03 May 2026 – 5th Sunday of Easter, (A) 1st Reading: Acts 6:1-7 Under pressure, a solution is found to deal with new needs of the community 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…
Presider’s Page for 5th Sun. Easter (3 May) Opening Comment Today’s liturgy puts the life-giving words of Jesus before us. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, the one in whom we can place all our trust. Because we believe these things, we gather to praise God. Alternative Opening Prayer (from ICEL Missal 1998)…
02 May 2026 – Saturday of Week 4 Memorial: St Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the church, born c 295 in Alexandria, fought against Arian heresy, exiled several times. 1st Reading: Acts 13:44-52 After failing to convert Jews, Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear…
01 May 2026 – Friday of Week 4 of Easter (St Joseph the Worker) Optional Memorial: St Joseph the Worker – readings Lect 11:1013 – see below 1st Reading: Acts 13:26-33 Jesus was put to death, but raised and exalted by God [Paul went on to say] “My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s family, and…
30 April 2026 – Thursday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Pius V, pope, 1504-72, a Dominican, elected pope in 1565, implemented the reforms of Trent, including the breviary, Missal and Catechism. Noted for his Christian defence against the Ottoman empire. 1st Reading: Acts 13:13-25 Paul’s summary of Israel’s history, up to the…
29 April 2026 – 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 2026 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorials; St Peter Chanel, priest and martyr, 1803-41, first martyr of the church in Oceania. St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, 1673-1716 a priest for missions, the sick and the poor. Wrote about Mary’s role in salvation. Promoted the Rosary. 1st Reading: Acts 11:19-26 Barnabas goes to…
27 April 2026 – Monday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Asicus, St Patrick’s craftsman in metalwork. Left in charge of teh church in Elphin which Patrick is reputed to have founded. 1st Reading: Acts 11:1-18 By inspiration, Peter baptises the first pagan converts The apostles and believers in Judea heard that the…
26 April 2026 – 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…
25 April 2026 – 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 2026 – Friday 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 9:1-20 On the road to Damascus, Saul converts to the Way Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the…
23 April 2026 – Thursday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorials: St George, martyr, probably martyred at Lydda, the Holy Land, as a soldier saint around 300. Patron Saint of England. St Adalbert, born 956, was bishop of Prague and went as missionary to the Prussians on the Polish coast where he was martyred in 997. 1st Reading:…
22 April 2026 – 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…
Presider’s Page for 26 April 2026 (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…
21 April 2026 – Tuesday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Anselm, bishop and doctor of the church, died 1109; from Lombardy joined monastic school in Bec, Normandy in 1059, became Archbishop of Canterbury, was exiled twice. 1st Reading: Acts 7:51-8:1 Stephen’s temple-criticism stirs up the mob, who put him to death by…
20 April 2026 – 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,…
19 April 2026 – 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…
18 April 2026 – Saturday of Week 2 Optional Memorial: St Laserian (Molaise), bishop, worked in Ireland and Scotland in the 7th century. Became abbot at Leighlin, which gave its name to the diocese in 1110, a fan of Roman date for Easter, he died in 639. 1st Reading: Acts 6:1-7 Selection and ordination of…
17 April 2026 – 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…
16 April 2026 – 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…
