Dear friends,

He is Risen!  Alleluia!

On behalf of the entire Paulist family of priests, students, novices, associates and lay collaborators, I wish you a very Happy Easter!

This Easter, the Church is made new in Christ. That new life can be found in our Paulist foundations through people like Joe Garner who was baptized during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. John XXIII University Parish in Knoxville, TN. A few days after Joe graduates from the University of Tennessee this May, he will fly to Togo, Africa, to begin service with the Peace Corps, sharing his expertise in agriculture with the people there. Joe is just one example of those who have heard the invitation from Jesus to follow him. With the grace of God, he will be good news to all he encounters.

We give thanks for all those whose faith is renewed this day. So many have sought to renew their faith this past Lenten Season and Holy Week through the many observances and activities at our ministries spread across multiple time zones. Beyond our foundations, many have been touched this Lent by Paulist missionaries who have crisscrossed the country preaching the Love and Mercy of God, calling people to a renewed relationship with Christ.  In print, on the airwaves and on social media, we have been providing a plethora of resources to help people deepen their faith.  

May the joy of Easter overflow into the life of the Church and the world.  In the face of darkness, fear, and growing conflict that threatens to enslave our world, it will be those, like Joe Garner and others, transformed by the resurrection of Christ, who will make a difference.  Together, let us point, with hope, to a world where Christ will break the chains of sin and death.

May God bless you and your loved ones throughout the Easter Season!

Sincerely yours in the Risen Christ,

Fr. Eric Andrews, C.S.P.

President, The Paulist Fathers

P.S. The photo above shows the lighting of the Easter fire during an Easter Vigil Mass at the University Catholic Center, where we serve at the University of Texas at Austin.