In 1931 a young nun in Poland by the name of Sr. Mary Faustina Kowalska saw a vision of Jesus with rays of mercy streaming from His heart. He told her to have an image painted of this vision, and underneath it put the words “Jesus, I trust in you!”
 
In a series of further revelations, since approved by the Church, Jesus taught her that His mercy is unlimited even to the greatest of sinners. He asked that the Sunday after Easter be established as Divine Mercy Sunday, with special graces promised to those who would take part in certain devotions on that day, including praying the Divine Mercy chaplet and receiving the Eucharist in a state of grace.  In 2000 on the Second Sunday of Easter, at the Mass for the canonization of St. Faustina, Pope John Paul II proclaimed to the world that “from now on throughout the Church this Sunday will be called Divine Mercy Sunday.” 
 
As Catholics, we have a soft spot for devotions and devotionals. It’s part of our hands-on, sacramental nature. But, we are also a diverse bunch. What speaks to one, may not speak to another. Devotions and belief in private revelations – even if approved and recommended by the Church – are not mandatory.  I have great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus but it is personal and I would never insist that any one join me in this devotion. 
 
In any event, I think devotionals have the power to draw us deeper into a realization of God’s love for us.  I pray that those of you who have special devotion to the Divine Mercy will forgive my absence this Sunday.  I have a long-standing commitment to a devotion of a different kind on this Sunday in April every year.  I will be celebrating Mass for some of the members and workers at Augusta National Golf Course.  I am grateful to Fr. David Arnoldt for covering for me.
 
I am also grateful to all of you who attended the Easter Triduum.  I grateful to all the liturgical ministers who worked so hard to make these our most important liturgies so very beautiful.  Since I put so much energy into celebrating the Easter Triduum, I was especially pleased that the Church was full for each of the services on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday nights.  Thank you so very much for your enthusiastic participation.  It is the presence of some many folks in Church that helped make the Triduum so meaningful.
 
I thank you for your Easter generosity to our offertory.   I am grateful that for so many, your commitment to the church is a priority in your budget.  And if you haven’t yet made your pledge to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, please consider doing it this week.  Our support of 
Diocesan agencies and ministries is one way that we make a grateful return to God for all the ways in which he has blessed us.
 
Finally, I have been hearing some odd rumors as to why I came to Tybee.  Transparency and good communication, I think, is key to a healthy faith community.   So, I think it is time for a Parish “Town Hall” meeting wherein you can ask whatever you want about:

• The Church in general or our parish in particular
• Our relationship with TIMA and the other Churches on Tybee
• Future trends, personally and collectively
• The priest shortage and its effects
• My dealings with the Vatican, diocese, etc.
• My work with the Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests
• My journey here to Paradise!

 
It will be candid, honest, and hopefully entertaining.  We will gather on Sunday afternoon, April 22 ^nd at 4:30 and for those who want to linger after the meeting liquid refreshment plus cheese and pretzels (it’s a Philly thing) will be served in the meeting room.

Fr. Jerry Ragan