Today, the Second Sunday of Easter, is known as Divine Mercy Sunday.  You can find lots of information about Divine Mercy Sunday here.

Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet with Father Tom and Father Olvin here.

One of the songs often associated with God's Mercy is Amazing Grace.  Sing along here.

In today's Gospel, despite their unbelief, Jesus commissions the Apostles to bring his Gospel to the world.  2,000 years later, despite the hardness of heart and unbelief we encounter in the world, the Gospel continues to be proclaimed sometimes in unlikely places.

In what unlikely places have you encountered the Gospel? Email them to me to be published on this page: mstorms@olpls.org

Listen to this arrangement of the Ave Maria with Bobby McFerrin.

During the time of Covid-19, we aren't able to worship together at the Church.  Busted Halo offers some suggestions for enhancing your prayer at home, especially when you are viewing the Mass.

Here is another resource for preparing for Mass at home.

   

In today's Gospel we hear John's story about Jesus cooking fish with the Apostles after they bring in a huge catch of 153 fish.  Read what some of the Church Fathers say about the significance of the number here.

Bishop Barron's homily for today also explains the 153 number.  You can watch him here.

Fishing with nets has a long history.  This site says it's for children, but there is a lot of good information here.

Some people believe that Jesus' favorite fish was tilapia.  Here's  a recipe to try.

Listen  (and sing along!) to this version of Pescador de Hombres/Lord When You Came to the Seashore by the Notre Dame Folk Choir.

 

                                       
                              
The depiction of Mary above is from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City.  Carved in glass, it features images of Mary, Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Today is an appropriate day to say or sing the Regina Caeli. 

The Regina Caeli  (Queen of heaven) customarily replaces the Angelus during the Easter season. 

Here are some coloring pages that help explain the prayer.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is one of the many churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary.  You can take a virtual tour: click here.

In ancient Rome, the Wednesday of Easter Week was known as Agnus Dei day, a day when wax discs in which a lamb was embossed were blessed and distributed.  Agnus Dei, which translates to Lamb of God, is a symbol closely tied to the sacrifice of Jesus at the crucifixion.  The Lamb of God is often depicted in this victorious manner. 

Create a lamb today - a drawing, bread shaped like a lamb or even a cake.  A children's coloring sheet can be found here.

This musical version of the Agnus Dei is performed by the choir at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Several publications are making their daily prayer materials free during this time.  Check out the Word Among Us.

 
We encounter Mary Magdalene again in today's Gospel of John, where she meets Jesus but mistakes him for a gardner until she hears his voice!

Do you have a garden planned for your home?  If not, here's a handy tool for getting started. Including native plants in your landscaping is an excellent way to beautify your surroundings while being a good steward of our planet.   This information is available from the Missouri Conservation Commission. 

 You can also walk the 9 acres of trails (which are open even though the Center is closed) of the Anita Gorman Conservation Center just east of the Plaza at the cornerr of Troost and Emanuel Cleaver Blvd to see their gardens of native flowerrs and plants. 

Mary of Magdala was the first to encounter the empty tomb, running to tell the Apostles, thus earning the title "Apostle to the Apostles."  Learn more about her life (and the rumors) here and here.

Share a time you had news that was so astonishing that you couldn't wait to share it with others.

Are there women in your life who are loyal to you at all times?  Send an email, call or write a note thanking  them for their constant presence in your life.

Go for a brisk walk or run - outside in your neighborhood, or even indoors inside your home or garage. Share the good news:  Jesus is risen as he said! Alleluia!

Click on the Alleluia above to hear Alleluia!
Create your own Alleluia to share in a window of your home, in sidewalk chalk on your driveway.
Let everyone know Christ is Risen!