Truth & Mercy Series - April 19th 2026

In this series, I specially appreciate all of you, our dear parishioners, for supporting the mission of the parish. Gratitude itself brings a lot of joyfulness with it. The word of God bears testimony to this as well. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 18). 

I want to single out all our little children, who make it to church every Sunday with their families. Of course, parents are instrumental in bringing them to church, but today I want to say thank you for the children who serve as altar servers, those who have begun a great practice of praying the Holy Rosary, read ing in the church, our children have started serving the community as “ushers” or church wardens, helping with parishioners coming in and out, giving out bulletins while parishioners are leaving or bringing the offerings, wine and bread to the altar for the sacrifice of the Holy Mass. Some of our children meet every Sunday with Sr. Helen in the church office praying the Holy Rosary following the example and instruction of Our Lady of Fatima. We see some of our children in the choir singing and assisting us all to celebrate the Holy Mass devotedly. These are clear signs that parents and the parish are working together to raise them well, placing before them a life mission, we hope they will never depart from. Yes the scriptures tell, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22: 6). 

In the days leading up to and starting from Lent, our parish church has been wearing a new look. It has been through the diligent action of so many in our parish. Our Knights have been a part of it. Sr. Helen, Michele Hilton, Pat & Jerry Hatch and their entire family, Michelle Brown and her family, Grandma Sue in the choir, Molly and son Ronnie, Cassandra and her sons Ackley and Hynson, and our brothers and sisters from the pre-conciliar community. The church of God deserves all the beauty and decoration. I also appreciate all the families who made contributions to the Easter flowers. Our sacred space gives us the atmosphere of being in His presence with the joy of the Resurrection and the seasons to come. 

It is with a heart full of joy that I appreciate all our choir members, our lectors, altar servers, extra-ordinary ministers of the Eucharist, who make time to assist us at our liturgies especially during the Holy Week when it is back to back. I thank our organists Clare, Tom, and Cheryl. I thank the cantors led by Sr. Anthony, Dave, John and Michelle. I want to specially thank Molly Bergfeld, for helping schedule our liturgical ministries. She does a beautiful job and makes our passion narratives go so smoothly. I thank Mother Susan, Spencer, Sr. Anthony and Sr. Helen for their assistance to our OCIA candidates. It was a great delight to see them all join our parish and the Church of Christ at the Easter vigil. As the days go by their gifts and talents will begin to unfold. While thanking the altar servers, I wish to thank Ghislaine, Will, Theresa, Ackley and Spencer. They have been very consistent in serving. 

To our amazing parish staff, I thank you heartily for helping make our parish a vibrant and holy community. I thank you for serving every person, and giving them a place to discover God in their lives and how to improve their relationship with Him. I thank Fr. Bill for his eagerness to help at all times. Indeed we thank Frs. Egidius and Baraka for making our Triduum special with their presence. Thank you Denise and your friends who help with all the meals and fellowship. You are simply incredible. Thank you to all our Legionaries for stepping out in mission daily and weekly for our Mother and Her Son Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless Holy Family parish always. Amen 

• Fr. Nicholas Akindele, JCL