During the Easter season, we joyfully celebrate Jesus’ triumph over sin and death.  Some people mistakenly believe Jesus was sent by his Father to suffer and die.  In fact, his mission was to proclaim God’s love and mercy and to call people to abandon sin and live according to God’s law of compassion.  His preaching threatened Jewish leaders who were more concerned with fulfilling religious laws than practicing charity and mercy. They believed Jesus was undermining their authority and so they planned to kill him.

Many churches are blessed with beautiful gardens, trimmed lawns, long pathways.  At St. Pius V things are a little different.  When you walk out our church’s front door you arrive immediately on busy Ashland Avenue, with the bustle of people and the noise of traffic.  You are in the heart of a busy city.

This is a vivid reminder that the faith we celebrate in the comfort and familiarity of the church demands that we bring it to the community.  Our church is warm and welcoming.  The street can be cold and harsh.  How can we connect our two worlds?

Many St. Pius V parishioners will participate in the Living Way of the Cross on Good Friday (April 10) in the Pilsen neighborhood.