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The readings for this Sixth Sunday of Easter center on the central theme of love – the love of God for us and our call to love one another as Christ has loved us. As we being to come to towards the end of our journey through the Easter season, we are reminded of the profound depth of God's love and the transformative power it has in our lives. In the Gospel passage from John, Jesus commands us to love one another as he has loved us. This is not a superficial or sentimental love but a love rooted in sacrifice, service, and selflessness. Jesus exemplified this love through his life, ministry, and ultimately, his death on the cross. He says, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." The love of Christ is radical and all-encompassing. It transcends barriers of race, ethnicity, social status, and ideology. In the first reading from Acts, we see the Holy Spirit breaking down barriers as Peter proclaims, "In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him." This inclusivity of God's love challenges us to embrace and welcome all people as brothers and sisters in Christ. The letter of John reinforces the message of love, stating, "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God." Our ability to love authentically flows from our relationship with God. As we abide in God's love, we are empowered to love others unconditionally and without discrimination. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate his love in our daily lives. This means loving not only those who are easy to love or who share our beliefs but loving all people – even our enemies – with the same love that Jesus has for us. It's a challenging commandment, but it's also the most transformative and powerful. As we reflect on these readings, let us recommit ourselves to living lives of love, compassion, and service. Let us seek to imitate the selfless love of Christ in our relationships, communities, and interactions. May our love be a reflection of God's love, drawing others closer to Him and building up the Kingdom of God on earth. Changing of the Guard Last weekend in a letter in the bulletin, and sent out electronically, Father Wayne announced that he has been asked to take a new assignment at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Decatur along with campus ministry at St. Teresa High School and Millikin University. Succeeding Father Wayne will be the soon-to-be Father Alex McCullough who will be ordained in our cathedral on May 25 th . Deacon Alex is a native of Mattoon and is currently finishing his seminary formation at Saint Meinrad Seminary in southern Indiana. The effective date for this change will be July 1 st . Dates will be announced for a farewell reception for Father Wayne in later June and for a welcome reception for Father Alex in early July. Please join me in praying for both of these men in this time of transition that God will bless them with every grace they need for their ministries. Completed Initiation Congratulations to all of our students who completed their Christian Initiation through the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion this past Tuesday evening at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Let us pray that these children may remain rooted in the love of God and continue to learn and understand the importance of cooperating with the graces that God has given to them. Mary’s Month May is traditionally known as the month of Mary. Centuries ago, May was dedicated to the pagan Roman goddess Flora who was the goddess of blooms. The month was dedicated to her as a way of casting out winter and welcoming the new life of spring. As the true Christian faith spread throughout the Roman empire and the rest of the world, this festival of Flora disappeared but various practices to welcome the change in seasons remained. Beginning in the Middle Ages, a popular devotion came about called Tricesimum which was a thirty-day period celebrated in honor of Mary. At one time, it was celebrated from August 15 th (the Assumption) until September 14 th (Our Lady of Sorrows). As time progressed, this celebration of Tricesimum was merged with honoring Mary in the month of May. By the 13 th century, May was becoming synonymous with being the month of Mary throughout many parts of the Church. Let us honor Mary both for being the Mother of our Savior but also for being our spiritual Mother, given to us by the Lord Jesus, who intercedes for us, her children, each and every day. Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead! Father Chris House

Remaining Rooted in Christ This Sunday’s readings remind us of the profound love of God and our call to abide in Christ like branches connected to the vine. The imagery of the vineyard and the branches in the Gospel of John invites us to reflect deeply on our relationship with Jesus and our mission as his disciples. In the Gospel reading from John, Jesus speaks to us using the analogy of the vine and the branches. He says, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit because without me you can do nothing." This statement is at the core of our Christian faith – our union with Christ is essential for our spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. Just as branches draw their sustenance and life from the vine, so too do we draw our strength and purpose from our connection to Jesus. When we remain in him through prayer, the sacraments, and a life of discipleship, we are empowered to bear abundant fruit – the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To not remain connected to Jesus, the vine results in spiritual decay and death. The first reading from Acts recounts the conversion of Saul, who becomes Paul, the great apostle to the Gentiles. Paul's transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a fervent follower of Christ is a testament to the transformative power of encountering Jesus. His life bears witness to the reality that when we abide in Christ, our lives are changed, and we become instruments of God's love and mercy in the world. In the second reading from the letter of John, we are reminded of the importance of love in our Christian walk. "Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth," John writes. Our love for one another is a tangible expression of our connection to Christ. It is through acts of love and compassion that we bear witness to the presence of God in our midst. As we reflect on these readings, let us recommit ourselves to abiding in Christ, remaining rooted in his love, and bearing fruit that glorifies God and brings hope to others. May our lives be a reflection of the vineyard tended by the Father, producing abundant fruit for the Kingdom. Confirmation and First Holy Communion This Tuesday evening students in our school and PSR program will receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist from our bishop at the Cathedral. Next Sunday at the 10AM Mass we will celebrate a solemn Communion Mass with those students who will receive their First Holy Communion this Tuesday. Please pray for our students who are receiving these great gifts of God’s love that the graces they receive will keep them firmly rooted in God’s divine life. Christ the King School Presents Mary Poppins All are welcome to attend our school’s production of Mary Poppins next weekend, May 3rd, 4th and 5th. Friday’s and Saturday’s performances are at 7:00PM and Sunday’s performance is at 2:00PM. Auction Thank You Thank you to all who organized, volunteered, donated, and purchased items making our school auction possible and successful. May the Lord bless you for your generous support of the work of our school! Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead! Father Chris House