Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church

A Thought for the Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year C

Our Gospel reading today is from John 14: 23-29.  In it Jesus says:
“Peace I leave you, my peace I give you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

These words are a part of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse at the Last Supper.  They were directed to His apostles whom He knew would experience many difficulties.

These words are also directed to us.  Jesus offers us the gift of peace in the midst of any worries or fears that may be present in our lives.

On the Second Sunday of Easter back on April 24^th, we read from John 20: 19-31.  In it we read that Jesus greeted His frightened disciples who were behind locked doors with the greeting, “Peace be with you.”

The risen Jesus is present among us and offers us the gift of peace.

God Bless, Fr. Ray
 

Here is the Kids' Bulletin for the Sixth Week of Easter.  Please print it and share with your children and grandchildren.  

Find out how much Jesus loves us when we go to Mass and receive the Eucharist in this inspiring video!         

Welcome!

If you are new in the parish, please introduce yourself after Liturgy.  If you'd like to join our community of faith, please fill out a parish registration form and return it in the collection box at Mass, to the Parish Office or via mail to 19 South Canal St., Plainville, 06062.  Or give us a call and we will fill it out with you on the phone!

You can see our Bulletin by clicking here.

We, the people of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville, Connecticut are committed to journey together as a community of faith, hope, and love within the Catholic tradition.  We are called to witness to the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives through sharing and celebration of faith and a life of Christian Service.

It is Optional if you would like to wear a mask to Mass.  Thanks.
Weekend Masses                                    Saturday Vigil - 4:00PM 
Sunday -  8:30 & 10:30AM, Liturgy of the Word for Children is celebrated at the 10:30am Mass.

Weekday Masses                                  M, T,Th, F & S - 8:00AM
The Rosary is prayed at 7:30 AM before Mass.
                 
Confession is celebrated at Noon on Saturdays.
For an Examination of Conscience go here.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is celebrated every Friday morning 8:30am with Benediction at 9:25am.

Come to VBS the week of July 11 - 15th.  For more info check out this page.

We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary's life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service.

The Office is Located at:
19 South Canal St., Plainville, CT 06062
9:00AM - 4:00PM,                    Monday - Friday
Phone:  860.747.6825
Fax:  860.747.5407
Email: olmct@sbcglobal.net

Dear Padre,

My neighbor is a fundamentalist Christian. He said I won't be "saved" unless I accept Jesus as my personal savior.  Didn't Jesus become my savior when I was baptized?

Your neighbor is probably referring to John 3:7, when Jesus told Nicodemus, "You must be born anew."  Jesus is talking about a spiritual rebirth; we must have a spiritual birth in order to be saved.

As you have correctly noted, Catholics believe this happens at baptism. In John 3:5, Jesus says, "No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit."

We are saved by the waters of baptism. But for Catholics, it's not merely a one-time event.  We continue to accept or reject the salvation offered us by the decisions we make every day.

Your neighbor used the words "personal savior."  Catholic Christians go even deeper through the sacraments.  We develop and nurture a very personal relationship with Jesus by regularly receiving the Eucharist.  In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we admit we have sinned and ask Jesus to forgive us.  And in the Sacrament of Confirmation, our relationship is "sealed" with the gifts of the Spirit.  

Many Catholics also celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage. The couple's personal relationship with Jesus is deepened through the love the couple shares.

So tell your neighbor you are indeed saved by Jesus.  And because you are saved, you deepen that relationship with Jesus by living a sacramental life.

Fr. Patrick Keyes, CSSR