as few headaches, setbacks, or delays as possible. The time frame is being put together and reviewed by all involved parties regarding this parish project.
With any construction project there is fundraising that must take place to make sure the project can move forward to maintain, enhance, and prepare the parish property for years of use and celebration. We are hoping that you will do your part to help maintain the beauty of our church.
The plan being formed is to begin construction in early to mid-June when the school year is finished. As details of the construction schedule become available they will be presented to the parish. Whenever a construction project takes place, while the church is still in use, accommodations and adjustments to routine will be required. We will be having the regular schedule of Masses, weddings, baptisms, and funerals during the construction phase.
We welcome guests, friends, family members, college students home for the holiday, all who have gathered to sing Alleluia and to celebrate the glory and the joy of Easter. The Church gives us the entire Easter season - 50 days - to celebrate the Resurrection. May the entire Easter season inspire us in sharing faith with the world. We hope you are able to worship with us regularly throughout this joyous season.
The risen Lord is always present in the word that bears witness to His Resurrection. May all those who worshipped together at St. Mary's this Easter go forth with grateful hearts celebrating Resurrection and Easter in our world.
Saturday will be a very special moment for our children receiving their First Holy Communion. We give thanks for the faith shared in their homes and in the Church of St. Mary. May the children receiving communion for the first time next Saturday, April 27, find strength, nourishment, and grace in the sacrament of the Eucharist throughout their lives.
God bless you and your loved ones celebrating and living Easter hope.
