Sunday Liturgy
Saturday: 5:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am
Mission Statement
We are a welcoming Christian community called to embrace and respect the uniqueness of each individual as we join together in our faith and worship. Our ongoing mission is to engage our youth, promote renewal, out reach, evangelization and ecumenical cooperation.MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK
Monday, April 13th – 9:00 am Nancy Saulnier
Tuesday, April 14th – 9:00 am Mary Jane Wetmore
Wednesday, April 15th – 9:00 am Michael LeBlanc
Thursday, April 16th – 9:00 am Frank Brennan
Thursday, April 16 – 10:30 am David McKenna (Carleton Kirk)
Friday, April 17th – 9:00 am No Mass
Saturday, April 18th – 5:00 pm Harry Olsen (Anniv)
Sunday, April 19th – 11:00 am Deceased Members of Doherty
and Loughery Families
Weekly Reflections (Homily) from Msgr. Sheehan (April 10, 2026)
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
Dear friends;
“It was evening… the doors were locked… for fear of authorities…”
Have you ever looked for somebody whom you knew… was hiding because they had done something wrong?
Sometimes as a child when we knew we had done something wrong… we hid from our parents… our teachers… etc… (e.g. Mrs. Robertson)
Later in life too… grown-ups can hide… something has happened… something they did… something… happened to their family, a loved one… a spouse, a daughter… they’re ashamed… they’re embarrassed… they’re full of guilt…
They want “darkness” because all is dark… they want the “night” – they don’t want to be seen… they don’t want to face anybody… they don’t want to see anybody… they don’t want the “light” of day to shine on them.
They close themselves away from everybody… they draw blinds… they stay inside… and they “lock” the doors…
They put up barriers… they don’t want anybody to reach them… to see them or touch them… they want others to be “locked out”…
Sometimes friends go to see them, try to talk to them… they call out… “Come on… open up… we know you are in there!”… and they don’t answer.
They are afraid… they may be ashamed… they feel that they need the protection of locked doors… they don’t want intruders… they don’t want light… they don’t want the “day”…
John’s Gospel is full of symbolism… he never uses words recklessly… they all have deep meaning and symbolism.
The elements, the times, the moments – are all expressive of something more than nature… darkness is more than darkness, light is more than light… night is more than night… day is more than day…
They express a condition… a life situation… darkness is expressive of sin… blindness to faith… emptiness… light is expressive of grace… hope… faith… seeing…
Jesus in John’s Gospel portrays himself as “the light”… to depict the revelation and teaching he has brought into the world… he has come into the world to dispel the darkness… and those who believe in him do not remain in darkness…
“I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness; -- no – they will possess the light of life.” (John 8, 12)
Or again. –
“The light has come into the world, but people have preferred darkness to light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who practices wickedness hates the light – for fear their deeds will be exposed –
But the one who acts in truth comes into the light, so that it may be shown that their deeds are done in God.” (John 3, 19-21)
Jesus comes into the darkness to dispel the darkness… to dispel the consequences of darkness… fear, shame, sin…
He came “literally” “to the place where they were gathered”… where they huddled… where they were locked in… barricaded… where everyone was held at bay…
It was not a happy gathering… it was a gathering of frightened people… in the dark…
Nothing stopped Jesus from entering… no locked doors… no bolts… no shame… nothing could stop him from seeking them out.
“Jesus came and stood in front of them…” -- … “Fear not… little flock… I will not leave you orphans… I will come back to you… you will see me…” (John 14, 18-19)
Orphans are lost, orphans… are homeless… orphans are abandoned… “That will not happen to you…”I will not leave you… orphans…”
“He stood in front of them…” -- … He stood with them… stand by me… stand…” He stood with them… in their gathering…” and he said…
“Peace… be with you…” in Luke’s parallel – Jesus says – “Peace be with you…” and adds… “It is I, do not be afraid”…
The same expression which is found when the apostles are out on the boat… in the night… fishing… they are afraid… they are catching nothing… they are discouraged… they are huddled and they are afraid… the wind was blowing;
And Jesus says: “It is I, do not be afraid…” (John 6, 20)
Then “Peace”… is restored… not simply a greeting… Jesus wants to restore peace to the group… through his presence… and resurrection… and gift of the Spirit.
What restores peace?... who restores peace…? The Spirit… the Spirit of reconciliation… of forgiveness… He breathed on them… He gave them the breath of Himself… the Spirit of forgiveness… that casts out fear… and shame… and darkness… and lets the light of peace and life… and joy return…
“As the Father sent me to do this… so I send you…”
“Cast out the darkness… unlock the doors… break down the barricades…
release the captives… unbind those who are bound in their hurts… those held in fear…”
“It is I… I stand among you… do not be afraid… peace be with you… may you come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah… the Son of God… and that through believing you may have life in his name —”
Amen.