Dear Parishioners of Saint Polycarp,
Easter greetings and blessings to all. As we enter into the second Sunday of Easter, which is also known as the Divine Mercy Sunday, we are presented with a Gospel account on the Risen Christ who appeared to the disciples. The Gospel of John recounts the event by saying that, while the disciples were behind closed doors for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and appeared in their midst saying, “Peace be with you.” He showed them His hands and feet and blew on them the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The presence of Jesus to the disciples has a double meaning. On one hand, it restores trust and belief to His disciples that He is the living God: He is the Resurrection. On the other hand, He strengthens them with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit is meant to move them forward, beyond the walls of fears to spread the Good News of salvation through the Resurrection.
At the Easter Vigil Mass, Saint Polycarp received a total of forty-three (43) members into the Catholic Church: twenty-nine (29) were baptized and fourteen (14) were received into full communion. This is a great joy for our parish. I ask that we continue to pray and to strengthen these new brothers and sisters of the Church with our prayers and support. I also pray that these forty-three brothers and sisters continue to gather with the community of faith to make presence the Risen Christ that you fully professed and accepted. Always listen and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in your path as Christians.
Lastly, joining my brother priests—Fr. Luis and Nicolaus, I wish each of you a joyful and peaceful second Sunday of Easter. I also wish to thank those who generously gave their time and love to help make the Triduum, namely the Easter Vigil Mass, beautiful and meaningful.
May the divine love of the Risen Christ, and the intercessions of Our Blessed Mother, Saint Joseph, and Saint Polycarp be with you.
Fr. Viet Peter Ho
Pastor