In the First reading From the Acts Of
the Apostles


Acts 2:42-47

We learn from this reading that besides communal life the early Jerusalem Church devoted itself to teachings of the apostles ( the Hebrew Bible and the way Jesus had interpreted it by word and example), the breaking of the bread( " agape--daily meal with a distinctly sacred character, the Eucharist in its earliest form), and the prayers ( participating in the prayers of the Jewish temple).
Sharing "all things in common" was done in the Jerusalem Church for at least some time. This is not a universal law for all Christians. The point for us is their fellowship, which we should all practice.



The Responsorial Psalm is that that we put our trust in Jesus because of his love and kindness and that he has done great things for us, so we should be filled with joy and love for him and to be like him
in your self-giving.



In the Second Reading, From the First Letter of Saint Peter


1 Pt1: 3-9

This reading is taken from the First Letter of Peter which is probably a homily (sermon) given on the occasion of a baptismal ceremony. Notice how the homilist relates our rebirth through baptism to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christian rebirth from water and Spirit is a birth to hope-- to an imperishable inheritance. It is all for you " who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith." Although you have never seen the Lord Jesus, you love him, and without seeing you believe in him.



In the Gospel of John


Jn 20:19-31

The Second Reading has made the point that without seeing him Christians believe in Jesus. By relating the well-known tradition concerning the unbelieving Thomas, the writer of John wants to shed further light on this point. He indicates that even seeing , as Thomas did, is no guarantee of faith. Faith comes by hearing the word of the risen Lord who addresses Thomas personally .
Christianity knows the golden rule: Faith comes from hearing. It is God, personally addressing you in an " I-Thou" situation! This intangible situation can never be fully explained just as we cannot explain what exactly happens when someone falls in love! Respond when the Lord says: "Shalom - peace" to you in any situation of your life and keep that faith alive!



IDEAS FOR FORMING FAITH WITH
CHILDREN AND FAMILY

As Jesus hung on the Cross, he uttered seven last words
of great meaning to those who contemplate his Passion and Death.

This online prayer commemorates each of the Seven Last Words
in a separate meditation.

Click below to share with your family:


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Catholic Mom contributor Claire McGarry's booklet,
is perfect for families with school-age kids.

Each day's prayer page is right-sized for busy families,
with a quote from Scripture,
a micro-story or reflection,
a meditation on our faith,
and a Mercy section at the bottom of each page:
a one-line prayer ("Receive Mercy")
and a call to action ("Extend Mercy").

Click below for a link to Abundant Mercy and more:


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Ukraine is in need of prayers and help right now
in light of the current war!

Click below for a free printable prayer pack 
created as a way to help facilitate families
to easily pray for Ukraine. 




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Newsy Notes
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From Becky Ready, DRE
Deacon Bob Brazier, CRE


HE HAS RISEN !


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Current 2nd Grade Families
Click below for a downloadable document listing
both first reconciliation and first communion preparation dates:




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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!


Current 8th grade Confirmation

The next group meeting will be Tuesday May 3rd,
from 6:30 -8:00pm in the Parish Dining Hall .


Decision Point Chapter 12 should be
completed at home before this meeting.


Please bring your Saint paperwork, and
your Project to go over together.


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Lord help me
to remember
that nothing
is going to happen
to me today
that You and I
together can’t handle.
Amen.

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Divine Lord, send your Holy Spirit anew into our hearts and cleanse us from all sin so we may adore and worship you in Spirit and in truth. Create in us a greater love for your Word and a keener desire to serve you and our fellow men. Remove all malice, bitterness, and resentment from our minds, and fill us with your abundant grace. In Christ Jesus our Savior and Friend. AMEN

Address future PSR and Sacramental Preparation Questions to:
Deacon Bob Brazier at bbrazier@sttm.org
Meditations
“Lord, I too lack the necessary faith to see the blessings that accompany Your Cross, as well as the many crosses I am given in life. Help me to be purified in my faith so that I can see Your hand at work in all things, even suffering, injustice and persecution. May I see life from Your perspective alone. Jesus, I trust in You."