April, 2024

Christ’s Resurrection Unites Heaven and Earth.

Fr. John Schmidt, C.Ss.R.

“…O truly blessed night,
when things of heaven are wed to those of earth,
and divine to the human.”
—The Exsultet: The Proclamation of Easter

Dear Co-Redemptorist,

The glory of the Resurrection brings life to our world. In these days, we are surrounded with reflections of violence and war, hunger and hatred, signs that the world and its people are desperate. In these days particularly we need the message of Redemption to remind us of the presence of Christ in us and his power flowing through us for the good of all people. May the blessing of Christ be with your family.

I began this letter with a quote from the Easter Proclamation, The Exultet, which was sung in every church on Easter night. This ancient poem tells of the plan of God to redeem the world and free all people from sin and death. It praises the holy night, blessed above all other nights, because Christ’s resurrection unites heaven and earth, human and divine forever.

Redemptorists carry on this mission of redemption by our way of life and our ministry played out in various places in the world. St. Alphonsus firmly believed that the Resurrection unified us with Christ in an unbreakable bond. Our message of Good News for the abandoned poor is the exact message of Easter night.

Your support and prayers for our seminarians help them grow in an understanding of themselves as missionaries in the footsteps of the Redeemer. Thank you for being a part of this important vocational ministry.

Our seminarians soon will close out their academic year and our novices will move into their final phase of preparation for vows. Please keep them in your prayers during their discernment as they listen to the voice of Jesus.

Thank you for your gifts to the Co-Redemptorists which help our seminarians prepare for the mission.

Easter Blessings,

Father John K. Schmidt, C.Ss.R.
Director, Co-Redemptorist Association

P.S.: Have you considered including the Redemptorists in your estate plans? Through your stewardship, you share in our many Redemptorists ministries. Will you join us on this final journey of Faith? Fr. Greg May, C.Ss.R., Office of Financial Services, is available to discuss a special legacy gift that can continue the Redemptorists’ work beyond your lifetime. Send him an email, or call at 312-248-8894.