Just as the first buds of spring peek into view and the cold weather daffodils pop out of the ground in festive, bright anticipation of warmer days, we Catholics also prepare to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. This will be the conclusion of the octave of Easter when we pray in thanksgiving for God’s infinite mercy in our lives. This is a day when Catholics are especially encouraged to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist as means of acquiring special graces associated with this last Sunday of the Easter octave. I pray everyone is able to receive the sacraments this weekend.