April 12, 2020 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
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April 12, 2020 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
Reflections on today's Gospel
JOHN 20:1-9 or MATTHEW 28:1-10
(Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3:1-4
or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8)
KEY VERSE: "He saw and believed" (v.8).
TO LOVE: Where will I discover the Risen Lord
today?
TO SERVE: Risen Lord, thank you for bringing
your light into the darkness of our world.
TO KNOW: The night was over and the morn-
ing light of the new creation was beginning to
dawn. In the garden of the resurrection, Mary
Magdalene came to the tomb while it was still
dark, grieving over the death of her beloved
Lord. When she discovered that the stone clos-
ing the entrance to the tomb had been rolled
away, she feared that the body of Jesus had
been stolen. Mary ran to tell Peter and John,
and the two disciples raced to the tomb to see
for themselves. John (the "disciple whom Jesus
loved," Jn 20:2), arrived first and peered into the
empty tomb. The shroud was still there; the
body had not been stolen. Then John allowed
Peter, the elder Apostle, to enter the tomb first
and see for himself. Peter was slow to under-
stand the meaning of the empty tomb, but John
was convinced of Christ's resurrection;
he "saw and believed" (v.8).
Like John, we see no physical
evidence of the Risen Christ, yet
we know in faith that he is alive
in the world and in the hearts of
all who believe in him.
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT
We the people of St. Raphael Roman Catholic Church bring together diverse gifts and backgrounds to form a growing
vibrant community centered in the Eucharist, the source and sign of our unity. In pilgrimage to the Kingdom of God,
our mission is to demonstrate God's presence and love through: worshipping together, spreading the Good News,
serving others, and enjoying Christ-Centered activities. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are committed to
sharing our time, our talents, and our treasures to fulfill God's will for our parish.
1386 S. West End St., Springdale, Arkansas 72764
Tel 479-756-6711 Fax 479-756-8818 www.straphaelcc.org email: info@straphaelcc.org Facebook @StRaphaelNWA
Church Office Hours: Monday—Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm, Friday 9:00am– 12:00pm
Pastor:
Rev. John Connell We are so glad you joined us!
If you are new to our parish, we would like to invite you to become a member.
Associate Pastors: The Welcome Booth in the vestibule is open the first full weekend of every month
or come by the Parish Office.
Rev. Daniel Ramos Visit our website for a registration form or more information.
Rev. Jon Miskin FOOD Open to those in need—Must have photo ID
Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:45pm-7:45pm
Pantry During Lent we would ask that you prayerfully consider giving to our
Deacons: food pantry Personal Care Items. We have in our lines, many homeless
people or people living in their cars. Aside from food, they have a different type of basic
Chuck Marino needs, such as, hand warmers, wet wipes/baby wipes, Blistex, medicated hand moisturizer,
insulated goves, Neosporin, Band-Aids’, clinical strength deodorant, antibacterial gel, toilet
Dan Cashman paper, medicated foot cream, thick socks, cushioned insoles, large Ziploc bags, dental care
items, Vitamin Water, nutritional drinks. During our season of Lent, we will also accept, only
Jesús Ramos brand new, clothing items. For your sacrifice, may you experience a Blessed Lenten Season!
In order to keep this prayer list up to date, all names will be removed and
this list will start over quarterly; Sept. 1st, Dec. 1st, March 1st & June 1st.
New names will always be added as requests come in.
From Arkansas Catholic: To add or remove a name from this list please contact the office
The Arkansas Catholic is our or e-mail Nancy: nphillips@straphaelcc.org
Prayer Requests
main vehicle for communicating
during this crisis.
Contact the diocese to sign up
for the print version. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
call (501) 664-0125,
thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Philippians 4:6
or email mhargett@dolr.org.
—Msgr. Scott Friend—Sherry Pianalto—Mary England—Gabe Peters—Andrew Lampe
The digital version is for free —Sean Wendland—George & Shirlene Gonzalez—Andrea Perez—Millie Connell
and available to everyone in —Dean Cannon—Tracy Brugger—Barbara Hancock—Kevin M Cunningham—Herman Seiter
—Carol Ann Schlinger—Candace Page—Jack Ledbetter—Sherry Ledbetter—Sondra Horn
your family, coming to each —Jim Swearingin
member in their personal email
account.
Signing up is simple: Pray for our Troops, especially:
—Samuel Atkinson, PV2—Arturo Rodriguez, CPL—Sgt. Jeff Mader—Sgt. Jon Mader
1. Log on to www.digital.arkansas- —Lcpl Jarod Mader—Spec. Michael Gray—PVT. Captain Nathan Brown—David G. Hill, W5
catholic.org and sign up for —PFC Christopher Sharp—Michael G. Jaro, Pvt.—Jerod Dalke, PVT—Sgt, Malachi Bucao
free. —Brandon Hayes, Spc—Jeremy Riedel, PVT.—Cpl Christopher Main—Lt. Greg Abide
—Spc Medic, Fredrick Tober—Mark Pittman, PFC.—1LT Kyle Rudolph —PO3 Chris Rudolph
2. Click the red “Sign Up” link. —Aaron Wolfe, A1C—Bryan Phillips, PO 1C.—Lt. Richard Carter—Sgt. James Lee
—Capt. Benjamin Gonzalez—Jorge Gonzalez, PVT.—Andrew Swalley, PFC.—Josh Hall, A1C
3. Register for your free account —Cadet Isaac Antony—Midshipman Megan LaMendola—Sgt. Ellen Cox—Julia M. Puma, AMN
and set up your password and hit —Cadet Corin Mellone
“Submit.” You will probably never
need to use this password again
Please pray for all Seminarians & Diaconate Candidates of the Diocese of Little Rock,
unless you log in from your browser especially our Seminarian: Jaime Nieto
rather than from the email you will and our Diaconate Candidates:
get every Tuesday afternoon with a Eduardo Andrade, Oscar Lopez, Ernesto Peña, Rob Phillips, Luis Sanchez
link to access the latest edition.
4. Click the red link and you now The Pope's Monthly Intention—MARCH—Catholics in China
We pray that the Church in China may persevere in its
have access to the digital edition,
faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.
plus all issues back to 2002.”
From the Pastor’s Desk St. Raphael Book & Gift Shop
The gift shop will be taking phone or email orders
while it is closed because of the Coronavirus.
UPDATED CONFESSION TIMES & DATES Please call 479-756-6711 and leave a message with the
Please be mindful of your spacing and stay on the green church Office or on Extension 236 directly to the shop.
numbered spaces while you wait in the vestibule. You can also email the giftshop@straphaelcc.org,
ST. RAPHAEL DATES: (in the Cry Room) or message us on FaceBook at @CATHBKGFSHOP
Friday, April 10th 9:00AM – 12:00PM Fr. Jon Miskin and someone will return your call or reply
ST. JOSEPH DATE: to your email/message within 24-36 hours.
Friday, April 10th 10:00AM – 12:00PM Fr. Ramos We will be taking phone in credit cards for payment
Tuesdays after Holy Week at St. Raphael—2pm — 6pm and will arrange a drop off or pick up time that is
convenient for you.
Saturdays after Holy Week at St. Raphael— 9am — Noon
We hope this helps with your catholic and spiritual needs
Census Day has come and gone, during this time and thank you for shopping local!!
but U.S. Census Bureau operations are
still ongoing.
Please complete your questionnaire today Click the Facebook logo
and help us spread the word tha the #2020Census helps determine
the distribution of billions of federal dollars and our representation To watch St. Raphael Mass
in the Nation’s capital. As we take on the current challenges, we
must remember an undercount could impact
Live each Sunday
funding for hospital services, the number of new 10:30am in English
community health centers built, and the location
of hospital facilities for the next decade. 12:30pm in Spanish
Make sure to tell your family and friends to complete
to the census today at 2020CENSUS.GOV.
Dear Parents,
In response to the troubling atmosphere of today's world, the Em-
maus Ministry for Grieving Parents created for the near future sev-
eral virtual reflections to minister to your suffering hearts.
The information is provided below and I encourage each of you to
participant according to your schedule. Additionally, if you know of
someone who might benefit from this ministry right now please feel
free to forward this information to them.
God Bless you, Mary Lou Wender
The Virtual Gatherings are open to any grieving parents; however,
you do need to register for each one. After you register, we will
send you your meeting codes and password.
April 8, 2020 at 8pm
Brother David Schlatter, OFM
April 15, 2020 at 8pm
Fr David Convertino, OFM
April 22, 2020 at 8pm
Sister Marie Puleo, MFIC
April 29, 2020
Fr. Dennis Schuelkens
May 6, 2020
Fr Jurgen Liias
TO REGISTER: Go to this link to register. After you register, you will
receive a Registration Confirmation containing a link to the Zoom
Meeting, as well as the Meeting ID# and a Password.
Fr. John Connell’s Easter Vigil Homily
The Easter Vigil 2020--April 11, 2020
My friends, it is night. There is not one person who is watching this night that does not understand the darkness of these days in which we
live. The darkness of fear of catching covid-19, the darkness of isolation and loneliness and the darkness of so many who have died from a
virus we yet do not understand. So many of us during these 40 days of Lent have felt empty, scared, abandoned by God and the Church and
wonder if we will ever see light again. But on this night, there are so many signs that God is present and has not abandoned us.
We proclaim that Christ is our light! Darkness is not forever. God did not create this world to wallow in the darkness of night. Jesus' ministry
was not down in the dark corners for no one to see, but in the light of day for all the world to come to know the power of God. Even in
Christ's death, on that dark afternoon, his death would not end in the darkness of night. We come here tonight knowing exactly this. Spring
is here, the moon is full, Life and light have begun to cover this earth. Christ is risen, not dead. My friends we may be surrounded by a virus
known as covid-19 but life has conquered death.
We are washed clean in life giving water. Easter 2020 is a little different; well a lot different. There are no baptisms, profession of faiths, no
Confirmations, no first communions, actually no one in the pews. But on solemn night we still profess our faith and all of us are reminded of
our own baptism day in which we cleansed of sin. All of us need water to survive. Water is that which we need to live. Jesus offers us through
the waters of baptism, a chance to live forever, renewed, refreshed and cleaned in the resurrected Christ. Like life itself, it is poured out
upon us and we literally can feel the presence of God; a sign that our God is eternally present. When we renew our baptismal promises this
night, remember that we were washed clean in living waters.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. Even though the Holy Spirit will not be Sacramental conferred on anyone; the Spirit breath can be felt by
all who believe; including all of us who are sheltering in place and practicing social distancing. Tonight on this most holy of nights, feel his
breath upon you. Jesus is not dead but alive. God has not left us, he is here. It is his Spirit that reminds us on this night and every day of
the Lord's presence with us. The Spirit comes forth from the word of God, the Spirit enlightens our hearts and minds when we are alone.
The Spirit of Lord lightens up and dark and worried world. Do you feel the Holy Spirit presence the darkness of this night?
The Eucharist is the food that sustains us. I know that every one of you longs to receive the Eucharist right especially this Easter. Jesus was
always ready to feed those who were hungry. No one ever went hungry when Jesus was around. He has never let his people go hungry. He
has given us this food not simply to feed us, but to change us into his image and likeness. On this Most Holy Night when darkness has loss,
the food Jesus gives us sign that God is eternally present. Even in the Spiritual Communions we make this year, the Eucharist has conquered
the darkness of this night.
On this night, we are still in the middle of a pandemic. Outside it may look like Easter, but for many of us on the inside we are still in the
desert on the first Sunday of Lent. But I assure you, Christ is our light, he refreshes our souls, he offers us the spirit's breath and feeds us
with the bread of life even when we are not physically here in the Church. It is night. However, darkness has lost the battle. Sin and death
have lost their sting. Satan has lost and Christ has won. The victory is his, therefore the victory is ours. It is time to proclaim, "Christ is risen."
Whether in normal times or in the middle of pandemic; those who believe can see the signs and say with faith; It is night, but the morning
will come, alleluia.
Good Afternoon Lovers of Life,
I hope you have heard the good news that Arkansas has joined the growing list of states that are banning non-essential surger-
ies INCLUDING abortion. I attended a conference call this past Friday with pro-life leaders across the state and was shocked to learn that
both abortion centers in Little Rock (Little Rock Family Planning and Planned Parenthood) were extremely busy. One faith-filled woman
who continues to pray at PP reported that she witnessed 68 cars in ONE DAY. Especially troubling were all the out-of-state car plates. Out-
of-state travelers are discouraged at our public parks yet cars were arriving from Louisiana, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas to kill their un-
born babies. We praise and thank God that Gov. Asa Hutchinson has stated that banning abortion along with other non-essential medical
procedures will help fight the COVID-19 by conserving medical supplies.
Please take just a few minutes and drop a "thank you“ to Gov. Hutchinson. https://governor.arkansas.gov/online-services/contact-us/
I can't imagine what kind of pressure he is experiencing right now. If it's helpful to you for ideas, below is the note I sent to him:
Letters of Kindness - Don't forget to drop a note of kindness to a girl(s) receiving services at our local pregnancy help centers. I didn't
realize this, but some of the young women have NO SUPPORT other than the pregnancy help center. A note from you assuring them of your
prayers will probably mean more then we'll ever know. Send notes to one (or all!) of the centers below:
God abundantly bless you and all you are for Life. Choices Loving Choices
In Christ, our Life! Attn: Wendy DeFoe, Director Attn: Dana Schwiethale, Director
Sheila Pursell, Director 809 S. Mt. Olive St. 275 S. Duncan Ave.
NWA Respect Life Siloam Springs, AR 72761 Fayetteville, AR 72701
469-231-1959
nwarespectlife.org Informed Choices Loving Choices
Check us out on Facebook and Instagram Attn: Rhonda Graham, Director Attn: Dana Schwiethale, Director
715 West Sherman 3610 W. Southern Hills Blvd.
Harrison, AR 72601 Rogers, AR 72758
Fr. John Connell’s Easter Sunday Homily
Easter Sunday--April 12, 2020—Cycle A
I would like to wish all of you who are watching a very Happy Easter. I know that this year is totally different than any other Easter we have
ever celebrated in the life of the Church. There are no Easter Sunday Masses filled with people wearing spring colors. There will be no large
gatherings of families to spend the day together with, no Easter egg hunts, just a completely different Easter that we must try to celebrate,
even if that celebration is different on so many levels. Like a Christmas without decorations and gifts, this Easter, if we are not focused, can
leave us feeling as empty as the tomb where Jesus laid. So, on this Easter morning, I challenge you to celebrate.
Today we celebrate that death is not the end. Jesus tells his disciples after his resurrection, "Do not be afraid." I offer you an alternative to
death and fear. I offer you Eternal Life. On this Easter day, we celebrate that death has lost its sting and that through Christ we live forever
with him and our eternal Father. Christ offers us life. So, on this beautiful Easter morning we celebrate life. Even though on the news we
hear of massive deaths; look around, life has conquered death in every aspect in the world we live.
Today we celebrate that Christ is the way, truth and the life. This morning we know that every word that was uttered from the lips of our
Savior was true. He is our light, he is our God, he is our Savior, He is our Lord. This eternal Easter reminds us that there is no other path to
Eternal Life. We can't find it in power, we can't find it in riches, and we can't find it the satisfactions of this world. Satan has lost the battle;
his path leads us to destruction and death. Satan is the prince of lies. Christ proclaims the truth and he leads us to salvation. So, on this
beautiful Easter morning we celebrate truth. Even though we may feel we are living in darkness; look around, truth has conquered sin and
darkness.
Today we celebrate that we too will one day appear with him in glory. We now have hope which is eternal. Christ offers us this hope
through his death and resurrection. Hope that we are not left here in this world to die and remain nothing more than dust. This hope in our
own resurrection and that we will live forever reflects his light. This hope is eternal because our God is eternal, and he has washed us clean
of our sins and made us worthy to share eternal life with him. So, on this beautiful Easter morning we celebrate hope. In the middle of the
pandemic, hope abounds. Today that hope is placed in our hearts that one day we will rise with him.
On an Easter morning different than any we have ever celebrated, there are reasons to celebrate. We celebrate life, truth and hope. What
else do we need? With hearts and minds renewed, we have been once again restored as children of the light, children of God.
One day, this pandemic will be over. Easter, however, is eternal. Easter brings us life and life to the fullest which never fades or diminishes.
In the hearts of who we are as believers, we are Easter people, in normal times, in times of pandemic, in good times and bad. Easter is
actually celebrated each and every time we celebrate the Eucharist, which is perpetual. Our Christ is risen, Alleluia. May the joy of this day
last forever and remind us that Christ is our Lord, now and forever. Alleluia.
Prayer to the Virgin Mary for Protection
O Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.
Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the
entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and
blessed Virgin.
--Pope Francis
Faith at home Did you download our new App yet? It is super simple!
The Diocese of Little Rock is compiling a list iPhone users click here or text ParishApp1 to 555-888
of online resources to help you stay
connected and continue to practice your faith at home, Android users click here or text ParishApp2 to 555-888
including online Masses, readings and prayers. Follow the instructions that texted back to you.
This list at dolr.org/covid will be updated frequently Be sure to Allow notifications.
Weekly Mass and Reconciliation Schedule Perpetual
—St. Raphael (Springdale) Eucharistic
Date Time Event Priest Intention Adoration
Mon, April 13 12:00pm Mass/English CANCELLED New Hours for
Tues, April 14 8:30am Mass/English CANCELLED Adoration in the church
2-6pm Confessions In the Cry Room
Monday-Saturday
6:00pm Misa/Español CANCELLED 9am to 5pm
Wed, April 15 12:00pm Misa/Español CANCELLED
Sunday
5:00pm Confessions CANCELLED 2pm to 5pm
6:00pm Mass/English CANCELLED
Thurs, April 16 8:30am Mass/English CANCELLED
5:00pm Confessions CANCELLED
6:00pm Misa/Español CANCELLED
Friday, April 117 8:30am Mass/English CANCELLED
12:00pm Misa/Español CANCELLED
Sat, April 18 9am-Noon Confessions In the Cry Room
3:00pm Confessions CANCELLED
4:00pm Mass/English CANCELLED
Sunday, April 19 7:00am Mass/English CANCELLED ACT OF SPIRITUAL
8:30am Misa/Español CANCELLED COMMUNION
10:30am Mass/English CANCELLED My Jesus, I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy
12:30pm Misa/Español CANCELLED Sacrament.
5:00pm Misa/Español CANCELLED I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You
7:00pm Misa/Español CANCELLED
into my soul.
Weekly Mass and Reconciliation Schedule—St. Joseph (Tontitown) Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
Date Time Event Priest Intention
come at least spiritually into
Mon, April 13 No Monday Masses my heart.
Tues, April 14 5:00pm Confessions CANCELLED I embrace You as if You were
5:30pm Mass/English CANCELLED already there and unite myself
Wed, April 15 7:30am Mass/English CANCELLED wholly to You. Never permit
me to be separated from You.
Thurs, April 16 7:30am Mass/English CANCELLED
—Amen.
Friday, April 17 7:30am Mass/English CANCELLED
O my God, my only hope, I
Sat, April 18 3:00pm Confessions CANCELLED have placed all my trust in
4:00pm Mass/English CANCELLED you, and I know I shall not be
Sunday, April 19 9:00am Mass/English CANCELLED disappointed.
4:30pm Mass/Latin CANCELLED —Diary, 317
Sign up to receive mid-week updates PARISH COUNCIL OF MINISTRIES Buy a
in The Trumpet Chairman: Other Members:
Brick
email nphillips@straphaelcc.org Dave Louk Bárbara Barroso Leave a
Vice Chairman: Cristobal Cartegena legacy
Diocese of Little Rock website:
www.dolr.org Tom Maddock Oscar Lopez honor loved ones
Bill McGowan & help reduce
Secretary:
our building debt
MASS IN TRANSIT: Going out of town? Matt Mendenhall
Go to www.masstimes.org
Nathan Bearden at the same time.
to find the mass time for churches Phuong Mueller Call the church office for
throughout the United States. Gary Reed more details.
We know that these are difficult times, so
we wanted to create something just for you
to help keep your heart set on things above.
That's why Chris Stefanick is excited
to announce a new Facebook LIVE Series, The Life You Were Made
For. Each week, he will sit down with one of many amazing guests to
have a conversation about how we can make the most of this time &
claim the new life God is drawing us into.
Just a little boredom buster fun... The show will be airing live on Facebook
on my page and EWTN's Facebook page
Can you find 20 Easter Eggs MONDAY, MARCH 30 (Search past videos on EWTN)
Dr. Scott Hahn on Keeping Focused on Things Above
Dr. Scott Hahn is a Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization
“hidden” in the bulletin??? at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and Founder, President of the St.
Paul Center, and author of his new book, "Hope to Die."
Hope you all have a happy & blessed Easter! WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 AT 8 P.M. ET
Pat Lencioni on The Most Important Organization in the World (Family!)
Pat Lencioni is one of the most sought-after business consultants in the world
and author of multiple books, including, “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team"
MORE WEBSITES FOR DAILY MASS and "The Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family."
https://www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass/ http:// WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 AT 8 P.M. ET
Jimmy Wahlberg on How to Healthily Cope with Your Emotions
www.catholictv.org/masses/catholictv-mass
Jimmy Wahlberg is a producer and writer. Like his brothers, he recovered from
https://mass-online.org/daily-holy-mass-live-online/ his tough upbringing on the streets of Boston to become the executive direc-
tor of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation.
https://www.catholicfaithnetwork.org/
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 AT 8 P.M. ET
Dom Rosso on How to Cope with Fear
WEBSITES FOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS Dom Rosso is a retried SEAL Team Six. He has been on over 300 combat mis-
Stations of the Cross | Bishop Robert Barron sions and has become an expert on how to manage your fears.
Stations of the Cross | National Shrine of Divine Mercy WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 AT 8 P.M. ET
Elizabeth Zelasko on Making Sacred Space in Your Home
Stations of the Cross for Youth Elizabeth Zelasko is a Colorado-based artist, iconographer, and sister of Chris
Stefanick. She works with Catholic publishers and institutions, creating com-
missioned pieces and gives talks on the theological aspects and material pro-
cesses of writing a traditional icon.
STEWARDSHIP
Thank you
for your generosity to the parish!
Financial Report-April 2020
1st weekend of the month
Last Month Monthly Surplus
Collection
week to date needs (Short Fall)
Stewardship $10,048.50 $10,048.50 $75,800.00 $(65,751.50
Building $3,881.00 $3,881.00 $28,000.00 $(24,119.00)
Need another gift idea?
We still have some gift cards for sale!
$25 cards
Visit our website Buffalo Wild Wings (8), Chili’s(7)
www.straphaelcc.org & Red Robin (2)
to sign up Contact nphillips@straphaelcc.org or stop by the office
if you are interested in buying some cardsYou can also read
