Our Pastor’s Corner – April 19, 2026

Dear Friends,

This weekend we celebrate the Third Sunday of Easter. As the Easter season continues, the Church
places before us this Sunday one of the most beautiful and consoling Gospel accounts: the journey to
Emmaus, from the Gospel of Luke.

Two disciples walk along the road, leaving Jerusalem behind. Their hopes have been shaken. They had
believed in Jesus but now, after the events of the Passion, they are confused, discouraged, and uncertain
about what to think. And yet, it is precisely in that moment that the risen Christ draws near.

He walks with them, though they do not recognize Him. He listens to their fears and disappointments.
Then, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He explains the Scriptures to them, revealing how
everything that had happened was part of God’s plan. Still, they do not recognize Him, at least not yet. It
is only later, at table, when He takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them, that their eyes are
opened. In that familiar gesture, they finally see: it is the Lord!

This Gospel speaks directly to our own lives. How often do we walk as those disciples did burdened,
confused, perhaps even discouraged without realizing that Christ is already at our side? He is not distant
from us. He walks with us in our daily lives, even when we fail to recognize Him. Like the disciples, we
come to know Him in two essential ways.

First, in the Scriptures. When the Word of God is proclaimed, Christ Himself speaks to us,
illuminating our minds and strengthening our faith. Second, in the breaking of the bread, in the Holy
Eucharist. There, as at Emmaus, Christ becomes truly present. There, our eyes of faith are opened. The
pattern is the same at every Mass: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. First, He
speaks to us; then, He gives Himself to us.

And notice what happens once the disciples recognize Him: they do not remain where they are. They
return at once to Jerusalem, filled with renewed faith and joy, eager to share the good news. This is the
invitation of Easter. To recognize Christ. To encounter Him in His Word and in the Eucharist. And then
to go forth, renewed, to bear witness to Him.

May our hearts, too, burn within us as He speaks to us—and may our eyes be opened to recognize
Him in our midst.

I take this opportunity to sincerely thank the hard work of our local council of the Knights of
Columbus. Recently, they sponsored a Lenten Crab Cake Supper, it was a “first” for them, and it was very
well received. I thank them for all of their hard work in putting this first time event together for us.
Likewise, we look ahead to the weekend of the first Sunday of May as they will be hosting another
Pancake Breakfast for us. I am grateful for Tom Angers who leads our local council and for all of our
Knights who promote these events for us as a parish community in addition to serving the wider Church
through their charitable efforts.

Next Sunday we will celebrate and honor in a special way our young people at the 8:30 am Mass.
Periodically throughout the liturgical year, it is our hope to celebrate these occasional “Youth Masses” at
which we involve in a more active way our younger parishioners through the various roles and ministries
of the Church at Mass. Many of them will serve as lectors, ushers, greeters, gift bearers and musicians. It is
our hope that by having these occasional celebrations throughout the year, we can not only honor and
thank our youth but instill in the hearts of other young parishioners the desire to be more active members
of our local parish community here at Our Lady of the Assumption.

Best wishes and thanks to our Ladies of Our Lady of the Assumption who are hosting their “Home
Sweet Home” Bingo at the IAC this Sunday. I thank them for all they do throughout the year to keep us
united as a “Family of Faith” and once again, I thank you for your generosity to OLA as we continue to
celebrate this season of Easter. I hope and pray that you and your families will continue to be blessed by
the joy and peace of the Risen Christ.

Love and prayers,

Father Carey