Dear Parish Family, Fulton Sheen reminds us “Unless there is Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday.” As we sing “Christ the Lord is risen today” we acknowledge the resurrection and a new beginning. I am sure you have heard the phrase, often used for those who only attend Mass on Christmas and Easter as the “ C & E people.” Let’s rejoice and be glad that they feel the need and welcome to join our faithful community on these days of celebration. The Church teaches us, that every Sunday is a celebration of the Lord’s resurrection. Let’s recommit to becoming more involved with our parish family. Traditions often conjure memories of past Easter’s. Isn’t this a time to bring thoughts of loved ones who have gone home, or celebrate with family and friends? Blessed am I to be the recipient of beautiful hand painted Ukrainian eggs from friends over the years. These are such treasures and are the centerpiece of the dining room table. Traditions for Easter vary among families, many times predicated on our ethnic backgrounds. How wonderful to hand down these traditions from generation to generation and across many countries. Do you remember the special baked good from grandma that somehow yours never tasted quite the same? Maybe she added extra love, or the measurement of butter “ the size of an egg,” was different from your ¼ cup. We can all feel the pent up excitement of children searching for their Easter basket or the spring rain that appeared while on the egg hunt. So many wonderful family traditions or ones borrowed from others, only to become our own! Above all we celebrate the tradition within our church of the light focused on the Paschal Candle, the service of lessons called the prophecies, the journey to Easter through scripture and culmination with Easter Mass. May your Easter be filled with love and blessings. Mary Jo