Sixth Sunday of Easter

News and Notes: Next weekend the second grade children in the Religious Education program of both our parishes will celebrate their First Holy Communion.  The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic life.  It is a meal of consecrated bread and wine that provides divine nourishment  for the faithful; it is a memorial that makes present in the here and now Christ’s once and for all sacrifice on the cross; it a Sacrament of Initiation that feeds us with no less than the real presence of Christ, his very Body and Blood.  Holy Communion bestows many graces, among them:  it separates us from sin; it strengthens our charity and wipes away our venial sins; it preserves us from mortal sins; it is the supreme expression of unity in the Church; and it commits us to serving the poor.  Let’s pray that our young communicants will always draw nourishment and strength from the Eucharist in their lifelong journey of faith.  Here is an update on our performance in the 2015 Catholic Appeal.  As of April 13, 73 St. Maria Goretti families had pledged $15,195, which is 54% of the SMG goal of $28,078; and 134 Our Lady of the Assumption families had pledged $30,208, which is 54% of the OLA goal of $55,512.  Thanks to all of our parishioners who are helping us meet our fair-share assessment in the Catholic Appeal this year.  If you have not yet made a pledge to the Catholic Appeal, pledge cards are available at the front and side entrances of our churches.  Join me in making a donation to the Catholic Appeal, which funds over 50 Central Ministries in our local Church, ministries that are so vital in carrying out the mission that Christ has entrusted to us.  Blessings to all of you in the Easter week ahead!