April 17, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
Repentance is a recurring theme in Sunday’s readings this week, and it is as important today as it was in the time just after Jesus Christ walked this Earth. In the First Reading, Peter speaks directly to the people, placing the blame of Jesus Christ’s death with them and urging them to repent for their sins and be converted. In the Gospel reading, just after Jesus Christ appeared to two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus, he reassures them that it is he and reminds them of his suffering and resurrection and the repentance that would be preached in his name.
Some 2,000 years after his death, Jesus Christ is not looking for us to blame others for his crucifixion and harangue them to repent for their sins. Rather, he asks us to take responsibility for our own actions in this world, help right areas where injustice, suffering and hurt occur and model lives that show we follow Christ. Repentance can take shape in many forms and in all our interactions, whether that be apologizing to one’s spouse for snapping at him or her, giving the benefit of the doubt to a colleague with whom you haven’t worked well in the past, or forgiving a neighbor whose hedges grow a little long or whose music occasionally gets loud.
In this life, we are all called to repent, in large ways and small. As we reflect on Jesus Christ’s Resurrection this Easter season, know that it is never too late to begin.
I wish you a blessed and wonderful week!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John
Here are the parish events for Sunday, April 18; Monday, April 19; and Tuesday, April 20:
Sunday, April 18:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Jack Price.
- In-person Mass at 9 am in the church. Celebrated by Fr. Ted Hegnauer. Mass Readings and Mass aid.
- Sunday online Mass premiering at 10 am. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon. Mass Readings and Mass aid.
- In-person Mass at 12 pm in the church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon. Mass Readings and Mass aid.
- In-person Communion service from 1:30-2 pm in the Gathering Space.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Ruth Hutchins.
Monday, April 19:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
- In-person Mass at 9 am in the church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Virtual parish Rosary at 4 pm. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
Tuesday, April 20:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
- In-person Mass at 9 am in the church. Celebrated by Fr. Ted Hegnauer.
- Virtual Rosary in Spanish at 6:30 pm. Led by Deacon Will Garcia.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Lois James.
Parish Resources:
Are you celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary this year?
The annual Archdiocese of Washington Jubilarian Mass honoring couples married 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60 and 70+ years will be held at 3 pm Sunday, June 27, 2021, at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew in Washington DC. Please call the Parish Office to register at (301) 840-1407. The names of Jubilarians need to be submitted to the Parish Office on or before Friday, April 30.