Happy Easter!

Dear Partners in Mission, 

A pediatric nurse, before listening to the children’s chests, would plug the stethoscope into their ears and let them listen to their own hearts. Their eyes would always light up in amazement. But she never got a response to equal that of six-year-old Gregory’s.

She tucked the sleek stethoscope in his ears and placed the smooth disk over his heart. “Listen,” she said, “What do you suppose that is?”  He drew his eyebrows together in a puzzled line and looked up as if lost in the drum beat of the strange lub-dub, lub-dub deep in his chest. Then his face broke out in a marvelous, gap tooth smile. “Is that Jesus?”

This Easter season, having just celebrated the Holiest of Weeks with its beautiful images and faith rituals: waving palms, institution of the Eucharist, washing feet, Way of the Cross, kissing the crucifix, new fire, blessed water, Baptisms, renewing the promises, and more…we embrace Paschal Mystery. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…”  John 3:16

Here at the Black and Indian Mission Office we seek to support our mission parishes, Catholic schools and parish religious education programs that raise awareness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Look for their stories of on-going evangelization on our website. Consider joining the at home pilgrimage sponsored by the Catholic Negro-American Mission Board September 20-24, 2012,  to honor the legacy Fr. Augustus Tolton, the first black priest ordained for the United States (Those flyers are forth-coming.).  Participate in the canonization festivities of the first American born, Native saint, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, October 18-24, 2012, in Rome as orchestrated by the Bureau of Catholic Indian Mission. (Click here for the Special Events page) Info on both of these outstanding witnesses to Christ can be found at Profiles in Faith on this web-site.

Make time this Easter Season to listen, figuratively, to the rhythm of your own heartbeat. With springtime freshness, sing out Alleluia in praise and thanksgiving for the miracle of Easter Resurrection and be prepared to see and hear Jesus everywhere.

Peace and joy of the Risen Christ,

Reverend W. Carroll Paysse

Executive Director

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha a Saint!

Dear Mission Family,

If you have not heard, let me tell you the good news!  Pope Benedict XVI has signed the official documents to declare Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha a SAINT. Yes, in the weeks to come the canonization date will hopefully be announced by the Vatican.  And WOW, it will be full steam ahead with many, many plans, projects and programs to be secured.

The Bureau of Catholic Indian Mission Office is responsible for the official USA pilgrimage to Rome.  Although we don’t have a date yet, I have been busy with preliminary plans and hope to share the upcoming events soon.  Also, I am depending on our mission family and friends of Blessed Kateri to share the word and to encourage others to join our pilgrimage and to participate in our global celebration.

As I reflect on this joyous occasion in the life of the Church and for our Native American community, I am reminded of the beautiful spiritual gifts of Blessed Kateri and the collective gift of our American Indian sisters and brothers.  

The Native American spirit continues to move forward unfolding a garment of renewed appreciation and gentleness that comes to rest on the hearts of all who embrace “Saint” Kateri!   Like Mary, Blessed Kateri leads us to Jesus. . ."

“Let us give thanks to the Father for having made you worthy to share the lot of the saints in light.      

-Father Paysse