THANKS: I am most appreciative to all parishioners who assisted in a variety of ways in making the Liturgy and prayers of Holy Week and Easter memorable for their spirituality, and transition from Lent to the Easter. This includes the Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Altar Servers, director of music and choir, those who helped beautify the altar, and those who polished and picked up St. James’s Church from day to day. Also, many thanks to all of you who provided donations for the flowers. BLESSING OF A HOME AT EASTER: (Gather the family together in a favorite room. Bring the container of Easter Water. Choose one person to lead the following prayer.) Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have received all benefits. Come, visit and bless + this home so that it may be a shelter of love, health, humility, goodness, mildness, joy, peace and thanksgiving to God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. May the love and blessings of God, + the Father, and Son, and the Holy Spirit, descend upon this home, all those who live within it, and upon all those whom we welcome in the Name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. And may God’s grace and peace remain with all of us for ever. Amen. All pray the OUR FATHER as the rooms of the house are sprinkled with Easter water. (Keep the left over Easter water for blessings on special occasions ) Special Easter Message: The announcement that greets us this Easter is so good, so full of joy and hope! “Why do you search for the living One among the dead? He is not here; he has been raised up.” The Good News of Easter proclaims that Jesus Christ, who died on the Cross, is now risen and lives forever. During this past Lent, we have been led by God the Father to live for Christ more intently through prayer, penance and works of mercy. Now that Lent is over, the Risen Jesus empowers us with the same Father so that we may continue to proclaim His Truth in love and serving His people with compassion. EASTER EGGS: Did you know that Easter Eggs originated in northern Europe soon after Christianity was established there? Always regarded as symbols of spring and new life, the egg also represents the stone tomb left empty when Christ rose from the dead. At one time, eggs were even forbidden during Lent. To eat an egg on Easter became something to celebrate. It is little wonder the custom of decorating eggs for such a festive occasion became a custom we still follow today. EASTER LILY: Did you know that the Easter lily has always been a traditional symbol of beauty, perfection, purity and goodness? With a beautiful spring bloom known as a trumpet, and such a sweet fragrance, it has become a true symbol of jubilation. It is as welcome after the winter snows as the Easter Alleluia! ALLELUIA! ALLEUIA! Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. We say, “Alleluia! Alleluia!” on this glorious day and rejoice in our salvation. A new Paschal candle stands tall in the church telling us of the light that has led us out of darkness. Lilies and other beautiful spring blossoms evoke thoughts of new life. The cool and refreshing waters of the baptismal font hold a prominent place to remind us that through Jesus’ death we have been cleansed of our sins through Baptism. The community of faithful gathered for Eucharist at this Easter celebration will become the living Christ, the living Creed, and the arms that will reach out to others offering comfort and hope this coming year. Alleluia! Alleluia! Imagine how confused the women were when they went to the tomb with spices for Jesus’ body, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty! It was when they were asked why they looked for the Living One among the dead that they recalled what Jesus had said to them before his death. Amazed at what they had witnessed, they ran home to tell others the Good News. A BLESSED EASTER TO ALL!