Reflection: On this Sunday, the Gospel presents Jesus to us as the Good Shepherd. He says: I am the gate of the sheep, and he also speaks to us of his voice, a voice that his sheep recognize and follow. In a world full of noises, opinions and different paths, it is not always easy to distinguish that voice.
Many times we follow what seems most comfortable, what others say, or what the moment demands of us. However, Jesus invites us to something deeper: to learn to really listen to him. His voice does not shout or impose, but it is constant, faithful and full of life. The Good Shepherd does not abandon. He does not guide from afar, but walks ahead, knows each sheep, and cares for it. This reminds us that our life is not anonymous or indifferent to God. Each one is known, loved, and called by name. There is also a call for trust. Sometimes we go through moments of uncertainty, fear, or confusion. In those moments, this image of the Shepherd invites us not to be carried away by despair but to remember that we are not alone. There is someone (Jesus) who guides, who protects, and who opens paths, even when it grows
dark and there seems to be no solution.

The Month of May
Three important moments to keep in mind in the parish, in the family, and personally during the following month:
1) Month of the Virgin: May is considered the month of the Virgin (Mary) in the Catholic tradition; therefore, I want to invite you so that throughout the month, we give ourselves the opportunity to come even closer to the Mother of God, who is also our Mother. In that personal, family or community encounter, let us place our intentions in her hands, as she always intercedes for us before her Son; that is, let us do it with love, humility and with full
confidence in knowing that we will be reciprocated.
2) Mother’s Day: As is customary in many places around the world, the second Sunday of May is celebrated as Mother’s Day, although in Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador, it is celebrated on the 10th (fixed date). I want to invite you so that on that weekend, we can show mom all the love we have for her. Remember that every day, mom should be loved, understood and respected. During the month of May, we will be praying especially for the moms who have been called by God to be in His presence. Therefore, we will have a folder in the lobby for you to write the name of the mother who is no longer in this world. Also, I know that some people write the name of their mother and grandmother on an envelope; that envelope will be on the altar all month.
3) Festival: Next weekend we will be celebrating our Cinco de Mayo festival – time to come together once again as a parish family and thus be able to enjoy good food, different activities, but especially the opportunity to share as a community.
Request: Please help me by bringing sodas, water, and more sodas, as well as bringing friends and family on the day of the festival; that is, come with an empty stomach and plenty of money. And finally, help me with the raffle tickets, since we have more than 3,000 unsold tickets, and the raffle is what provides us with the most proceeds.

All women of the parish are invited to join Vivian’s Circle for our monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 28th at 1 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring your own bagged lunch. Beverages and desserts are provided. This month’s presentation is by Master Gardener, Cay Gliebe who will do an in person
demonstration on sowing for our gardens. This is a wonderful opportunity to share friendship and spirituality with other Catholic ladies. If you have any questions, please call Cindy Rudin at 404-576-5011 or Mel Vaillant at 706-304-0565 or Jacqueline Watkins at 941-524-9436.

As we already know, we are one month away from celebrating our Cinco de Mayo festival, which we will celebrate on May 2nd, so please make room in your busy schedules so that we can come together as a community in Christ Jesus. Please help me with the raffle tickets; remember that each envelope contains 15 tickets for $2.00 each. The raffle is what brings us the most profit at the festival, as we already know. Please also help us by bringing sodas and water. Thank you for your support.

The Knights of Columbus are accepting applications for the 2026 High School Graduate Scholarship Applications are still available in the narthex or in the
parish office. Completed applications must be turned in by 1:00 pm on May 8th to the church office. Scholarship winners will be announced at the
baccalaureate Mass on May 24th at 10:00 am.

Thank you for taking a Baby Bottle home and helping us raise funds for Mothers in Need. Place your change or donation in the bottle for the next month and please return it the weekend of April 25th & 26th. If you did not get a bottle and would like to help, please contact Antonella Skinner at
943-300-9945. Thank you!

Knights of Columbus Members – APRIL Meeting Reminders

Monday, April 7th – 6pm Officers’ Meeting followed by dinner at 6:30pm and 7pm for the Regular Council Meeting in the Parish Hall –  All Knights Welcome to attend all portions of the evening.

Thursday, April 9th – 7pm in the Parish Hall. Mark your calendars for the next St. Paul’s meeting of COR. Join local Catholic men in faith and fraternity. Learn how your Catholic faith can be relevant to your life. We will be led by Father Fabio, Deacon Rich, Chris Lammers and Juan Gutierrez to more deeply live our lives as men of the Catholic faith. ALL parish men are invited. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Call Steve Watkins for questions 727-527-0390

Tuesday, April 14^th  – 6pm 4^th Degree Alpine Assembly Meeting at St. Mark’s in Clarkesville, GA