24 April 2024 – Wednesday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Fidelis of Sigmaringen, 1578-1622, a Capuchin, killed extremists. 1st Reading: Acts 12:24-13:5 The growing church sends Barnabas and Saul on mission The word of God continued to advance and gain adherents. Then after completing their mission Barnabas and Saul returned to…
Presider’s Page for 28 April (Easter 5) Like branches of one tree, we are held together by our faith in Christ. Because we are all part of this one living plant, we come together in thanksgiving and praise. Alternative Opening Prayer (from 1998 ICEL Missal) O God, you graft us onto Christ, the true vine, and, with…
23 April 2024 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorials: St George, martyred c 300. Patron of England. St Andalbert, born 956, Bp of Prague, martyred 997. 1st Reading: Acts 11:19-26 Barnabas goes to Antioch and sees the grace of God at work Those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over…
22 April 2024 – Monday of Week 4 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 11:1-18 By inspiration, Peter baptises the first pagan converts The apostles and believers in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, “Why did you…
21 April 2024 – 4th Sunday of Easter (B) 1st Reading: Acts 4:8-12 By the power of the risen Jesus we can be saved Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was…
20 April 2024 – Saturday of Week 3 1st Reading: Acts 9:31-42 During Peter’s ministry in Lydda he restores Tabitha to life In those days the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased…
19 April 2024 – Friday of Week 3 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 9:1-20 On the road to Damascus, Saul converts to the Way Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if…
18 April 2024 – Thursday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Laserian, abbot of Leighlin in 7th century, died in 639. 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 the south to the road that goes down…
17 April 2024 – 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…
16 April 2024 – Tuesday of Week 3 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 7:51-8:1 Stephen’s temple-criticism stirs up the mob, who put him to death by stoning “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. Which of the prophets did your…
15 April 2024 – Monday of Week 3 of Easter 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 signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen as it was called, Cyrenians, Alexandrians,…
14 April 2024 – 3rd Sunday of Easter (B) 1st Reading: Acts 3:13-15 Peter blames his Jewish listeners for the death of Jesus, then calls them to repentance The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over…
13 April 2024 – Saturday of Week 2 Optional Memorial: St Martin I, elected pope in 649, died in 655. 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…
12 April 2024 – Friday of Week 2 of Easter 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 to be put outside for a short time. Then…
11 April 2024 – Thursday of Week 2 of Easter Memorial: St Stanislaus, Bp of Krakow, murdered in 1097 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…
10 April 2024 – 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…
09 April 2024 – 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…
08 April 2024 – Annunciation of the Lord (in place of 25 March) 1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; Isaiah promises a child to be called Immanuel Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as…
07 April 2024 – 2nd Sunday of Easter (B) Divine Mercy Sunday 1st Reading: Acts 4:32-35 Total sharing, among the first 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…
Presider’s Page for 21 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…
