Congratulations to our twenty-five First Holy Communion recipients and to their families. Yesterday, 2 May, we celebrated Mass with them, and we shared their excitement and enthusiasm as they received the Bread of Life for the first time. Blessings to each of you and may you approach the altar of grace frequently.
Our celebration of First Holy Communion brings our annual PREP classes to a close. We had over 125 students in our PREP program this year. Twenty-two PREP students received the Sacrament of Confirmation in February, and thirteen PREP students received First Holy Communion yesterday. Thank you to Mrs. Beinlich, and to our PREP catechists and aides who give of their time so generously to educate our young parishioners and to assist them in their faith formation as disciples of Christ.
PREP is conducted 4:30 – 5:45pm on Tuesdays from September through April at Notre Dame de Lourdes School. Additional information about the PREP program as well as registration for the 2026/2027 academic year can be found on our website. Being a PREP catechist is a wonderful opportunity to evangelize and to share your love of our faith with our students. Those interested in being a catechist for PREP should contact the Rectory. Thanks for your consideration.
May is the month of Our Lady. Our parish May procession and Crowning of the Blessed Mother will be celebrated with our school students on Wednesday, 13 May at 1:30pm at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church and Grotto. With nearly three miles of Interstate 476 forming the western border of our parish we are reminded that our parish and school have our own distinct Blue Route. For it is the Blessed Mother who leads us to her Son and encourages us to be drawn to The Most Sacred Heart of our Savior. So, this month of May is an opportune time to celebrate the great treasury of prayers that remind us of the special relationship with have with Mary who draws us into an eternal relationship with her Son.
Salve Regina (Hail, Holy Queen)
Hail, holy Queen, mother of Mercy. Hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping, in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us
the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Readings and Reflection questions for the Fifth Sunday of Easter – Cycle A / 3 May 2026
Acts 6:1-7 – Who is the Church currently neglecting? Why? What can be done to assist them in their needs? / This reading presents the beginning of the Diaconate. What is the role of the deacon in the Church? Why is it necessary to first be ordained as a deacon before entering the priesthood? / Because of the ministry of the deacons, why were Jewish priests attracted to Christianity?
Responsorial Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-1 – R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. – Do you play any musical instruments? What do you play? What would you like to play? / How is the final verse of this psalm connected to the First Reading?
1st Peter 2:4-9 – What is a living stone? / At your baptism you were enrolled in the three-fold ministry of Christ as a priest (live a holy life), a prophet (share the Good News), and a king (be a servant leader). How well are you fulfilling those roles?
John 14:1-12 – Is faith in God different than faith in Jesus? / How do you imagine heaven, knowing that Jesus is preparing a place for you? / Having known the Son, what do you know of the Father? / What does Jesus mean by saying that we will be able to do greater works than his? How is this possible?