Our Good Will is the Reflection of a Risen Christ - April 16, 2023

Dear Friends,

Christ is Risen!

Easter weekend was my busiest yet as a priest. It is hard to believe that Fr. Rich only left for Boston less than one year ago. While I am accustomed to our usual rhythm of weekend Masses, I noticed Fr. Rich’s absence over Holy Week with the liturgies that each required more preparation and attention. We recently welcomed Fr. Ed Nowak, CSP for a visit to Austin, and he reports that
the ministry in Boston where he lives is thriving under Fr. Rich’s leadership.

I am immensely grateful to our team of liturgical ministers for making Easter a beautiful and joy-filled weekend. Preparations began just after the Christmas season ended with our liturgical committee co-chaired by Matt and Louise Nelson. Rudy Davenport and Laurie Mechler selected wonderful hymns for our choir and ensemble, and our many cantors and music ministers put in long hours to practice proclaiming the mysteries in song. Barbara Budde, Hortense Bradley, Colleen Debner, Frank Garcia, and Rachel Vaughn worked behind the scenes to prepare for our
special rites such as the foot washing, the veneration of the cross, and the new fire and confirmations at the Easter Vigil. Marian Barber did a wonderful job recruiting and training our eager altar servers. Our lectors came prepared for our long and powerful Scripture readings during Holy Week. And behind the scenes, volunteer ministers continued to bring Holy Communion to the sick at St. David’s Hospital and the homebound as they do every week.
We welcomed several people baptized in other Christian denominations into the Catholic Church and celebrated the Confirmations and First Communions of several baptized Catholics who had journeyed together through RCIA. Among them were married couples confirmed together as well as individuals preparing for marriage here at St. Austin. Their faith is a sign of joy and hopefor the future of our Church.

The word “liturgy” comes from the Greek word that means “work of the people.” Our collective work throughout the course of our liturgies reminds us that Christ is risen and continues to abide within us.

Happy Easter,