Divine Mercy Sunday

April 12, 2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION

In my early 20s, I volunteered at a parish youth group. I witnessed teens encountering Jesus with a fresh, romantic wonder that reminded me of my own teenage conversion.

But something had changed in me. I was quietly jaded and cynical. When teens shared stories of encountering Christ, I’d want to sarcastically murmur, “Well, good for you.” I had grown suspicious of the zeal I once knew. Then we brought the group on a pilgrimage. I was standing in an old church in France, ignoring a long-winded tour guide. I found myself before a crucifix. In that moment, I heard something, not audibly, but unmistakably in my heart:

“I came to be your friend… and you wish to be my enemy? Why do you stand far from me? I suffer gladly for you. I was pierced for you. Why do you run from me?”

My heart opened. I saw how cold and cynical I had become. But Jesus had not given up on me. He had returned, and his mercy broke through.

So I can relate to the scoffing — and transformation — of Thomas when the Risen Jesus presents his wounds for inspection. Thomas is not simply doubting; he is guarded, suspicious, even cynical.

But Jesus comes to him. No lecture. Just understanding and mercy. He invites Thomas to touch his wounds. This burns away his cynicism like the morning mist.

Divine Mercy Challenge: This week, rejoice with someone who is newly alive in faith. If your own heart has grown skeptical or tired, ask Jesus to help you. He will.
- Father John Muir

PRO-LIFE CORNER

"The so-called right to abortion has portrayed the greatest of gifts, a child, as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience."
- St. Teresa of Calcutta

EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP

The Christian steward approaches life with an “Easter vision” rooted in gratitude for and confidence in the salvation our Lord has won for us through His death and Resurrection. Today’s readings on this Divine Mercy Sunday teach us how this approach plays out in daily life and reminds us that we can have complete trust in the mercy of God to lead us, step by step, to heaven.

Our first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, describes this beautiful way of life as it was practiced by the first Christians. “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.” And “they ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.” This is a snapshot of the very first community of Christian stewards living out their daily life – embracing prayer (the breaking of the bread), formation (the teaching of the apostles), hospitality (the communal life and fellowship through joyful meals together) and mutual service. What an inspiration to us modern-day stewards!

A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE

“Whose sins you forgive, are forgiven” means the grudges we carry only make us miserable. The Kingdom of God begins in your home where children learn the paths to peace promised in today’s gospel through merciful and forgiving demonstrated by their parents.
- Bud Ozar

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are inviting all youth and adults who would like to be trained for service as an altar server, lector or Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, especially for the 12noon mass. Please contact the parish office at 814-943-8553 if you are interested and a training session will be scheduled for you.

Prayer Requests

Kathy Ansman, Mark Blackie, Rod Baronner, Dan Bauer, Dave Bauer, Jack Chilcote, Harry Chirdon, Karen Claar, Brandon Conaway, Shirley Conlon, Denise Conrad, James Conrad, Kathy Corl, William Costlow, Joe DeGennaro Jr., Colette DiMemmo, Margaret Dodson, Tim Dodson, Joan Donnelly, Matthew Dorman, Nate Dorman, Amelia Doughurty, Lois Duncan, Thomas Duncan, Paul Dunmire, Ashley Eagen, Corinda Ermin, Roberta Farabaugh, Herman Frederick, Pat Harpster, Leighton Hess, Lucy Horton, Raymond Kargo, Carol Keagy, Russell Keith, John Kleine, Ruth Lamca, Cyndi Lansberry, Beth Lloyd, Joan Maier, Charles McGrain, Shirley McIntyre, Mason Wayne McManus, Paul Angelo Morelli, Bev Mueller, Bonnie Neal, Jessica Neff, Lee Neff, Kevin O'Rourke, Lucille Parker, Sarah Rihnovich, Nancy Servello, Elizabeth Siglow, Laura Snyder, Bill stauffer, Alex Walter, Margo Wascherl, Joan Weston, Renee Williams, Mikayla Yanchik, Pat Zeak.

If you would like to add a sick or hospitalized person to our prayer list or readd a person, please call the rectory office, at 943-8553. Parishioners of Saint Mary are encouraged and welcome to participate. Remember, you must have the permission of the ill person/family to publish their name.

Sacred Heart Church