As we begin the first phase of the reopening process, there will be a need to have ushers at each Mass to help guide parishioners to their seats and to the correct exit after Mass. If you are able to assist in this area, please email us (holyredeemersj@gmail.com), including your name and Mass that you normally attend. Ushers will be asked to bring their own masks with them to Mass.

For those who have not seen the Mass posted this morning, here is an excerpt containing information from Msgr. Henneberry regarding the initial phase of the reopening of the church.

This Sunday we proclaim with the Church that Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Guided in faith by the Word of truth, we may receive the gift of life in Christ (Benedict XVI, Regina Cæli address, Fifth Sunday of Easter 2011).

This Sunday’s Gospel commands a twofold yet singular act of faith, to believe in God and believe also in Jesus Christ (John 14:1). Those who believe in Christ will do the work of God (John 14:12). Our good work brings us dignity and fulfillment (CSDC §2). Being humanly-at-work enables us to fully express our God-given gifts and talents, and to enjoy our job well done with an appreciative community (Kass, Leading a Worthy Life).

At this time, as quarantine measures ease and we are allowed to gradually resume our work, “we pray the Lord will grant to His people, all of us, the grace of prudence… so that the pandemic does not return” (Pope Francis, Homily, April 28, 2020).

This Sunday is also Mother’s Day. May Mary, Queen of Heaven, Mother of the Church, and Mother of Jesus, protect and support our mothers.

The late Fr. Patrick Peyton (1909-1992) was known throughout the world. He promoted family prayer and the Rosary. One of his popular books was entitled “Five for Sorrow – Ten for Joy”. It was a reference to the 5 Sorrowful Mysteries and the 5 Joyful and 5 Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. It reminded us that there were sad and tragic moments even in the life of the Mother of Jesus but the joyful moments outnumbered the sad at least two to one! That’s a fairly accurate description for the lives of all mothers and their children. No one is immune from tragedy and loss but there is so much more to celebrate and be grateful for. Today it is our turn to celebrate and give thanks for our mothers and grandmothers and the women who filled those roles in our lives. Some of us are fortunate to express our gratitude and admiration in person, or by phone or with a card. Some of us will trust Jesus to give our love to our mothers He has gathered in His loving embrace in Heaven. Mary, the Mother of all, will make sure of that!

Reminder: Msgr. Henneberry hears Confessions in the church parking lot every Saturday from 3:00 to 3:45 pm.

Here is the prayer card for tonight’s Novena.

This Fourth Sunday of Easter, “Good Shepherd Sunday” from the reading of the Gospel of John (10:11), was designated by Pope Saint Paul VI as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations in 1963.
His prayer to “the master of the harvest, to send out workers” (Matthew 9:38) follows below.

“Vocation, more than our own choice, is a response to the Lord’s unmerited call. We will succeed in discovering and embracing our vocation once we open our hearts in gratitude and perceive the passage of God in our lives” (Pope Francis, Message for the 2020 World Day of Prayer for Vocations). Mary, faithful amidst fear and turmoil, embraced her vocation in gratitude and “made of her life an eternal song of praise to the Lord.”

On this day, with the Church, let us pray for grateful responses to God’s call, overcoming all isolating weariness through faith in Christ the Good Shepherd. With Mary, may we find the courage to say ‘yes’ to God.

A Prayer for Vocations by Pope Saint Paul VI

O Jesus, Divine Shepherd of Souls, who called the Apostles to become fishers of people (Matthew 4:19), now call the ardent and generous hearts of our youth to make them Your followers and ministers. Let them share your thirst for that universal redemption for which you daily renew Your sacrifice upon the altar.
O Lord Jesus, “always living to make intercession for us,” (Hebrews 7:25) extend our horizons to the entire world, where so many brethren make silent supplication for the light of truth and the warmth of love, so that answering Your call, they may prolong here Your mission, edify your Mystical Body, the Church, and be “the salt of the earth and the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13).
Extend, O Lord, Your loving call to many pure and generous-hearted young women, that they may grow in their desire for evangelical perfection and may dedicate themselves to the service of the Church and their neighbours who so desperately need such assistance and charity. Amen.

Pope Saint Paul VI, for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, April 11, 1964.

Many people present themselves as experts. We have to be very careful when choosing the voices and advice we follow, especially during this time of pandemic and threats to the health and wellbeing of everyone.

Some “experts” are merely profiteers, trying to take advantage in a time of uncertainty. Others are narcissistic, enjoying attention from people desperately seeking good advice. And yet others put forward some forms of expertise to sow confusion, or worse, cause harm. But the individuals who speak in terms of care and compassion for the sick and who back up their knowledge with hours of selfless work to heal the sick stand out and we easily recognize them.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows us and cares for us. His words draw us to love each other and express our love in care and compassion for others, especially the weak and powerless, the poor and the hungry, the widow and orphan. We are reminded of this today, Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus offered His life for us and God raised Him on high. He will do the same for us. He has the words of everlasting life!