Our earth seems to be taking a collective sigh as we spend less time in our cars and more time outside, with greater sense of appreciation for our common home. Over the past few weeks we have been reminded of the beauty of God’s gift of creation as we have been forced to change our daily routines and slow down. We are more mindful that we are stewards of this great planet and of each other. Let us take this Earth Day and give thanks and praise to God for His generous gift and re-affirm our commitment to renew our relationship with one another, creation and our loving Father.

Five years ago, Pope Francis shared with the world his encyclical Laduato Si on the care of our common home. In this encyclical, Pope Francis reminded us we are all connected and responsible for our planet. He invited us to join the “conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all. All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” (Laudato Si, 13) We invite you to take a moment today, give thanks and reflect upon the magnitude of the world God created for us. Read Genesis 1:1-31, then take time to appreciate the darkness and light, the moon and stars, the creatures of the air, sea and ground, the plants and trees and perhaps most importantly, our fellow man. Look around with the eyes of God and acknowledge that what “God saw was good, and God blessed them.” (Gen. 1:21-22a).

The St. John Fisher Men's Prayer Group gathering this morning (4/18/2020) via ZOOM conferencing.  This is the second time we've done this, trying to keep our normal monthly - 1st Thursday evening and 3rd Saturday morning - gatherings going in the face of this necessary isolation.

Alluluia! Love Is Alive ~ Steve Angrisano

Canticle of the Free ~ Janet Sullivan Whitaker

Based on Exodus 15:19-21, and written by Janet Sulliven Whitaker. Performed by the choirs of Holy Family Catholic Church in Portland, Oregon. Easter concert April 28, 2013

Living Hope

As I Have Done For You ~ Dan Shutte ~ Text based on John 13:16

In This Place ~ Trevor Thomson ~ Victoria Thomson 

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises

In This Place · Trevor Thomson · Victoria Thomson

Choose Christ 2009, Vol. 3 ℗ 2009 OCP. All rights reserved. All selections BMI.

Released on: 2008-10-30 Music Publisher: OCP

Who Is This Man ~ Don Besig and Nancy Price

https://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10040871

Triumphant and bold, this Palm Sunday anthem for mixed voices combines the 19th century hymn text Ride On! Ride On in Majesty! with invigorating new music. Melodic repetition and mostly unison voicing in the men's vocal part offer choirs with limited rehearsal time the chance to learn the piece quickly and easily.

https://www.jwpepper.com/ 

I Will Rise ~ Mary McDonald, Louie Giglio ~ The Lorenz Corporation

10/4732L - Mary McDonald transforms "I Will Rise" from a popular worship song to a church choral classic in this brilliant arrangement. The powerful text proclaims the glory of the resurrection and how it enables Christ's people to rise above the storms of life. The piano accompaniment and optional instrumental ensemble add zest to this dynamic tune.

A new directive from the Archdiocese of Hartford states that the "time has now come to suspend publicly scheduled confessions until further notice in light of the growing spread of the virus in Connecticut, which is anticipated to peak in the coming weeks. This is necessary for the protection of both penitents and priests." However, during Holy Week the church will be open for Eucharistic Adoration on Palm Sunday from 4:00-4:45 pm and for individual prayer on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:00 am-2:00 pm. Please observe guidelines for spatial distancing. There will be disinfectants available at the entrances, so you can be sure of a clean place to pray while you are in church. If possible, we ask that you wipe down your pew before you leave so it will be sanitized for the next parishioner who may come in.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

          “Christ is Risen!” Even though we have to practice “social distancing” we are always spiritually close as members of the one Body of Christ. Baptism makes us a family in faith, and at Easter we joyfully proclaim the glorious news that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. In the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic, Easter this year may be unlike any other, but the light of the resurrection remains undimmed, the cause of our joy undiminished, and the strength of our faith unbroken.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL COPY OF THE LETTER

When Jesus goes to the grave of Lazarus we see a very human, relatable Jesus. He weeps, he is mourning the loss of his friend. The key is what and how he does next – he prays. But not simply asking God for something, which is a trap we often fall into. He instead begins with “Father, I thank you for hearing me.  I know that you always hear me.” I think this message is poignant given our current circumstances. In all things, give thanks. If Jesus at a time of tremendous pain and loss can begin his prayer with gratitude and thanksgiving, we should take note. I found great comfort in knowing that even in these uncertain times, we can and must find things to give thanks to God.  Maybe for some it will just be thank you for this moment and that is fine!! At different points, everyone is struggling, the key is to remember that we can find comfort in knowing we do not walk alone and if we look carefully we will see God is working in and around us and for that we should give thanks and this is incredibly comforting. (Written by Jen O'Neill)

Prayer to St. Lazarus

Dear Saint Lazarus, friend of Christ Incarnate and patron of the poor and the sick; I request your intercession, with the aid of the Holy Spirit; May the Lord, Who prefigured His resurrection through your own miraculous rising, always guide me in my earthly pilgrimage and protect me in sickness and in health.