Office of Bishop Myron J. Cotta, D.D.

Monthly Reflection

TO: The Diocese of Stockton

FROM: Bishop Myron J. Cotta

DATE: 04/08/2021

RE: See you at Church

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we enter the glorious season of Easter, let us re-engage and reconnect with the faith community which is our parishes. This is the perfect season to allow oneself to be renewed by the Easter Sacraments, especially, that of the Holy Eucharist.

Let us allow the light of the Risen Christ to transform our lives that have been hindered by the darkness and uncertainty of the pandemic. If one is not compromised by health concerns, this is the perfect time to rise above the virtual complacency which has creeped into our homes and has left some families unfulfilled. Instead of praying and participating in the Mass, it has led to watching Mass, which has tempted some Catholics to simply walk away from viewing the screen.

During the pandemic, we have been informed over and over again of what is, or is not, essential. No matter what has been said, that which the Church has to offer is essential! It is life giving! That which the Church offers has the capacity to encourage, heal and console as it offers hope to those who have been stretched to the limits by lockdowns, restrictions and fear. The Eucharistic Liturgy, the Mass, and the grace of the sacraments of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick are essential for the overall spiritual, psychological, emotional and physical well-being of the person.

As we are beginning to see a turning point in regard to the impact of the virus, it is now time for us to regroup, to step forward within this Easter season and allow ourselves to be renewed in spirit as we gather and encounter each other as the community of believers. And in the center of it all, is our encounter with the Risen Jesus, the Essential One!

So, my friends – be it inside or outside – see you at church! Happy Easter!

Let us rejoice and be glad!

He is risen.” “He is truly risen!!”

In the Peace of Christ,

Bishop Myron J. Cotta

The above comes from an April 8 letter from Bishop Cotta of the Diocese of Stockton.