Scripture
An Introduction to Sunday's Scripture Readings - April 5, 2026
“Do Not Be Amazed! He Has Been Raised; He Is Not Here.”
It is Easter! We have come to the climactic conclusion of our forty days of Lenten preparation and our Holy Week liturgies. This is considered the most joyous
and most sacred liturgy of the year. Our Christ, who had come to live among us, suffered and died for our sins, and rose from the dead. Thus, He broke the bonds of death and leads the way for all of His faithful back to the Father.
The Vigil Mass on Saturday night features Old Testament readings that highlight key moments in salvation history, beginning with our first reading of the creation story(Genesis 1:1-2:2). In our second reading comes the story of God parting the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape their slavery in Egypt(Exodus 14:15 - 15:1). Our third reading is the prophesy of Isaiah near the end of the Israelite's exile in Babylon. It is an invitation to God’s grace and blessings(Isaiah 55:1-11). In our fourth reading, the Prophet Baruch(Bar 3:9-15, 32—4:4) writes on the importance of Wisdom. She is seen as being very close to God.
In our Epistle reading (Romans 6:3-11), St. Paul teaches us that as we also died with Christ, so too, we will receive new life in Christ.
In our Gospel reading (Matthew 28:1-10), we hear Matthew’s account of the resurrection. Two women, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, found Jesus’ tomb empty with two angels saying, “He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.”
Easter Sunday Mass—The Easter morning readings are shorter and focus more succinctly on Jesus' resurrection. The first reading is from the Acts of the Apostles(Acts 10:34, 37-43) and is an excerpt of St. Peter's speech in Caesarea where he boldly proclaims the risen Christ.
Our second reading (Colossians 3:1-4) is a short reminder of what we should be doing: always focused on Christ, seek what is above instead of the things of the earth.
Our Gospel reading (John 20:1-9) is John's telling of the events on Easter morning. Mary of Magdala was the first to see the tomb empty and ran to get Simon Peter and the others.
Easter Vigil bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040426.cfm
Easter Sunday bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040526.cfm
Upcoming Events
- Women Enjoying Rediscovering Our Catholicism - Tuesdays at 9:00 am in Room 1
- Prayer Shawl Ministry - Tuesday, April 7 at 10:30 am in the Parish Office
- Holy Beginnings - Thursday, April 9 at 6:45 pm
- Breakfast @ St. Rita - Sunday, April 12 from 8:30-10:00 am
- Craft and Vendor Sale - Saturday, April 18 from 10 am - 3 pm
- Youth Group - Sunday, April 19 at 4 pm
- Men's Faith Group - Monday, April 20 at 7 pm in Room 1
- Women's Faith Sharing - Thursday, April 23 at 7 pm
- Follow Me: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John - 8 sessions, beginning April 12 and 15
Latest News
- 75th Anniversary Apparel and Gifts - order now!
- Are you interested in becoming Catholic? - Contact us today!
- St. Rita Business Directory - check out these businesses or add your business
- Liturgical Ministers - schedules and info here
- Beware of Scam Requests - if you recently received a text or email from Fr. Tim asking for gift cards or a favor, please be aware that this did not come from Fr. Tim
What's Happening This Week
Faith at Home
- 3 Minute Retreat - from Loyola Press; take a short prayer break right at your computer by spending some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage
- The Family Zone - a weekly Family Zone Newsletter, provided by the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Diocese of Rochester
Help
- How Can We Help You? - let us know!
- Helping Those in Need - "Whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers and sisters..."