Deacon Larry entered hospice care this week. His health has been failing and he is easily fatigued. Hospice has recommended only family visitors. If anyone feels that they really need to see him, they must limit their time to 5 minutes. He and Rita welcome your prayers during this time of suffering. They are grateful for the outpouring of love from this beautiful parish. If you would like to send a card, their address is Branan Lodge, 493 Wesley Mountain Dr. Apt. 425, Blairsville, Ga, 30512.

The Third Sunday of Easter It's funny on how a random thought pops into one's head that we never have thought about before. Well, that happened to me this past Sunday, Divine Mercy Sunday; but the thought wasn't about Divine Mercy, it had to do with the following Sunday, the Third Sunday of Easter. I might add that the thought wandered into my brain while praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. More specifically, the first of the Glorious Mysteries, namely the Resurrection. 

Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He had promised. That takes me to the Third Sunday. Do you know what it is called? It is Jubilate Sunday. A time of great joy...a time to celebrate a joyful occasion...a time to shout out with joy to 

God. 

The gospel message on Jubilate Sunday tells it all when Jesus said these simple words: 

"Peace be with you." That surely sounds like something to celebrate...a time of joy. The gospel goes on to say... 

"...that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name...." Again, it sounds like something to celebrate...the forgiveness of sins is certainly a time of joy. 

Have you ever walked into reconciliation with a heavy heart and maybe even tears...and when you came out these tears had turned into tears of joy That's what our Lord and Savior is all about...to bring us joy through forgiveness and salvation. That's the message that came to me on Divine Mercy Sunday...and that's what we celebrate on Jubilate Sunday.  The Sacrament of Penance is there, not only for the forgiveness of sins, but to lift the heavy heart and to bring joy back to us...take advantage of it because 

It's a gift from God! 

God Bless...Deacon Loris 

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