Deacon Doug

My memory of Pope Francis' firm handshake and loving compassionate smile personally challenging me to carry on his legacy as a joyous ambassador of hope is a reminder that we all have a role to play in building bridges of love and mercy. Long live Pope Francis!

According to the Gospel of John. 20:19-31 Easter is all about truly knowing the joy of the resurrection of Jesus.

The Risen Lord Jesus revealed the glory of his resurrection to his disciples.- they were still weak in faith and fearful of being arrested by the Jewish authorities. When Jesus appeared to them he offered proof of his resurrection by showing them the wounds of his passion, his pierced hands and side. He calmed their fears and brought them peace, the peace which reconciles sinners and makes us friends of God. 

He commissioned his weak and timid apostles to bring the good news of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. 

He now calls each one of us to do the same. Just as he gave his first disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, so he breathes on each of us the same Holy Spirit who equips us with new life, power, joy, and courage to live each day as followers of the Risen Lord.

I challenge you to recognize the Risen Lord and receive new life, the Lord Jesus made his presence known and reassures us that he had indeed overcome death and risen again. When Thomas recognized his Master, he believed and exclaimed that Jesus was truly Lord and truly God! Through the gift of faith we, too, proclaim that Jesus is our personal Lord and our God. He died and rose that we, too, might have new life in him. 

The Lord offers each of us new life in his Holy Spirit so that we may know him personally and walk in this new way of life through the power of his resurrection. 

Do you believe in the good news of the Gospel and in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring you new life, hope, and joy?

Happy Easter

Deacon Doug

🌅 He Is Risen: The Meaning of Easter for Believers ✝️

Easter is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. It is more than a date on the calendar—it is the triumphant celebration of life, hope, and redemption.

At the cross, Jesus bore our sins. In the tomb, He silenced despair. And on the third day, He rose, forever defeating death and offering us eternal life through His grace.

To be a Christian at Easter is to remember that love conquered all. It is to walk in that resurrection power daily, knowing that no matter how dark the season, God’s light breaks through.

Let us carry this truth with us not just on Easter Sunday, but in every step we take:

🌟 “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He rose, I rise today.” 🌟

— Let this be your mantra this Easter season.

Rejoice, beloved. He lives, and so do we. 🙌

Doug

You are made for Heaven, a saint in the making.
Where are you going to spend eternity?
It's time to Respond to God’s love - and the new life He gives.

Don't stop believing and you will receive.

Faith isn't about having all the answers but trusting that the answers will come.
Be open - yielded - and ready to be drawn deeply into God's love at the right time and place.
This gives peace and confidence on the inside. 

Each day is a new chance to trust the journey, even when you don't understand it.

With faith, nothing is impossible, because the impossible is only a step away from belief.

Trust that every challenge is an opportunity for spiritual growth.

Even in the darkest night, faith is the light that leads us home.

"Embrace each moment as a divine opportunity for renewal and growth. Just as the dawn brings a new day, let each challenge and blessing shape you into a beacon of light and love. Remember, it's not the trials that define us, but how we rise above them with faith, courage, and compassion. Today, choose to be a reflection of hope and grace, and watch how your spirit transforms the world around you."