30 April 2023 – 4th Sunday of Easter, (A) 1st Reading: Acts 2:14, 36-41 Paul and Barnabas preach the Gospel first to the Jews, then to pagans, who receive it with joy Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be…
Presider’s Page for 30 April (Fourth Sunday of Easter) Opening Comment The fourth Sunday of Easter is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, because the readings are about the care we receive from Christ, our true shepherd. Today is also the day of prayer for vocations. Penitential Rite Knowing the God cares for us every step…
29 April 2023 – Saint Catherine of Siena 1st Reading: 1 John 1:5, 2:2 The message we have heard from him and proclaim to you This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that…
28 April 2023 – Friday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorials: St Peter Chanel, 1803-41, priests and first martyr of Oceania. St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, 1673-1716, priests preacher who wrote about Mary and promoted the daily rosary. 1st Reading: Acts 9:1-20 On the road to Damascus, Saul converts to the Way Meanwhile…
27 April 2023 – Thursday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Asicus, accompanied St Patrick and was his metal work craftsman. In charge of Elphin church, founded by Patrick. 1st Reading: Acts 8:26-40 Philip’s joyful spreading of the faith Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward…
26 April 2023 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 8:1-8 After Stephen’s burial, Saul starts persecuting the church Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Devout men…
25 April 2023 – Saint Mark, Evangelist 1st Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-14 Peter’s homily includes mention of Mark among the Christians in Rome (“Babylon”) When the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders….
24 April 2023 – Monday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Fidelis of Sigmaringen, 1578-1622, a Capuchin who preached to the Calvinists in Switzerland, where he was killed by extremists. 1st Reading: Acts 6:8-15 Stephen’s preaching stirs the crowd: Is he against Moses? Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and…
23 April 2023 – 3rd Sunday of Easter, (A) 1st Reading: Acts 2:14, 32-33 Jesus’ greatest moment was when God raised him to glory. His resurrection shows the Father’s plan for all of us Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let…
22 April 2023 – Saturday of Week 2 1st Reading: Acts 6:1-7 Selection and ordination of the church’s first deacons Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the…
Presider’s Page for 23 April (Third Sunday of Easter) Opening Comment During the Easter season the Church continues to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, even in these dark pandemic days. Today, we join together to worship God, who has brought about the great victory over sin and death in which we hope. Penitential Rite…
21 April 2023 – Friday of Week 2 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Anselm from Lombardy, died in 1109. 1st Reading: Acts 5:34-42 Gamaliel prudently advises his colleagues against condemning Jesus’ followers a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men…
20 April 2023 – Thursday of Week 2 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 5:27-33 What Peter and the apostles told the Jewish council When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you…
19 April 2023 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 5:17-26 The Temple police arrest the apostles, but without violence Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the…
18 April 2023 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 4:32-37 The sharing spirit among the early Christians Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power…
17 April 2023 – Monday of Week 2 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 4:23-31 The first Christian community prays for help to survive the threatened persecution After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their…
Presider’s Page for 16 April (Second Sunday of Easter) Opening Comment Even though Easter Week is now behind us, today’s liturgy still overflows with the joy of Jesus’ resurrection. We continue to celebrate that great event for the next six weeks, until Pentecost Sunday on 28th May, the fiftieth and final day of Easter. Alternative…
16 April 2023 – 2nd Sunday of Easter (A) – Divine Mercy Sunday 1st Reading: Acts 2:42-47 As a sign of their faith the early Christians shared their possessions They devoted themselves to the apostles” teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs…
15 April 2023 – Easter Saturday 1st Reading: Acts (4:13-21) Risking their lives, Peter and John tell what they have seen and heard Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realised that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognised them as companions of Jesus. When they saw…
14 April 2023 – Easter Friday 1st Reading: Acts (4:1-12) Peter’s belief that there is salvation in no one else but Jesus While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that…
