April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and most appropriately  held during the Easter season.  There is no better time than Easter to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God, our children.  The Church teaches that each one of us is precious in the sight of God and that each of us has been created in the image and likeness of God.  Anything that diminishes the individual is a concern.  The Diocese of Rochester takes seriously its responsibility to protect the most vulnerable.  To that end, the suspicion of sexual abuse of a child/teen/vulnerable adult will be treated seriously.  For information on how you can become more informed and involved in keeping our children safe, please contact:  Barbara Pedeville at 800-388-7177 x1215 or Pedeville@dor.org

     With Jesus as our cornerstone, we are the living stones of the church. The diversity of these stones, the people of God, is recognized in all three readings. A living church requires people of different talents, interests, and strengths. But we will only do the things of Christ if we remember the command to love God and one another; this is the root of all Catholic social teaching.
Reflection: As we make judgments about political platforms and candidates for public office, let our measure of evaluation be whether policies and actions affirm the dignity of all people made in the likeness and image of God.

In May, a small group from Cornell Catholic Community, St. Catherine's and Immaculate Conception, accompanied by  Fr. Michael Mahler, will go  to work with the poor  in the rural mountains of Appalachian, Kentucky. This is a week away from their work and studies to do community service to the missions in our own country. The participants are raising funds to support travel and construction project expenses. They ask your good thought and prayers in support of their efforts. If you would like to make a donation to help them, please put it in an envelope marked "Kentucky Project" and drop it in the collection or at the Parish Center. Your prayerful and financial support will be greatly appreciated.