Heavenly Father, we come to you with humble hearts, asking for your mercy upon all mankind. Let your peace flow through nations, across borders, and into every home. Calm the storms of hatred, silence the drums of war, and replace pride with compassion.
Heal our broken world. Let us not grow tired of praying, hoping and believing. May we, in our little ways, be instruments of your peace and love.
As we continue our journey through the Easter season, the gospel throughout this season focus on that triumphant Easter morn and the days that follow. During these days we hear and find the disciples fearful in a locked room. And into this scene Jesus comes, stands among them, and says, Peace be with you. As Jesus shows them his pierced hands and side, the disciples rejoiced.
The situation outside those walls had not changed; the disciples could still be arrested when they left the confines of that room. But the situation inside had certainly changed. Peace and joy prevailed within – not fear. And it was an encounter with the risen Lord that had changed things.
In our own lives, so many things can leave us feeling anxious or fearful – finances, career, family tension, health problems. At any time, but especially when we might be feeling anxious or filled with stress, an encounter with the risen Lord can bring us the same peace it brought to the disciples and stir a joyful response in our hearts. Even if the doors to our hearts are locked in some way (as were the doors in that room), the Lord can still come and bring us peace. Indeed, every time we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, the Lord comes in our midst and brings peace to our hearts.
But there are also deeply personal reasons we might experience turmoil and anxiety. When we act in ways contrary to God’s law – when we sin – our conscience begins to trouble us and takes away our peace. We all have ways of trying to quiet our consciences, but none of them really work.
Thankfully, the Lord has given us the sacrament of reconciliation as a way to deal with our sin that brings lasting peace. In this beautiful sacrament, we are given an encounter with the Lord’s infinite mercy. As we hear the words of absolution, we know that our sins have been truly forgiven. And the peace that floods our souls at that moment is a gift of the Lord that brings immense joy.
Peace and joy. Who among us doesn’t want peace and joy in their heart? As we celebrate this Sunday of Divine Mercy, let us give thanks to the Lord for the gift of his redemption, especially through this sacrament he left us on the night of his resurrection. How blessed are we that the Lord, in his infinite mercy, continues to come to us and fill our hearts with the peace only he can give. That’s something worth rejoicing about!
God Love Ya! Fr. Reilly
Fr. Reilly’s Liturgical Tidbit Prophetic Word
All prophets of the Bible bear the word of God. They and their message are frightening because they disturb our complacency and demand of us far more than we may be willing to give. At every Mass we hear the prophetic word. The question is: will we listen? Or will we dismiss what seems too familiar to deserve our attention? Sometimes it may be hard to hear the message; sometimes we may just not pay attention. But the word of God never ceases to call us. God can send us God’s message through readings, homilies, hymns, prayers, persons, events, or even simple experiences. God never gives up trying to break through our deafness so that we might hear and live.
Why not take a spiritual health day and join us on Wednesday, April 29 for our annual parish retreat at the Malvern Retreat House from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM? Mary Bea Domico, founder and director of the St. Carlos Acutis Shrine and Eucharistic Encounter at Malvern will be our guest speaker.
*Discover how the Lord revealed His Plan for an expanded mission for Malvern Retreat House centered upon the life and work of Blessed Carlo Acutis.
*Learn about the documented and scientific findings of Eucharistic Miracles from around the world, spanning more than 1,200 years.
*Gain new insights into the extraordinary life of this ordinary boy, and the call to sainthood on each and every life.
*Expand your understanding of Eucharistic Miracles – and more importantly the Miracle of the Eucharist.
*Deepen your personal encounter with the Living Heart of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Cost is $45 and includes a continental breakfast and a hot lunch. Prior registration is necessary no later than April 22. To register, click here
Authentic Masculinity – What does it look like today?
Thursday, April 16,2026 7:00 PM
How do we embrace our responsibility as Catholic men? What does Christ teach us about masculinity? Join us for a video and discussion in the Parish Center on Thursday April 16 at 7:00 PM. All men are welcome!
April 10-12 The Malvern Retreat House is hosting a weekend Divine Mercy Retreat with Bishop Efren Esmilla, Fr. DeLacy and Kathleen McCarthy. Please go to www.DivineMercyRetreat.com for details.
Apil 15- Presentation by Fr. Chris Walsh: Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit. 7:00-8:00 PM in the Church.
April 29- Our annual Saints Peter and Paul Parish Retreat at the Malvern Retreat House, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Mary Bea Damico will be presenting on The Life and Work of St. Carlos Acutis. Cost is $45 and includes breakfast and lunch. Please see our parish website to register.
The Women's Evening Cafe welcomes Rosanne Terzian, Health and Wholeness Coach who will speak on the seven pillars of Integrative Health as they are inspired by St. Hildegard of Bingen on April 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Free will donations are welcome. Bring cash for a 50/50 raffle and beverages or snacks to share.
Our parish is holding our first Night at the Races Social event on Saturday, April 25. Doors open at 6:30 and the event starts at 7:00 PM. Donn your best Kentucky Derby hats and ascots and join your fellow parishioners at this exciting social event! Tickets-will go on sale after Masses this weekend. They can also be purchased by opening the QR code on the flyer or clicking this link: Night at the Races TIckets See the flyer for more information.