To the many volunteers, seen and unseen, noticed and unnoticed, in public view and anonymous —thank you this Easter for your time shared, talents offered, caring actions, and the faith to believe you have something to offer—for the wellbeing of our Catholic-Christian Community here in Boone County. For our musicians and cantors and those who lend their voice from the pews, our lectors, our altar servers, ushers and greeters, sacristans, those who provide a helping hand for the dignity of our church grounds, the individuals who—behind the scenes—decorate and embellish the sanctuary and church interior, people of faith who provide their time to teach and support our students in Religious Education, for the time to help pickup and clean our church interiors, the individuals who set up, serve and cleanup in our parish halls/kitchens, Knights of Columbus endeavors, our Eucharist Ministers, those who take Communion to the Homebound, individuals who organize and provide outreach for the needs of others, prayer groups, office volunteers, board members, parish directors, our dedicated staff, the ministries of Deacons David, Verne, and David, and, Fr. Ross’s ministry, talents and faith graciously offered—each of you bring forth the message voiced by Pope John Paul II: “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!” As we look towards the ongoing marvel of God’s creation unfolding this Spring into Summer, we are challenged by the changes the diocese is seeking for our Boone County Catholic Churches. With the priest shortage and changing dynamics of our Catholic population and Sacramental participation in the diocese I realize the need for planning but, like you, may not fully understand the decisions reached and required for our Catholic community here in Boone County. Alongside our hope, there is apprehension, sadness and hurt as the diocesan pastoral planning requirements move forward. Whatever the changes, may the Eucharist provide us with our Savior’s healing grace within our personal and communal lives, of our Creator’s prevailing presence here and now—and within the promise awaiting each of us. May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire Pope Francis, our shepherd, with the inspiration reflected in Pope John XXIII’s Easter message of ‘59: “Throughout the Easter season the Church will make the joyful announcement resound: Surrexit Dominus vere! The Lord is truly risen! ... Our prayer rises fervently to the Divine Savior for all and for each of you: for priests and for the souls consecrated to God; for the bold and thoughtful youth, the future hope of the Church; for Christian families, especially for those who in their wombs keep the precious deposit of [new life]; for those whose advanced age makes the heavenly homeland look with firm hope; for those who study, who teach, who work; especially for workers who do heavy work during the day and night; for the sick, who are so dear to us. We want to assure everyone that not only our particular [preference] constantly follows them, but also that their life, even if hidden and humble, is so precious before God.” I leave you with a peculiar story: In ancient England, dinner guests used to entertain other guests after meals. At one dinner an actor was present and did a fabulous rendition of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Everyone stood and applauded. Then a guest noticed the old aunt of the host dozing in the back of the room. She was ‘hard of hearing’ and had missed almost all of the entertainment. The guest shouted, “Auntie, come up and do something.” Everyone applauded. Then she recited the same psalm. When she finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Later, the guest asked the actor, “Your rendition was fabulous. So why were we so moved by the aunt?” He replied, “Simple—I know the psalm, but old auntie knows the shepherd.” Mark Link; A Contemporary Walk with Jesus Thank you for sharing your presence and faith within the Eucharist, and graciously offering your ‘blessings’ for the hope of parishioners and visitors alike. God’s Blessings this Easter, Fr. Tim