Easter 2026

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

Blessed Easter! May the joy of the Resurrection fill your hearts and minds and lead us all along the path of peace.

On this holy day, I would like to extend a special word of welcome to those who were baptized at the Easter Vigil, and to those who professed the Catholic faith, were confirmed by the gift of the Holy Spirit, and who now join us at the Eucharistic table for the first time. For many weeks and months, the Church has accompanied you in prayer and preparation. We are deeply grateful for your witness, for your fellowship with us in Christ, and for your generous “yes” to the Lord and to his Church. May the faith you have embraced continue to flower in your lives, and may it help all of us grow in ever-deeper conversion to Christ.

Each year, in the busy days leading up to Holy Week and Easter, I find myself reflecting on and reaffirming a lesson I learned as a young priest. It took time—and more than a little humbling failure—to understand that the most productive thing I can do in ministry is to pray. The needs of the Church and of the world are so many that there is always a temptation to immerse ourselves entirely in activity and to convince ourselves that our work is all the prayer we need. Yet, experience teaches otherwise. When prayer is neglected, our efforts resemble a branch cut off from the vine: busy, yes—but ultimately less fruitful than they are meant to be.

In a similar way, I hope that on this Easter Sunday we recognize that the most practical and productive thing we can do for our weary world is to remain firmly centered on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. At times, religious believers are accused of being distracted from earthly concerns by thoughts of heaven and eternal life. But nothing could be further from the truth. It is precisely against the horizon of eternal life that the injustices and hardships endured by so many in this world become most evident and most troubling. Confidence in the victory of Christ over sin and death frees us to imagine the world as it might be—and to work courageously for its renewal.

When we recognize that the life we are living now is the beginning of the eternal life God has promised, we come to see more clearly the dignity and sanctity of every human life. The harmony of heaven becomes both the model and the motivation for our efforts to build peace on earth. Rooted in the Resurrection, our faith becomes a wellspring of charity, hope, and perseverance.

May the good news of Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, take firm root in our hearts. As it leads us more deeply into life with him, may it also lead us toward greater love and compassion for one another.

Happy Easter! Please know that I am grateful for you—for your faith, your generosity, and your perseverance in living the Gospel in your families, parishes, and communities. Please know of my prayers for you and for those you love, especially those who carry heavy burdens or face uncertainty and sorrow during this season. May the risen Lord walk beside you, strengthen you with his grace, and fill your homes with his peace.

Entrusting all of you to the loving care of Mary, our Mother, and imparting to you my blessing with gratitude and hope in Christ, I remain

Yours in Christ,
+Bishop John Iffert