Fifth Sunday of Lent

The Lazarus story—a St. John-type parable about Resurrection.

With the Middlers, we started at the end with Lazarus being called by Jesus to come out of the tomb. If we just stopped there, Resurrection would be nothing more than a jack-in-the-box. So, we went to the beginning. There we found love, support, comfort, strength, faith, family and friendship. We found weeping and tears, and, although not reported, I have to believe there were also smiles and hugs—Jesus, you are here now and everything is better.

It is only when we went back to the beginning that we understood the end—Resurrection. It’s not popping back to life; it’s putting so much life into life everyday that a lifetime can’t possibly be enough time for living. As the magnet on our daughter Catie’s refrigerator proclaims:

“Dance as though no one is watching

Love as though you've never been hurt before

Sing as though no one can hear you

Live as though heaven is on earth.”

GRACES

The kids have been hard at work giving us new Graces. This week, we have two:

Dear God,

Thank you for everything you have given me.

Thank you for the blessing of life so I can share it with others and be happy.

Thank you for giving me shelter, food, good fortune and a family.

Thank you for giving me a family to guide me from making bad decisions. Amen.

(Maria Nikc & Margot Reddy—Ms. DeMicco’s 4^th Grade)

+++

Dear God,

thank you for our enriched life.

Thank you, God,

for helping the people of Japan

and we promise

to help and pray for them too.

God, we love you always and forever. Amen

(Ms. Levitz’ 3^rd Grade)

Indeed, our kids give us new graces!!!

First Communion Parent Meetings

Parents of our 2^nd Grade First Communion Class are invited to a meeting to pray and talk about Eucharist and our upcoming First Communion on May 14^th. There are 3 meeting dates to give a choice that best fits your schedule. You only attend ONE meeting.

· Saturday, April 9, 4-5 pm

· Monday, April 11, 7:30-8:30 pm

· Thursday, April 14, 7:30-8:30 pm

JAPAN RELIEF SUNDAY

May 22^nd

Calendar Reminder and Change

There is NO KidsRelig on April 19, 20 & 21. Our last regular sessions are April 26, 27 & 28. These last days are listed on the calendar as “Funraiser Days.” Instead of fun and fund—raising, those days will be devoted to preparations for Japan Relief Sunday, when we will really raise some fun and funds.

Love,

Deacon Charlie