After the resurrection, Jesus confirmed Peter in the role of shepherd and leader of his flock: "'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him,... 'Feed my sheep'" (John 21:15, 17). Christ sent the apostles, and the apostles through their successors, to continue Christ's ministry. Blessed Pope John Paul II provided guidance, instruction, teaching and leadership to the Church and was beatified on May 1, 2011.
We all share a connection to Christ through St. Peter and his successors. Like Blessed John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, we are called to manifest the Kingdom, to share our faith as disciples of Christ. Emphasizing the responsibility of Donald Cardinal Wuerl as a papal elector, Pope Benedict assigned to his care the titular churchSan Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains). Witness the Mass on the occasion of the possession of St. Peter in Chains by watching the video to the right.
Christ calls each of us in a unique way. After 35 years, Dean Frutiger experienced walls of skepticism break down and his heart transform. Katherine and Tony gained a sense of meaning and support, of belonging. When applying Scripture to her life, Cindy Cruz replaced worry with joy. View the video to the right to hear more about these personal journeys on the road to Christ.
Spirituality takes many forms. Throughout the year, we will share various expressions from the heart of Catholic prayer and tradition. During the Easter season, we praythe Regina Coeli, in Latin, “Queen of Heaven.” This prayer celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord and gives tribute to our Blessed Mother. Dating back to 1742, the church prays the Regina Coeli from Night Prayer following the Easter Vigil to Pentecost Sunday either at Noon or following dinner (as a prayer of thanksgiving). With Mary we rejoice in the great gift of Our Lord’s resurrection.
We are called to community. We gather together to worship, learn, serve, and use the gifts we have been given for the good of mankind. When we connect with others who share our faith, it is easier to grow closer to God. We must seek him. Find him in your local parish and in others who join in worship there. At the heart of parish life is the celebration of the Mass and everytime we celebrate it, our lives are renewed.
Tens of thousands of youth gather each year to celebrate life at the Youth Rally & Mass for Life. This is one of the many activites where people glorify God in community within the Archdiocese of Washington.
