Happy Easter! Though this year is far different from other Easters, and has the lingering presence of COVID-19, we still find ourselves rejoicing in the Resurrection and filled with hope because death no longer has a hold on us. “O death, where is your victory, o death, where is your sting?!” (I Cor. 15:55)

It was a beautiful Easter Sunday morning in Oklahoma City. The sun was out, and the morning temperature was already 70. No doubt that it would be warmer by the time they left 11 a.m. Mass at Saint James.

On a recent morning, my children and I ventured to the green space at our park, each of us carrying a Styrofoam boat to float in the seasonal ponds situated at the base of the fallen elm trees. A combination of wind and sticks guided each boat safely across the pond, with the occasional one trapped in the reeds and the rare capsized boat rescued by its attentive owner.

Sigo orando por ti y por todos los fieles mientras trabajamos para adaptarnos a nuestra nueva normalidad durante las próximas semanas. Gracias a todos los que han continuado ofreciendo Misas privadas, los que celebran Misa y ofrecen oraciones en línea, y todos los que se han mantenido conectados de muchas otras maneras. La presencia de nuestra fe ha levantado los espíritus, ofrecido esperanza y hecho que esta tiempo esté más lleno de fe.

With the ever-changing situation, I am suspending public Masses in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City beyond Easter and until further notice. All other provisions and precautions remain in place.

WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has invited the faithful to join him in a moment of prayer on Good Friday (April 10) to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart. Praying together as a nation, the archbishop asks that we seek healing for all who are unwell, wisdom for those whose work is halting the spread of coronavirus, and strength for all God’s children.