Easter is the day that changed everything.  God took the crucifixion of Friday and turned it into the celebration of Sunday.  For the resurrection is not only the raising of Jesus, but the raising of new hope, new joy, new love.  Easter letters are always mixed with sadness and joy; sadness because it is a reminder of how Christ suffered for us on the cross.  The Joy for those who believe is, of course, that Jesus who died, who was buried has risen from the dead.  Alleluia!

When the women and the apostles were told that Jesus had risen, it was fear that they felt, even going so far as to hide in the upper room.  However, we do not feel fear, because we know what happens next.  Jesus will come to them and take their fears, worries, hurts, and sadness, and will put them into perspetive in light of his resurrection.  

The fact that Jesus has risen from the dead, that he was victorious over death and sin is a reason to celebrate.  It is that fact that gives us joy despite our circumstances, through whatever we may face.  What happended on the first Easter day still brings us Joy and still changes our lives today.

In its 161 years, Holy Family Church has faced many different challenges.  For those who may not know, Holy Family will be merging with Notre Dame de Chicago on June 30.  Notre Dame will be the worship site, and at this point, we have been told that there will no longer be a Sunday morning Mass at  Holy Family.  Since this is a Jesuit owned churrch, it will be up to them to decide how it will be used in the future.

While we may feel defeated, not listended to by those in power - no person, no institution is bigger than God.
 
I hope you will join us this Holy Week and Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, that you be filled with joy no matter what the circumstances, no matter what you face.  Rejoice and sing as we celebrate how jesus still changes our lives today.

A new pastor for the merged parishes has been named, and I will be moving on.  My deepest gratitude to you for your prayers and financial suppport over the years.

Easter Blessings!
Fr. Michael Gabriel
Pastor

+The Reidy Family
+Living & Deceased Members of the National Catholic Society of Foresters
+All present and past parishioners of Holy Family

Sr. Mary Angela Buser, BVM
Fannie Canino 
Sr. Mary Therese Freymann, BVM
The Gibson Family
Spencer Hooper
Sawyer Hunter 
Madelynn Jacobs 
Leteece Lee
Neil Radocha 
Denise Summers
Sam Tripp

The Holy Family Parish community rejoices with the adults and young people who received Sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass.

Received the Sacrament of Baptism and Completed his Christian Initiation with the Sacraments of Communion and Confirmation

Trevor DiNatale

Received into the Catholic Faith and Completed their Christian Initiation with the Sacraments of Communion and Confirmation:

Jennifer Belna
Kyla Bonds

Completed their Christian Initiation with the Sacraments of Communion and Confirmation:

Maria Fernandez
Samantha Polock

Received the Sacrament of Baptism:

Iriana Marlet Aragon Ramirez
Ramses Pabel Aragon
Evolett Jacqueline Aragon Ramirez Paulina Federico

Received the Sacrament of Confirmation:

Alaric Rylon
Javadia Rylon

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