St. Boniface Catholic
by Sue Beams

He Is Risen! Members of St. Boniface made this proclamation during Easter services this past weekend. During the Lenten Season various rites and traditions of our Catholic faith were observed. With the solemn outdoor observance of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday and the Veneration of the Cross that followed, members of St. Boniface joined with Catholics throughout the world to begin the transition from Lent to Easter.

On Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil began with the blessing of the fire. As the congregation entered the church with candles lit from the Pascal Candle, the anticipation of the risen Savior came to a conclusion.

In the Liturgy of the Word, nine readings are provided, seven from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. Following each of these readings, the choir (who did an outstanding job!) sang the responsorial proclamation.

In the third part of the Easter Vigil, members renewed their Baptismal vows. This tradition of the Catholic Church was repeated in every Catholic community in every town in every state and in every country throughout the world! There is a tremendous amount of comfort and pride in that fact for me!

In his homily, Deacon Steve Curry encouraged us to continue to `hunt' for the treasures that are hidden in the passages of the Bible. He went on to say that if we are hungry for the Word, we will never grow tired of searching the pages of the Word for the treasures contained within. Deacon Steve reminded us to become as children in our joy ... to renew our faith and to prepare for His Kingdom with the eagerness of a child hunting for Easter eggs!

On Easter Sunday, the congregation renewed their Baptismal vows and proclaimed the risen Lord through the Eucharist.

At the Easter Sunday Mass in Spanish, members witnessed the Baptism of Sergio, Jr. and Cesar Gutierrez as well as their First Communion.

Their father, Sergio Gutierrez also received the sacrament of First Communion and was Confirmed as well. We at St. Boniface welcome into our church community this family and pray that God will continue to hold them close as they make their journey of faith. God bless you!

Refreshments were served following the Sunday Masses with the cakes provided by the Altar Society, and the children hunted eggs on the church grounds.

I want to take this opportunity on behalf of Fr. Jesse, Deacon Curry, and the entire membership of St. Boniface to thank everyone who worked so hard to provide the beautiful Lenten/Easter services. The Passion Play, the music, the Liturgical Ministers, the faithful Altar Servers, and the decorations, all provided such support to various rite and rituals over the past six weeks. May God bless each of you for giving of your time and talents.

There will be a Pastoral Council meeting on April 1st at 7:00 pm in the community room. Please note this change.

The Altar Society is looking for someone to act as President for next year. Please think about this and pray that the Altar Society will be able to continue the good works it has in the past, well into the future!

Please pray for the sick and suffering! Remember the souls of the faithful departed; may they rest in peace. We ask that the men and women who serve this great nation in the Armed Services will be sheltered by the Creator as they keep us safe and free.

Have a wonderful week!