The Joy of Easter
The joy of Easter is a quiet, but powerful joy- the kind that rises like dawn after a long night. It celebrates hope, renewal, and the promise that life can begin again. For us, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus, a moment that transforms sorrow into victory and despair into faith. Yet beyond theology, the spirit of Easter touches something universal in the human heart: the belief that darkness never has the final word.
Spring itself seems to echo the message of Easter. Flowers push through cold soil, trees awaken with new leaves, and the air carries a freshness that whispers of new beginnings. In many ways, nature becomes a living sermon. Just as winter gives way to spring, grief can give way to joy and brokenness to healing. Easter reminds people that hope is not naïve - it is courageous.
I remember a small Easter morning from my younger years that captured this joy in a simple way. Our church gathered just before sunrise for a service outdoors. The grass was damp with dew, and everyone wrapped their coats tightly against the chill. At first, the sky was dark and quiet. Then, as we sang softly, the horizon began to glow. Gradually, the sun rose, casting warm light over the faces of the people standing there.
Near me was an elderly man who had recently lost his wife. During the final hymn, I noticed tears in his eyes. After the service, he smiled gently and said, “Every Easter reminds me that love and life don’t end in the grave.” His words stayed with me. In that moment, the sunrise felt like more than a sunrise - it felt like a promise.
That is the joy of Easter. It is not loud or fleeting like a holiday celebration alone. It is deeper. It lives in forgiveness given, burdens lifted, and hearts made new. It appears in small acts of kindness, shared meals, laughter among family, and the quiet assurance that life has meaning beyond our struggles.
Easter joy is the joy of renewal. It tells us that no matter how long the night has been, morning will come.
I take this opportunity to welcome those newly baptized into our Church family and congratulate all those who have been fully initiated into the Catholic faith. We pray for them that they continue to grow in their discipleship and become active members of our Holy Catholic Church.
May the blessing of the risen Lord be with you all.
Happy Easter!
-- Fr. Augustine
- Friday, April 17:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel)
- Funeral Mass and Reception - Kristen Drake 11:00 a.m. (Church/Hall) - Saturday, April 18:
Name Tag Weekend
- Children's First Eucharist Family Retreat 9:30 a.m. (Hall)
- Finance Council Meeting 11:00 a.m. (Oscar)
- Reconciliation 4:00 - 4:30 a.m. (Church)
- Anchor & Vine Ministry 4:30 p.m. (Pope & Benedict)
- Vigil Mass 5:00 p.m. (Church) - Sunday, April 19: Third Sunday in Easter
Name Tag Weekend
Family Fellowship (Coffee and Donuts) After ALL Masses
- Mass 7:30 a.m. (Church)
- Mass 9:30 a.m. with CLW (Church)
- Tiny Treasures 9:30 a.m. (Dominic)
- OCIC/T Rehearsal 11:00 a.m. (Church)
- Mass with OCIC/T Celebration 11:30 a.m. (Church)
- Youth Confirmation Year #1 1:30 p.m. (Pope) - Monday, April 20:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Christian Meditation 5:30 p.m. (Ignatius)
- Tri-Valley Church Safety Consortium Meeting 6:00 p.m. (Pope)
- High School Youth Ministry 7:00 p.m. (Pope)
- Social Concerns Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Oscar) - Tuesday, April 21:
VBS 2026 Dine Out Fundraiser: Chick-fil-A on North Livermore Ave.
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Prime Time Lunch Bunch 12:00 p.m. (Hall)
- Faith Formation Kindergarten-5th Grade 3:45 p.m. (All Rooms)
- Faith Formation 1st-5th Grade 6:15 p.m. (All Rooms) - Wednesday, April 22:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Faith Formation (Kindergarten-5th Grade) 4:30 p.m. (All Rooms)
- Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. (Church)
- New Testament Bible Study Group 6:45 p.m. (Oscar)
- Middle School Youth Ministry 7:00 p.m. (Hall)
- OCIA Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Pope) - Thursday, April 23:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- WINGS 9:30 a.m. (Hall)
- Family Rosary 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)
- Scout Troop Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Hall)
You May Also View Our
COMPLETE CALENDAR,
COMPLETE CALENDAR,
Coffee and Donuts Will Now be Served Twice a Month,
and We are Excited to Invite Everyone!
and We are Excited to Invite Everyone!
Our goal is to foster relationships and spark dialogue between parishioners. We truly believe that sharing a treat and a conversation strengthens the heart of our Church family.
Like many things these days, the cost of donuts has also increased to approximately $2.00 per donut. Your contributions are greatly appreciated, so we can continue this wonderful ministry.
(Click HERE to Donate)
If You Are in Need of Prayer...
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community
1315 Lomitas Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
