Rejoicing

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

There are three reasons for rejoicing as we continue our Easter season. Yesterday more than 100 young people of our community received their First Holy Communion. What a joy to see the innocent children approaching the altar to receive Jesus into their hearts for the first time! I find it one of the greatest consolations of being a priest. Thanks to Sr. Sharon, Sr. Vianney, Mrs. Robertson, and Mrs. Strachan for preparing the children for this great moment.

This Friday Bishop Dominic Luong will be hear for another sacramental celebration, the confirmation of our parish youth. About 90 teens will receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit at Mass in order to be strengthened in their Catholic faith. Thank you to Arnis Dela and his team of teachers and assistants for their dedication to our young people.

Finally, as you know St. John’s and Mater Dei High School have enjoyed a close relationship over the years. Similarly, the Norbertine Fathers have been teaching at Mater Dei for about 50 years. Our own Fr. Norbert taught there as well as our retired Abbot Ladislas Parker and our current Abbot Eugene Hayes. Fr. Luke Laslavich who offers Mass here on Sundays, teaches biology.

The Norbertine Fathers were welcomed by Mater Dei High School on Thursday, May 10 as the newest members of the Ring of Honor. The Ring of Honor began during the 50th Anniversary celebration of Mater Dei High School in 2001. Since its inception, The Ring of Honor has welcomedSchool who have achieved local, state, national, or international recognition through their church, school, community, or professional life. The Norbertine Fathers join 19 individuals and one group, the Sisters of St. Joseph, as members of the Mater Dei High School Ring of Honor. alumni, former faculty members, past parents and friends of Mater Dei High
May the risen Christ continue to bless all of you.