Easter flowers, chocolate, bunnies, colored Easter eggs, plastic straw-filled baskets, and Easter bonnets. These are signs and symbols associated with Easter. Over the years, I have heard priests complain about these symbols. They claim the symbols have nothing to do with the religious aspects of Easter. There are historical grounds that some are adaptations of pagan symbolism. Some symbols do have solid Christian religious significance. Catholic Central is a video site that presents the Catholic faith. the describe our beliefs, our theology, and our practices. The format is very simple, often whimsical, but cogent, compelling, and entertaining. Each video features a young man and a young woman (Kaiser, or “Kai” Johnson is paired with Libby Slayer. Nick Vicinanzo works alongside Gabby Estes). the pairs explain one aspect of our Catholic faith. I recommend taking a look at some of them, especially if you’re trying to teach the faith to young people. I recently saw a video from Catholic Central about the symbols of Easter. Do you know where the Easter bunny comes from? The Easter bunny is an ancient tradition from Germany. Remember Santa Claus sees you when you're sleeping or awake? Like Santa, the Easter Bunny would sit in judgment over little children. Good children received Easter baskets with toys and candy as their reward. What about Easter eggs? Historical evidence supports the idea that Easter eggs have roots in ancient religions. The Christian idea of Easter eggs has to do with Lent. During Lent, Christians fasted to mark Jesus's time in the wilderness. Eggs were one of the foods people were not allowed to eat. So, when Easter Sunday came around, biting into an egg was a treat. This was especially the case if the bunny was made out of candy. Related to Easter eggs is the tradition of the Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny met the good boys and girls (and some "good" parents) this past Sunday at St. Raymond. There were photo ops with the Bunny who helped in the Easter Egg Hunt. When Mary Magdalene and the other women went to Jesus’s tomb, they did not find Jesus. The gospels relayed their hunt for the missing Jesus. The tradition of the Easter egg hunt is based on this search for something - or someone - who was hidden.
There are no Easter Egg Hunts at the White House. There is an Easter Egg Roll. This event used to be held at the Capitol building until 1876. In that year, Congress was troubled about the damage the event was causing on the lawn. They passed a law in 1877 prohibiting the event. That year’s egg roll was rained out anyway. Yet, President Rutherford Hayes saved the day the following year. He opened the White House grounds for the occasion. Some form of the event continues today.
Fr. Charles
Attention Eucharistic Ministers please return any Pyx’s that you have. We seem to be missing them.
Just a Reminder: Please return Rice Bowls. Place them in the basket in the rear of the church.
4/29 and 4/30 Monthly Prayer Team after Mass
Opportunities to Reflect, Renew & Restore
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Rd, Phila. Pa 19116
Gaelic for “sanctuary of trees,” Cranaleith offers serene and rejuvenating space to those who wish to reflect on what matters deeply in their lives, renew their spirit for life and work, or restore themselves from life’s traumas. Individuals and groups are invited to participate in retreats and other programs offered in a spirit-rekindling environment of well-being, respect, and harmony. Cranaleith is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy. For program, information log on to, www.cranaleith.org
CALLING ALL SINGERS!
As more people have returned to in-person mass, we’ve had lots of questions about joining the choir at St Raymond. If you’d like to become a part of this amazing ministry, please reach out to our Director of Music, Kenny Arrington, at Tua20523@temple.edu so that he can set up a time to meet and conduct a voice assessment to determine where your voice may fit. We’re looking for people who are moved to Praise God through song, are humble, patient, and able to commit to attending weekly practices and singing for our 10:00 mass.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Congress XIII (2023)
Announcing the Congress Theme
“Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call to Thrive”
July 20-23, 2023
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
Friends of Bishop McDevitt will again be offering a limited number of $1000 grants to grade school students who are related to a graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School. These grants may be used at any Catholic high school, private or diocesan. #LancersForLife
St. Malachy’s Catholic Church
1429 N. 11th St Phila. Pa 19122
Presents “The Source” Holy Hour with Music
Come, Receive The Lord’s Mercy & Healing
Confessions are Available at 6:30 pm
On the following Dates:
April 15th & May 20th
Social to follow.
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