Today we gather as one parish family to celebrate Mother’s Day and the 5th Sunday of Easter. As part of this celebration with Father Jerry, you’ll enjoy the hymns Regina Caeli and Gentle Woman performed by our singers Joshua & Matthew, and pianist Barry. We’re also blessed to offer two beautiful music performances, On This Day and Ave Maria, by nine talented students from All Hallows Academy.

In the Holy Gospel, according to John, Jesus said to His disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God. Have faith also in me. In my father’s house, there are many dwelling places. I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you.”

Father Jerry responds with a personal story. He said, “Twenty-five years ago, when my mother and father celebrated their 50th anniversary of marriage, my Father said something very profound during his toast, words which touched my sister and me deeply. He said, ‘I gave my family a house, but your mother made it a home.'”

“Today we celebrate the women who unselfishly, using the many gifts of the Holy Spirit that God gave them, made the houses in which we grew up into homes,” said Father, “And I’d like to think that from the moment that you and I were conceived in our own mother’s wombs, Jesus provided our heavenly dwelling place just as he promised, while Mary our heavenly mother busied herself making that dwelling place a safe haven for us, a true and lasting home. And so as we honor Mary and her role as our heavenly mother who nurtures, comforts, guides, and loves us, let us ask God to bless all mothers everywhere on earth and in heaven.”

May God bless you this day and always. Thank you for sharing this special video message with those you love on this blessed Mother’s Day.